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3 Must-See Manga & Anime Events in Tokyo This December • 2024

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Turn your Japan adventure into an unforgettable experience with these three must-see December anime and manga events in Tokyo.

Manga & Anime Events in Tokyo

After a long summer and a strange autumn, Tokyo is finally getting cold, and there’s no better time to immerse yourself in all of your favorite anime, manga, and game series in Japan! Japan is home to otaku events of all kinds throughout the year, and as you might expect, the vast majority are inside. So this December, stay warm and cozy as you cuddle up with your favorite characters!

The Japankuru team has made it our mission to find some of the most exciting events for Japanese pop-culture lovers every month of the year so you can make the most of your trip to Japan. Fill your Tokyo itinerary (or just find a fun weekend activity) with this little list of our most anticipated December 2024 manga and anime events!

① Tokyo Comic Market 105 (Comiket Winter 2024)

Image Source: Official X

Tokyo’s Comic Market (known as Comiket to its fans) has been a cornerstone of Japan’s otaku culture for nearly 50 years. What began as a modest gathering of manga lovers and amateur artists has evolved into a massive semiannual event, and these days the sheer variety is staggering, with displays, stages, and tables catering to every corner of Japanese pop culture. For two days this December, Tokyo’s largest convention center will be buzzing with comic publishers and independent artists displaying their creations, major companies and celebrities showing off upcoming releases, and vendors selling everything from clothing and accessories to board games and stationery. Whether you’re a fan of the latest manga or you’re into the most obscure niche fandom, Comiket welcomes otaku of all kinds, and you absolutely won’t want to miss it.

Tokyo Comic Market 105 / Comiket Winter 2024 (コミックマーケット１０５)
Event Dates: December 29, 2024 – December 30, 2024
➡︎ Event Details

② Pokemon x Crafts Exhibition: Great Discoveries of Beauty and Crafts

Image Source: Official Website

Pokemon has captivated fans worldwide for over 30 years, but this distinctive Tokyo exhibition offers a fresh perspective on the beloved franchise, blending generations of iconic characters with Japan’s rich tradition of craftsmanship. The Pokemon x Crafts Exhibition features the talents of 20 traditional artisans, highlighting masterful techniques from the worlds of ceramics, metalwork, dyeing, weaving, and more… all focused on one thing only: Pokemon! Don’t miss this totally unexpected collection of art inspired by the Pokémon universe, from video games and trading cards to animated adventures, brought to life by the hands of Japan’s “living national treasures” and promising new artists.

Pokemon x Crafts Exhibition: Great Discoveries of Beauty and Crafts (ポケモン×工芸展―美とわざの大発見―)
Event Dates: November 01, 2024 – February 02, 2025
➡︎ Event Details

③ Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Hashira Exhibition ~to the Infinity Castle~

Image Source: Official Website

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba first graced Japanese screens five years ago and quickly made anime history by producing Japan’s highest-grossing film on record (during the pandemic no less), but the ongoing story has kept fans glued to their screens over the years. And for anyone who can’t get enough of Tanjiro’s adventures in a world of demons, the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Hashira Exhibition is the perfect follow-up to the recently aired Hashira Training Arc. This winter, anime and manga fans can explore the rich lore of the Demon Slayer Corps and their centuries-old struggle against Muzan Kibutsuji, delving into the personalities and backgrounds of the nine highest-ranking demon slayers as they prepare to storm the Infinity Castle in the upcoming film. Of course, after taking a deep dive into the stories of the Demon Slayer Corps’ nine hashira, visitors can snag exclusive, limited-edition exhibition merchandise, and even enjoy a themed cafe with food and drinks inspired by each of the hashira!

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Hashira Exhibition ~to the Infinity Castle~ (アニメ「鬼滅の刃」 柱展 －そして無限城へ－)
Event Dates: November 02, 2024 – March 02, 2025
➡︎ Event Details

More Tokyo Events for December

If you love Japanese culture and want to see a broader selection of upcoming events in Tokyo, there’s plenty more where these came from, and not just in December either. Don’t forget to check the Japankuru event calendar for more manga and anime-themed events in Tokyo, plus many more festivals, exhibitions, and other fun attractions all over Japan!

For more info and updates from Japan, check Japankuru for new articles, and don’t forget to follow us on X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook!

