A Record-Breaking 243,308 Visitors! Highlights from Animate Girls Fest

Animate Girls Festival 2026 (AGF2026), a major event celebrating everything for girls, from anime, manga, and voice actors to merchandise, otome games, and cosplay, was held around Ikebukuro Station on November 7 and 8.

Now in its 17th year, this year's event takes "Decoration" as its theme. Inspired by the desire to make the time spent at Animate Girls Festival 2026 even more special, the theme reflects the hope that each visitor will create cherished memories that become another beautiful page in their personal album.

The main venue, Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, welcomed 45,269 attendees. Including visitors to events held throughout the surrounding area, the total number of visitors reached 243,308. The event also attracted 292,925 online participants, including viewers who watched stage events streamed from Sunshine City's Fountain Plaza (Alpa B1).

Near the entrance to the main venue, visitors were greeted by a decorative floral installation (pictured above), one of the highlights of the "Miraculous AGF Collaboration." The display incorporated motifs from both Ajinomoto AGF, Inc. and Animate Girls Festival. Attendees also received special gifts, including AGF® beverage sticks and original shopping bags featuring designs from "STPR Family" (Strawberry Prince / SneakerStep), "Disney Sparklink Stars," and "Break My Case."

Meanwhile, throughout the Ikebukuro downtown area, a variety of special projects took place. These included displays of original flags for "STPR Family" and "TSUKINO TALENT PRODUCTION," a collaboration with "Tokyo Color Sonic!!" (a series with deep ties to the city of Ikebukuro), and meet-and-greet events featuring new cute characters "Imori and Yamori." The events attracted large crowds and helped make AGF 2026 a resounding success.

The Pre-Party

Just like last year, an "Animate Girls Festival 2026 Pre-Party" kicked off the festivities the night before, on November 6. The event featured Yusuke Shirai and Yoshitaka Yamaya as the main MCs, joined by guest players Daiki Hamano and Toshinari Fukamachi for the second-half segment, "animate game fight!!"

This year's "animate game fight!!" featured head-to-head matches using the Nintendo Switch game Rhythm Paradise Groove and the Nintendo Switch 2 game Nintendo Switch Sports Resort. Highlights included role-playing battles in which the participants acted out roles selected by audience vote, bringing plenty of excitement and laughter to the event.

▲ Commemorative photo of the hosts at the pre-party

▶ Pre-Party Official Info (Japanese)

The Main Venue

The venue featured a total of 202 booths from 88 different organizations, offering displays and merchandise sales for a wide range of anime, games, and other content, as well as fun in-booth events. AGF 2026-exclusive items were everywhere, some available for purchase, others handed out as freebies, and every booth was buzzing with excitement!

And good news for anyone overseas who couldn't make it to AGF 2026! Pre-orders for select limited-production merchandise are available now, and even more items will be available in our post-event sale starting November 21 at 10:00 AM JST! Head over to the After AGF 2026 Sale at animate International for a second chance to grab AGF 2026 goodies. Don't miss out!

▲Photos from the main venue

The Stage

A total of 14 stage events were held on the open stage at Sunshine City's Fountain Plaza (Alpa B1) in Ikebukuro.

On November 7, the "Algorithm Prescription Special Stage" featured the three main cast members of the visual novel "Algorithm Prescription," which is currently in development. The session was packed with insights into the game's appeal and the latest updates, creating an exciting atmosphere that left the audience eagerly anticipating its full release.

Then, on November 8, the "Hokou Danshi" AGF 2026 stage celebrated the upcoming release of the smartphone app "Hanamaru Timer" (scheduled for spring 2027). The cast members entertained the audience with lively discussions and musical performances, while the latest updates, including a teaser trailer for the app, were also unveiled. The stage was filled with excitement and anticipation for the app's upcoming release!

▲Photos from the stage

▶ Stage Official Info (Japanese) (See here for archive footage!)

Ajinomoto AGF Co., Ltd. x Animate Girls Festival 2026 ~A miraculous collaboration between two AGFs~

The miraculous collaboration between Animate Girls Festival 2026 and Ajinomoto AGF, Inc., the makers of Blendy® coffee and tea, was back for another year.

In front of the main venue, a decorative floral display featuring motifs from both Ajinomoto AGF, Inc. and Animate Girls Festival attracted plenty of attention. Many attendees stopped to take commemorative photos with their favorite character plushies and acrylic stands!

Additionally, visitors entering the main venue received a randomly selected set of two AGF® stick-type beverage products, chosen from 36 varieties, including "Blendy®" and "A Little Luxury Coffee Shop®" blends. They could also enter the "Miraculous AGF Collaboration" lottery for a chance to win even more AGF® products.

Visitors shared positive feedback, with comments such as, "I'm glad I had the chance to try so many different flavors!" and "The collaboration between Ajinomoto AGF and Animate Girls Festival was really interesting. I'd love to see it again!"

▲Photos of the "Miracle AGF" collaboration

▶ Ajinomoto AGF Co., Ltd. x Animate Girls Festival 2026 ~A miraculous collaboration between two AGFs~ Official Info (Japanese)

Street Flags

During Animate Girls Festival 2026, special flags decorated the streets of Ikebukuro.

