Japan in 2026: Unique Events
A Guide to Japan’s Rare Festivals, Anniversaries, and One-Time Events in 2026
Cover photo: The Fukui Cherry Blossom Festival takes place on the banks of the Asuwa River, Fukui, Japan (2019). Via Fuku-Iro (cropped).
2026 in Japan
2026 will be a year of many anniversaries and unique events in Japan, offering rich opportunities for cultural experiences. Most notably, 2026 marks 100 years since the start of the turbulent Showa era, which lasted from 1926 to 1989.
A variety of events and exhibitions will be held across the nation, looking back at this momentous period. The NHK Symphony Orchestra will celebrate its 100th anniversary, as well as the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Japan’s first public art museum.
2026 also marks the 15th anniversary of the Tohoku (Great East Japan) Earthquake and 10th anniversary of the Kumamoto Earthquake.
The city of Kyoto will honor the 400th anniversary of Emperor Go-Mizunoo’s visit to Nijo Castle, considered one of the largest events of the Edo period, and both theme parks Tokyo DisneySea and Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in Osaka will celebrate 25 years since opening, staging special events and performances.
A list of unique events follows below.
Dragon Ball Genkida Matsuri in Chiba / JANUARY
One of the most popular anime in the world, Dragon Ball will celebrate its 40th anniversary with special event Dragon Ball Genkida Matsuri including performances, art exhibitions, exclusive merchandise sales, and announcements of future projects. Tickets are by lottery only, open now.
Upopoy Multicultural Coexistence Week / FEBRUARY
As part of 5th anniversary celebrations, the Upopoy National Ainu Museum in Hokkaido will host Upopoy Multicultural Coexistence Week from February 1st to 14th. Visitors can enjoy a variety of performing arts and musical acts by ethnic groups from around the world and an international symposium with directors from indigenous museums.
Evangelion: 30+ in Yokohama / FEBRUARY
The classic anime Evangelion is celebrating its 30th anniversary with various events and exhibitions across Japan. Yokohama Arena will host the festival Evangelion: 30+ from February 21st to 23rd. The event includes music and kabuki performances, as well as the sale of exclusive merchandise. Tickets are available now.
Akita Sky Snow / MARCH
The nonprofit Sports Commission Akita is organizing the inaugural Akita Sky Snow, a skyrunning competition to be held at Lake Tazawa Ski Resort in Semboku, March 15th. Applications for participants will open this December.
Fukui Cherry Blossom Festival / MARCH-APRIL
On the banks of the beautiful Asuwa River, the annual Fukui Cherry Blossom Festival will take place March 21st to April 5th. It will be bigger than ever this year, including new activities such as floating lanterns and local sake tastings.
Fukuoka Flower Show / MARCH
Inspired by the Chelsea Flower Show in London, the Fukuoka City Botanical Garden will host the Fukuoka Flower Show from March 22nd to 26th. The event will include an international garden contest, workshops, and performances.
100% Doraemon & Friends in Tokyo / MARCH
The popular international show 100% Doraemon & Friends is finally coming to Japan, opening March 27th at the brand new venue Tokyo Dream Park. Guests can enjoy an exhibition of famous scenes, immersive experiences, original animations, and life-size sculptures. An end date has not been set.
National Tree Planting Festival in Ehime / MAY
Japan’s annual National Tree Planting Festival will be held in Ehime for the first time in 60 years. This is a royal ceremony attended by both the Emperor and Empress of Japan. The agricultural event will take place at the Ehime Prefectural General Athletic Park in Matsuyama on May 17th.
Ise Jingu Okihiki Festival in Mie / MAY-JULY
Ise Jingu, one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, is completely rebuilt every twenty years. Said to be the liveliest event of the nine-year process, Okihiki Festival will take place from May to July. The general public can watch fresh lumber pulled to the shrine.
Kashima Mifune Festival in Ibaraki / SEPTEMBER
Enshrining the god Takemikazuchi, the Kashima Mifune Festival takes place only once every twelve years, during the year of the horse, from September 1st to 3rd. It’s said to be the largest boat festival in Japan, with over 100 ships.
Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games / SEPT-OCT
The 20th annual Asian Games will take place across Aichi Prefecture from September 19th to October 4th. Organized by the Olympic Council of Asia, this is the region’s largest sports festival. This is the first time the games will be held in Japan in 32 years.
Maebashi Biennale in Gunma / SEPT-DEC
The city of Maebashi in Gunma Prefecture will present the inaugural Maebashi Biennale, a festival promoting art, architecture, and poetry. From September 19th to December 20th, visitors can enjoy special activities across the city.
Tokyo Bay Grand Fireworks / OCTOBER
After an 11-year hiatus, the Tokyo Bay Grand Fireworks Festival will return to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the establishment of Chuo Ward. Over 12,000 fireworks will decorate the sky above Harmuni on October 24th.
International Culture & Arts Festival / OCT-DEC
From fall, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will launch the International Culture and Arts Festival (tentative name). A wide variety of programs including contemporary art, theater, music, and illuminations will be available across Tokyo, in Odaiba, Shibuya, and Marunouchi.
Imperial Procession Reenactment in Kyoto / DEC
The city of Kyoto will hold a variety of events to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Emperor Go-Mizunoo’s visit to Nijo Castle, considered one of the largest events of the Edo period. The highlight will be an imperial procession reenactment on December 6th, featuring thousands of people and traditional music performances.
