Jump Festa

Shueisha’s Manga & Anime Fest

Venue: Makuhari Messe, Chiba
When: December, 2026 (Dates have not been confirmed)

Jump Festa is one of Japan’s biggest manga and anime events, bringing together fans of series such as One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, Naruto, Dragon Ball, and many more. Hosted annually by publishing giant Shueisha at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, just outside Tokyo, this high-energy two-day festival is packed with exclusive announcements, immersive exhibits, cosplay, merchandise, game demos, and live stage events featuring some of the biggest names in anime and manga.

For anime and manga fans visiting Japan in December, Jump Festa offers a rare chance to experience the Japanese fandom scene first-hand.

What to Expect at Jump Festa

Jump Festa brings the world of Weekly Shōnen Jump to life, with massive themed booths dedicated to popular manga and anime series. Expect exclusive exhibits, giant character displays, VR experiences, preview screenings, game demos, and merchandise that can only be purchased at the event.

Past editions of Jump Festa have featured major anime trailer reveals, manga announcements, and appearances from voice actors, illustrators, and creators. The Jump Festa 2026 schedule is expected to include live stages, release panels, franchise showcases, and special events throughout the weekend.

The atmosphere is lively from the moment the doors open. Cosplayers roam the halls in full costume, fans queue for limited-edition goods, and huge crowds gather around major franchises such as One Piece, Chainsaw Man, Bleach, and My Hero Academia. Popular items often sell out early, especially on Saturday morning.

Jump Festa is especially popular with cosplay fans.

Who Is Jump Festa For?

• Manga and anime fans of all ages: Whether you’ve been reading Shōnen Jump for decades or recently discovered your first series, Jump Festa offers exclusive previews, live announcements, and hands-on experiences for both longtime fans and newcomers.

• Families: The event is family-friendly, with interactive booths, themed activities, and plenty of opportunities for children and parents to enjoy Japan’s anime culture together in a safe and welcoming environment.

• Solo travelers: Many visitors attend alone, spending the day exploring exhibition halls, trying game demos, shopping for merchandise, and soaking in the atmosphere at their own pace.

• International visitors: Although most stage content is presented in Japanese, the event remains enjoyable for overseas visitors thanks to its visual exhibits, interactive attractions, cosplay culture, and globally recognised franchises. English signage is still relatively limited, however.

• Cosplayers and creators: Jump Festa also attracts cosplayers, artists, photographers, and content creators using the event as an opportunity to showcase their work, meet other fans, and connect with the wider anime community.

Pro Tips

• Arrive early if you want limited-edition merchandise or access to the most popular panels.

• Bring cash, a portable charger, and snacks, as queues can become very long.

• Download the event map ahead of time and check X for live updates from people on the ground.

• Expect the busiest crowds on Saturday morning and around the largest franchise booths.

• The venue is wheelchair-accessible, and staff are available to assist visitors if needed.

What to Wear at Jump Festa

December in Chiba can be chilly, so warm layers are recommended, especially if you plan to queue outside before opening. Makuhari Messe itself is heated indoors, but comfortable shoes are essential as you’ll likely spend most of the day on your feet.

If you’re cosplaying, make sure to check Jump Festa’s official cosplay guidelines in advance. Changing areas are usually provided for attendees.

How to Get to Jump Festa

• From Tokyo Station: Take the JR Keiyo Line to Kaihin-Makuhari Station. The journey takes around 30–40 minutes, followed by a short walk to Makuhari Messe. Trains can become extremely crowded during the event, so allow extra travel time.

• From Osaka or Beyond: Take the Shinkansen to Tokyo Station, then transfer to the JR Keiyo Line for Kaihin-Makuhari Station. The JR Pass can be a cost-effective option for long-distance travel and can also be used on the Keiyo Line.

Nearby Recommendations

• Grab a bite to eat at restaurants near Kaihin-Makuhari Station, including Red Lobster, Gusto, and Outback Steakhouse. For quick meals and casual dining, AEON Mall Makuhari New City has plenty of options nearby.

• If you want a break from the crowds, visit Mihama-en Japanese Garden, stroll through Makuhari Seaside Park, or spend some time shopping at AEON Mall.

• If you’re planning to stay overnight, it’s best to book accommodation early. Popular nearby options include Hotel New Otani Makuhari, APA Hotel & Resort Tokyo Bay Makuhari, and Hotel Springs Makuhari, all within walking distance of the venue.
  

More About Jump Festa

First held in 1999, Jump Festa was created by Shueisha as a promotional event for its manga and anime properties. It has since grown into one of Japan’s biggest pop culture conventions, attracting well over 100,000 visitors annually across the weekend.

The event is particularly known for breaking major industry news, including anime trailers, manga reveals, game announcements, and exclusive collaborations connected to Weekly Shōnen Jump franchises. For many fans, Jump Festa marks one of the biggest anime events of the year.

Planning Your Visit

• Reserve accommodation early, especially near Makuhari Messe or along the JR Keiyo Line.

• The JR Pass can make travel easier if you’re combining Jump Festa with visits to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, or other regions.

• Renting a Pocket WiFi device can be helpful for navigation, live updates, and sharing photos during the event.

• Brush up on basic Japanese etiquette, such as queueing quietly, avoiding phone calls on public transport, and not touching displays unless permitted.

• Carry some cash for food stalls, capsule toy machines, and smaller vendors that may not accept cards or mobile payments.
  
  

FAQs About Jump Festa

Q: Do I need a ticket for Jump Festa?
A: Yes. Admission is free, but advance lottery registration or ticket reservation is required.

Q: Is Jump Festa kid-friendly?
A: Yes. Many families attend with children, and the event is designed to be family-friendly.

Q: Is Jump Festa indoors?
A: Yes, the event takes place indoors at Makuhari Messe, although you may need to queue outside before entering.

Q: Are pets allowed at Jump Festa?
A: No. Pets are not permitted inside the venue.

Q: Are there English signs?
A: Some signage is available in English, but most announcements and stage presentations are in Japanese.

Q: When was Jump Festa in 2026?
A: Jump Festa 2026 edition happened on December 20–21, 2025.

Q: Why is Jump festa 2026 in 2025?
A: Jump Festa uses the following year in its branding. For example:

• Jump Festa 2026 takes place in December 2025.

• Jump Festa 2027 will most likely take place in December 2026.

Q: What is Jump Festa?
A: Jump Festa is a major manga and anime convention hosted by Shueisha, showcasing franchises connected to Weekly Shōnen Jump and other Shueisha publications.

Q: Is Jump Festa open to the public?
A: Yes. Anyone can attend, but free advance registration is required.

Q: Is One Piece part of Jump Festa 2026?
A: Yes. One Piece appears on the official Jump Festa website and is expected to be one of the event’s major attractions, alongside other leading franchises.

Q: How big is Jump Festa?
A: Jump Festa attracts over 100,000 visitors annually and spans multiple exhibition halls inside Makuhari Messe.