Tokyo Comic Convention 2026 (Tokyo Comic Con 2026) will be held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba from December 11 to 13, 2026. Marking 10 years since its first edition in 2016, the event will adopt the theme “BEYOND” and feature stage appearances and photo sessions with international film and television actors, anime song concerts, exhibitions and merchandise sales. International guests including Nicolas Cage and Mads Mikkelsen have been announced, and actor Ryuta Sato has been appointed ambassador. Special programs are also planned for the 10th anniversary.
Tokyo Comic Con Marks 10 Years; More Than 90,000 Visitors Attended in 2025, a Record High
Tokyo Comic Con is a pop culture event centered on films, comics, anime and games. First held in December 2016, it has presented a range of programs, including meetings with international actors, displays of props used in films, corporate merchandise sales and exhibitions of creators’ work.
According to the organizers, Tokyo Comic Con 2025 welcomed a record 20 international guests, while attendance exceeded 90,000.
The theme for the 10th anniversary in 2026 is “BEYOND.” Corporate exhibition booths and Artist Alley, which brings together artists from Japan and abroad, are expected to be the largest in the event’s history. Stage programs and hands-on activities will also be expanded, with Players Jungle, where visitors can try games and other activities, and the Gourmet Planet food area among the planned attractions.
International Film and Television Actors, Including Nicolas Cage and John Cena, to Visit Japan
One of Tokyo Comic Con’s signature programs brings international film and television actors together with fans. In addition to stage appearances, guests take part in photo sessions and autograph sessions.
Nicolas Cage and Giancarlo Esposito to Make Tokyo Comic Con Debuts
The first group of guests, announced on July 27, 2026, included Nicolas Cage and Giancarlo Esposito. Cage won the Academy Award for Best Actor for “Leaving Las Vegas” and has appeared in films including “Face/Off” and the “National Treasure” series. Following his appearance at Osaka Comic Con in 2025, this will be his first Tokyo Comic Con.
Esposito is known for his roles in “Breaking Bad,” “The Mandalorian” and “The Boys.” This will be his first appearance at a Comic Con event in Japan.
Actors From “Daredevil” and “Harry Potter” Also to Attend
The second guest announcement on August 26, 2026, confirmed the first appearances of Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio, who star in “Daredevil: Born Again.” James Phelps and Oliver Phelps, who portrayed the Weasley twins in the “Harry Potter” film series, will also attend. The two last appeared at Tokyo Comic Con in 2018. Jamie Campbell Bower, known for roles including “Stranger Things,” will return for the first time since 2022.
Mads Mikkelsen to Make Seventh Appearance, Daniel Logan Ninth
The participation of Mads Mikkelsen and Daniel Logan was announced on October 1, 2026. Mikkelsen is a Danish actor whose credits include “Casino Royale,” “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” and “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.” This will be his seventh appearance overall.
Logan portrayed the young Boba Fett in “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.” His ninth appearance will be the highest number recorded among international guests visiting Japan for Tokyo Comic Con.
John Cena and Melissa Benoist to Make Their Debuts
The fourth group of guests, announced on October 20, 2026, included John Cena and Melissa Benoist. Cena, who established his career as a professional wrestler before appearing in the “Fast & Furious” film series and “Peacemaker,” will attend Tokyo Comic Con for the first time. He is scheduled to appear on December 12 and 13, 2026.
Benoist is known for her starring role in the television series “Supergirl.” Also making her Tokyo Comic Con debut, she is scheduled to participate in stage appearances, photo sessions and autograph sessions throughout the three-day event, from December 11 to 13, 2026.
Ryuta Sato Appointed Ambassador, BEYOOOOONDS Named Promotional Ambassador
Actor Ryuta Sato has been appointed ambassador for Tokyo Comic Con’s 10th anniversary. Sato has appeared in television dramas, films and stage productions, including “Ikebukuro West Gate Park,” “Kisarazu Cat’s Eye” and “ROOKIES.” Commenting on his appointment, he expressed his desire to enjoy pop culture alongside international guests and visitors.
The Hello! Project idol group BEYOOOOONDS has been appointed promotional ambassador and is scheduled to perform a special concert on December 13, 2026, the final day of the event. Former Hello! Project members Akari Takeuchi, Rina Katsuuta and Karin Miyamoto have also been announced as special supporting ambassadors.
Yuichi Nakamaru and IMALU will serve as the event’s main hosts. Both have previously hosted Osaka Comic Con and will oversee stage proceedings at Tokyo Comic Con 2026.
