The Secretariat of Intellectual Property Strategy Headquarters, Cabinet Office Japan, and Anime Tourism Association announced the Cool Japan Showcase Anime Manga Tourism Festival, set to take place at the 2025 Expo Osaka-Kansai from Wednesday, April 30, to Friday, May 2, 2025. Aimed at expanding tourism to Japan through one of its most popular cultural exports, the exhibition will showcase 26 iconic anime and manga destinations from across Japan, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to explore Japan through the lens of its internationally loved pop culture.
EVENT DETAILS
Name of Exhibition: Cool Japan Showcase / Anime Manga Tourism Festival Dates: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 – Friday, May 2, 2025, 11:00-17:00 (tentative, no prior reservations required) Location: In the site of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, EXPO Exhibition Center “WASSE” Event Hall South Organizer: Secretariat of Intellectual Property Strategy Headquarters, Cabinet Office, Japan Operator: Anime Tourism Association
Before the festival opens, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place, featuring exhibitors, representatives from anime production companies, manga publishers, and the organizers. This will be followed by a grand opening event where exhibitors will host talks, and iconic anime and manga characters will greet visitors. Actress, singer, and voice actor Rika Matsumoto, known for voicing Ash in the Pokémon series and serving as a Cool Japan Ambassador, will perform a live set of her hit songs to kick off the celebration.
The festival will showcase a variety of exciting stage events, including a special talk show with Minoru Kiuchi, Minister of the Cabinet Office for Cool Japan Strategy, and Enako, a Cool Japan Ambassador and cosplayer. Other highlights include performances by anime song vocalists, voice actors, VTubers, and an Anime Song Bon Odori dance. Attendees will also have the chance to explore booths featuring anime and manga spots from Japan, enjoy participatory programs that promote Japan’s cultural appeal through anime and manga, and visit exhibition areas highlighting works that have won the International MANGA Award and global manga initiatives, including anti-piracy efforts and messages from manga artists.
Aligned with Japan’s New Cool Japan Strategy, this exhibition will serve as a “gateway” to stimulate interest in Japan’s rich culture and encourage inbound tourism. By showcasing the regional diversity and cultural charm of Japan’s anime and manga hotspots, the Cool Japan Showcase aims to inspire visitors to experience each region’s unique qualities while exploring the country’s famed landmarks, food, and local traditions. With the 2025 Expo Osaka-Kansai as a backdrop, this event is set to attract a global audience, promoting Japan as a must-visit destination for anime and manga enthusiasts worldwide.
