It has been revealed that the idol group Sakurazaka46 will serve as ambassadors for AnimeJapan 2026, one of the world's largest anime events. This marks their second consecutive year as ambassadors, following last year's AnimeJapan 2025. They will be appearing at the "2026 Manga Rankings to See Adapted in Anime" awards ceremony on March 4th, as well as posting on official social media during the event and appearing on stage on the day itself, helping to liven up the event. A key visual featuring anime characters from 22 works, including Yuru from Yomi no Tsugai, Emilia and Emilia from Re:Zero , and Hikaru Gero and Mei Kinosaki from Marriage Toxin, has also been released.
AnimeJapan is an event that began in 2014, and this will be its 13th time being held. Following the previous event, which recorded over 150,000 visitors, the event will be held on its largest scale yet at Tokyo Big Sight (Koto-ku, Tokyo) in East Exhibition Halls 4-8, South Exhibition Halls 1-4, and the Rooftop Exhibition Hall. Over 120 companies, the largest number ever, will exhibit, including Aniplex, KADOKAWA, TOHO animation, Bandai Namco Filmworks, Toei Animation, and DMM.com. Public days will be held on March 28th and 29th, business days on March 30th and 31st, and the "Family Anime Festa 2026" for families and kids will be held on March 28th and 29th.
"AnimeJapan KICKOFF 2026" will premiere on the event's official YouTube channel at 8 PM on January 16th, where the latest information will be announced, including the stage lineup. Yuki Kaji and Saori Hayami will be in charge of narration.
Comments from Sakurazaka46 members are as follows:
◇ Rina Matsuda
Following on from last year, I will be serving as an ambassador again this year! Last year was my first time standing on the stage at AnimeJapan, and even though I was nervous, it was an unforgettable memory of feeling the fun, joy, and excitement of anime! AnimeJapan 2026 will also be a time for new encounters with anime, people, and things you love, as well as many other new encounters. I look forward to having fun to the fullest with everyone who comes to the venue! Let's make lots of memories!
◇Hikaru Morita
I'm very happy to be able to continue serving as an ambassador as I was last year! I hope to enjoy "AnimeJapan 2026" with everyone again this year. Last year, I was thrilled by the excitement at the venue, with stages that could only be seen here and luxurious booths. I hope that we can share our love for anime with everyone and have a time where we can discover new charms. Let's have fun and have a great time!
◇Aki Taniguchi
I have been given the opportunity to serve as an ambassador for "AnimeJapan 2026." When I heard that I would be serving as an ambassador for the second year in a row, I was incredibly happy. I love anime myself, so I'm looking forward to discussing anime with everyone in this amazing space and discovering new and fascinating aspects of anime. Let's have fun at "AnimeJapan 2026" together!
◇Yuzuki Nakajima
I have been given the opportunity to serve as an ambassador for AnimeJapan 2026. I am happy to be involved in this wonderful event again, just like last year. Thank you very much. On the day that many people are looking forward to, I would like to use my experience from last year to liven up the event together with everyone. I am looking forward to new encounters with anime this year as well. Thank you very much.
◇ Mio Matono
I have been given the opportunity to serve as an ambassador for "AnimeJapan 2026"! Every time I come into contact with the world of anime, I am moved by the stories and have been inspired many times. I would like to act as a bridge connecting the works and their fans, and to help spread the charm and passion of anime to as many people as possible. I will do my best with all my heart! Thank you for your support!