Anime Song Concerts Scheduled for Three Consecutive Days, Featuring Isao Sasaki and Akira Kushida
“Tokyo Comic Con × Anison Live” will take place from December 11 to 13, 2026, with different performers each day. On December 11, Masaaki Endoh, Takayoshi Tanimoto and BACK-ON will perform, with Isao Sasaki appearing as a featuring guest.
On December 12, 2026, the lineup will include Masami Okui, Mami Ayukawa and SisterMAYO. On the final day, December 13, Akira Kushida will appear as a featuring guest alongside Ayumi Miyazaki and KEIGO and KOHSHI of FLOW.
Visitors holding admission tickets to Tokyo Comic Con 2026 can attend the anime song concerts at no additional charge. Further details, including performance start times, will be announced later.
Popular Voice Actors to Gather for “Noriko Hidaka’s Voice Actors”
The stage program “Noriko Hidaka’s Voice Actors,” featuring voice actor Noriko Hidaka, will take place on December 11 and 12, 2026. On December 11, voice actors from the anime “Ranma 1/2” will appear, including Kappei Yamaguchi, who voices Ranma Saotome; Koichi Yamadera, who voices Ryoga Hibiki; and Kikuko Inoue, who voices Kasumi Tendo. On December 12, Akio Otsuka and Kazuki Yao will participate in a talk session. Admission ticket holders can also attend these sessions at no additional charge. Performance times and other details will be announced later.
Sunao Wins Grand Prix in International Main Visual Contest
In the main visual contest commemorating the 10th anniversary, a work by manga artist and illustrator sunao was selected for the Grand Prix from entries submitted in Japan and abroad. In addition to working as a manga artist and illustrator in Japan, sunao creates cover art for American comics and other works internationally.
The Grand Prix artwork will be used on the official Tokyo Comic Con 2026 website, the cover of the event pamphlet and official merchandise. As an additional prize, sunao will receive an exhibition booth in Artist Alley, where manga artists and illustrators display and sell their work. The venue also plans to exhibit other contest entries, including Excellence Award winners, alongside the Grand Prix work.
Limited-Edition Marvel and Star Wars Merchandise and Official Online Lottery
“MARVEL POP UP STORE / TCC2026” and “STAR WARS POP UP STORE / TCC2026” will operate at the venue. Advance-order sales of Marvel and Star Wars merchandise were also held to commemorate the 10th anniversary. Nine types of products, including T-shirts, hoodies, and sets of pin badges and drawstring backpacks, were offered for a limited period from September 10 to 25, 2026.
During the convention, venue-exclusive items and other merchandise are scheduled to be sold in the organizer’s merchandise area in Hall 1 of Makuhari Messe. On October 30, 2026, organizers also announced the official online lottery, “COMIC CON LOTTERY.”
Prizes include autographed photographs of international guests who attended previous conventions and original Comic Con wristwatches. A free, one-time “Free Challenge” will also be offered for the first time to members of the official app. The online lottery runs from October 30 to November 11, 2026.
A Range of Film, Anime and Comic Programs Planned for Tokyo Comic Con’s 10th Anniversary
Tokyo Comic Con 2026 will feature opportunities to meet international actors, anime song concerts, talk sessions with popular voice actors, exhibitions of work by Japanese and international creators, and merchandise sales at corporate booths. The three-day event will cover a wide range of pop culture, including not only films and television dramas but also anime, comics, games and cosplay.
Appearance dates for international guests, stage program times, and participation requirements for photo and autograph sessions vary by program. Prospective visitors are advised to check the latest information on the official website and confirm ticket requirements and the programs they wish to attend in advance.
Tokyo Comic Con 2026: Event Overview
Event name: Tokyo Comic Convention 2026 (Tokyo Comic Con 2026)
Dates: December 11 (Friday)–13 (Sunday), 2026
Venue: Makuhari Messe
Organizers: Tokyo Comic Convention Co., Ltd.; Tokyo Comic Convention Organizing Committee
Main programs: Meetings with international actors, stage events, anime song concerts, corporate exhibitions, merchandise sales, exhibitions of film-related materials, Artist Alley, cosplay programs and more
Official website: https://tokyocomiccon.jp/
- Author: MTO staff
- Games & Pop Culture, Japan Events, Japanese Pop Culture
- Anime, comiccon, Event, Japan, PopCulture, tokyo
