All over the world, people love Japanese anime. Since the 2010s, video streaming services have made countless Japanese anime titles available to audiences worldwide, leading to a global surge in popularity with no sign of slowing down. One reason for the global popularity of Japanese anime is its diverse range of genres, including sci-fi, romance, fantasy, horror, and suspense, offering viewers a wide variety of stories to enjoy without getting bored. Another reason is its high-quality visuals and music, which add to its appeal. These days it's common to hear people say "anime made me want to visit Japan."

More than 80% of Japan's anime production is in Tokyo, which also serves as the setting for many stories. Here, we bring you a selection of anime-related events and destinations in "the city where anime is born." First, let's start with events where you can enjoy many of these hit productions at once.

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AnimeJapan 2025

This is one of the world's largest anime events, held at Tokyo Big Sight for two days on March 22 and 23. Browse the booths of anime-related companies and organizations, check out special exhibitions, shop for original goods, see stage events, and more. Find out the latest on a wide range of titles, from classic hits to new releases. Family Anime Festa 2025, only open to those with children under 12 years old, is on at the same time. With chances to not only see your favorite characters in live performances but also meet and greet them too, it's fun for the whole family.
AnimeJapan 2025
Family Anime Festa 2025

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Tokyo Anime Award Festival 2025

This international animation film festival is on from March 7 to 10 in Ikebukuro, famous as a hub of anime shops. Catch the Anime Fan Award in the Anime of the Year category, awarded to a work released in Japan and chosen by fan votes, as well as nominated works from around the world in the Competition Division. There will also be workshops for kids.
TOKYO ANIME AWARD FESTIVAL 2025
TOKYO ANIME AWARD FESTIVAL 2025(Festival program)

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Let’s Enjoy together!! History of Anime Series【OSHI NO KO】

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Odaiba

A life-size (approx. 20-meter-tall) statue of the Unicorn Gundam from the robot anime "Mobile Suit Gundam UC" stands guard at Odaiba's shopping center DiverCity Tokyo Plaza. Watch as the Gundam "transforms" several times a day. Don't miss the multimedia nighttime show with video projected on the facility wall. At its feet, check out "THE GUNDAM BASE TOKYO ANNEX,” a store of Gundam goods.

That's not all! "THE GUNDAM BASE TOKYO" is a center for GUNPLA, Gundam plastic models, on the 7th floor of DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, where a wide variety of GUNPLA and related goods, from limited editions to new releases, are displayed and sold.
Last year, the Gundam series celebrated the 45th anniversary of its first broadcast. With a movie released this year just before a new series hits TV, the advance of this iconic robot anime seems unstoppable.
Life-size Unicorn Gundam Statue
THE GUNDAM BASE TOKYO (Japanese site only)

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Katsushika

Yotsugi in Katsushika City, is the hometown of Takahashi Yoichi, the creator of the world-famous soccer anime “Captain Tsubasa.” The gateway to the area is Keisei Line Yotsugi Station, and the whole building is decked out in characters from the anime. At this anime “sacred place,” visited by fans from Japan and abroad, the main character Ozora Tsubasa and his rivals can be seen on the walls, ceilings, and stairs. The anime's ending song has also become the melody to announce train arrivals, while bronze character statues stand all around the station. A must-visit spot for true fans!
Yotsugi Station Another work also set in Katsushika City is "KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops", about the daily antics of the unconventional but warm-hearted police officer, Ryotsu Kankichi. The original manga was a big hit serialized in “Weekly Shonen Jump” for 40 years without break from 1976, with over 200 volumes published. Along with the anime, it has become widely known by its nickname Kochikame. In March, a tourist attraction called Kochikame Kinenkan (Kochikame Memorial Hall) will open in Kameari, Katsushika, the setting of the story. The building's unique exterior is designed to look like a manga panel with a gallery supposedly made by Ryotsu himself set on top of the police box where he works in the story. Guests can explore the Kameari area immersed in the world of the work. Check out the character statues and manhole covers also installed throughout the area.
Kochikame (Japanese site only)

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Nakano

To dive deeper into the world of anime, head to Nakano. The shopping center “Nakano Broadway,” is home to endless stores selling anime goods and second-hand manga. “MANDARAKE” has 33 stores in the building, specializing in all kinds of merchandise, from figurines to cosplay and trading cards.
Nakano Broadway(available in multiple languages)