Flags featuring STPR Family lined Sunshine Street, while those showcasing TSUKINO TALENT PRODUCTION could be seen near the East Exit of Ikebukuro Station, bringing a festive splash of color to the city!

▲Photos of the street flags

▶Street Flags Official Info (Japanese)

Downtown Projects

Collaboration Coaster Giveaway Campaign

Following last year's campaign, the "Collaboration Coaster Giveaway Campaign" returned to various locations throughout Ikebukuro! Customers visiting participating stores could receive a free collaboration coaster featuring one of 10 titles, with 49 different designs in total. Coasters were available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The campaign also features a "double-chance" opportunity to win special prizes and runs until November 15. It's being held not only at participating locations throughout Ikebukuro but also at select animate stores throughout Japan, so if you are visiting, be sure to join in!

▲Collaboration Coaster participating titles

▶Collaboration Coaster Present Campaign Official Info (Japanese)

TCS Collaboration in IKEBUKURO

Once again this year, a special collaboration with Tokyo Color Sonic!!, a series closely associated with Ikebukuro, brought plenty of excitement to the city.

A variety of activities took place at four Bic Camera stores throughout Ikebukuro, including purchase bonuses, prize giveaways, and displays of life-sized character standees. The collaboration also extended to Tokyo Metro, with special posters and flyers displayed at Ikebukuro Station (Marunouchi Line) and Higashi-Ikebukuro Station (Yurakucho Line). Even the Ikinari Steak Ikebukuro East Exit branch joined in, featuring special in-store decorations and a social media campaign.

Additionally, with the cooperation of Bic Camera Inc., the "AGF 2026 Free Rest Spot" made its debut this year, giving fans a place to relax while enjoying music from Tokyo Color Sonic!!.

With so many special activities spread throughout the city, fans had plenty of opportunities to immerse themselves in the world of the series all day long!

▲ TCS Collaboration in IKEBUKURO photos

▶ TCS Collaboration in IKEBUKURO Official Info (Japanese)

Anime & Manga SPOT EXPO Special Stage in AGF2026

During the "Anime & Manga Spot EXPO" held at Naka-Ikebukuro Park, right in front of the Animate Ikebukuro flagship store, an "Anime & Manga Spot EXPO Special Stage at AGF 2026" also took place, featuring a total of 10 exciting stage programs.

On November 7, the "Imori & Yamori: Imori Debut Stage" introduced Imori, a newt character from the series Imori & Yamori, which explores themes of ecology and friendship and was first unveiled on October 30. With its charming, laid-back personality, Imori won over the audience with its adorable appearance and movements! New illustrations from the series are posted daily on X, so be sure to search for "Imori & Yamori" to learn more.
▶ Imori & Yamori Official X

Then, on November 8, the event "Kanzen Shinki Kawaii Contents Presents: Sa~a Atsumare! Lovely Talk Show♡" featured Tetsuei Sumiya, Takuma Nagatsuka, and other guests. This marked the first-ever stage appearance by the cast of Harajuku Himegoto House, a brand-new project that had only been unveiled the previous day, on November 7! Set in Harajuku, the series is a fast-paced comedy anime featuring a colorful cast of unique and utterly kawaii characters. For more information, search for "Harahime" on X!

▲Photos from the Anime & Manga SPOT EXPO Special Stage in AGF2026

▶Anime & Manga SPOT EXPO Special Stage in AGF2026 Official Info (Japanese)

After AGF2026

A selection of merchandise from Animate Girls Festival 2026 is coming to animate International! Pre-orders for select items began on the evening of November 8, so don't miss your chance to get your hands on exclusive AGF 2026 merchandise!

［WHEN］
Limited Production Merch Pre-orders: 11/8 9PM～12/13 11:59PM (JST)
Post-Event Sales: 11/2110AM～12/13 11:59PM (JST)

［WHERE］
Animate Online Shop Japan, animate International (online shop for customers outside Japan), online shops and physical stores outside Japan, and Pocket Drama CD (for individual sale of premium bonus items only).
*Sales at physical stores outside Japan are scheduled to begin around the spring of 2027.

▶SHOP HERE

Anime Girls Festival 2024 Event Info

[WHEN] November 7-8 2026
[OPEN HOURS] Main Venue: 9:00～17:00
[WHERE] Main Venue: Ikebukuro Sunshine City, and more
[ORGANIZER] Animate Girls Festival Executive Committee
[SPONSORS (Japanese Name Alphabetical Order)]
■Special Sponsor: Ajinomoto AGF Co., Ltd.
■Gold Sponsors: STPR Inc./JTB Corporation/Disney Sparklink Stars/Break My Case
■Bronze Sponsors: Ikinari! Steak/IRIAM/BIC CAMERA INC./YOYOGI ANIMATION ACADEMY INC./KARMA ROCK STAR STREAM/Koei Tecmo Games/Taiga Gensou Radio Drama Mado Soshi/Tapioca/Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd./fanfancy+/LINE Manga
[CO-OPERATION] Toshima Ward Shopping District Federation/Toshima City Tourism Association, a General Incorporated Association/Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Toshima Branch
[CO-HOST] Ikebukuro Autumn Culture Festival Executive Committee

▶Official Site (Japanese)
▶Official X (Japanese)

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