Sophia Appelbaum

Sophia Appelbaum

Half a lifetime ago I came to Japan for a semester abroad... and I never left. I guess I really like the place! I spent my first few years in Japan living in the middle of nowhere, so I'd love to hear your Tokyo recommendations via Japan's social media accounts!

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      Sapporo, in the south-western part of Hokkaido, is the prefecture's political and economic capital. The local New Chitose Airport see arrivals from major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, alongside international flights. Every February, the Sapporo Snow Festival is held in Odori Park―one of the biggest events in Hokkaido. It's also a hotspot for great food, known as a culinary treasure chest, and Sapporo is a destination for ramen, grilled mutton, soup curry, and of course Hokkaido's beloved seafood.

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      Consisting of six prefectures, the Tohoku Region (東北地方) is up in the northeastern part of Japan's main island. It's the source of plenty of the nation's agriculture (which means great food), and packed with beautiful scenery. Explore the region's stunning mountains, lakes, and hot springs!

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      Akita Prefecture is on the Sea of Japan, in the northern reaches of Japan's northern Tohoku region. Akita has more officially registered important intangible culture assets than anywhere else in Japan, and to this day visitors can experience traditional culture throughout the prefecture, from the Oga Peninsula's Namahage (registered with UNESCO as a part of Japan's intangible cultural heritage), to the Tohoku top 3 Kanto Festival. Mysterious little spots like the Oyu Stone Circle Site and Ryu no Atama (Dragon's Head) are also worth a visit!

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      Tokyo (東京) is Japan's busy capital, and the most populous metropolitan area in the world. While the city as a whole is quite modern, crowded with skyscrapers and bustling crowds, Tokyo also holds onto its traditional side in places like the Imperial Palace and Asakusa neighborhood. It's one of the world's top cities when it comes to culture, the arts, fashion, games, high-tech industries, transportation, and more.

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      Niigata is a prefecture on Japan's main island of Honshu, situated right on the coast of the Sea of Japan, and abundant with the gifts of nature. It's known for popular ski resorts such as Echigo-Yuzawa, Japanese national parks, and natural hot spring baths, plus local products like fresh seafood, rice, and sake. Visitors often spend time in the prefectural capital, Niigata City, or venture across the water to Sado Island.

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      Kansai (関西) is a region that includes Mie, Nara, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, and Shiga Prefectures. Kansai contained Japan's ancient capital for hundreds of years, and it's making a comeback as one of the most popular parts of Japan. Kyoto's temples and shrines, Osaka Castle, and the deer of Nara are all considered must-sees. Plus, the people of Kansai are especially friendly, making it a fun place to hang out.

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      Kyoto flourished as the capital of Japan between the years 794 and 1100, becoming a center for poilitics and culture, and to this day it's a great place for close encounters with Japanese history. The cobbled streets of Gion, the atmospheric road to Kiyomizudera Temple, Kinkakuji's golden walls and countless historic attractions, even Arashiyama's Togetsukyo Bridge―Kyoto is a place of many attractions. With new charms to experience throughout the seasons, travelers can't stop themselves from returning again and again.

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      Osaka is known for friendly (and funny) people, but its history is nothing to laugh at, playing a major part in Toyotomi Hideyoshi's 16th century unification of Japan. Thanks to long years of economic activity, it's one of Japan's biggest cities, and Osaka's popular food culture earned it the nickname "The Kitchen of the Nation." To this day Osaka is the model of western Japan, and alongside historic structures like Osaka Castle, it also has major shopping malls like Umeda's Grand Front Osaka and Tennoji's Abeno Harukas. Osaka is a place to eat, eat, eat, with local specialties like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushi-katsu, and for extra fun, it's home to Universal Studios Japan.

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      The Chugoku Region (中国地方) consists of five prefectures: Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi. In Chugoku you’ll find the sand dunes of Tottori, and Hiroshima’s atomic bomb site, plus centers of ancient history like Grand Shrine of Izumo.

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      On the other side of the Seto Inland Sea opposite Japan’s main island, Shikoku (四国) is a region made up of four prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima. The area is famous for its udon (in Kagawa), and the beautiful Dogo Onsen hot springs (in Ehime).

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      Kagawa Prefecture is on the northern part of the island of Shikoku, facing Japan's main island and the Seto Inland Sea. It's known for being the smallest prefecture in Japan, by area, but at the same time Kagawa is called the "Udon Prefecture" thanks to its famous sanuki udon. Aside from Kotohiragu Shrine and Ritsurin Garden, the prefecture's small islands are popular, and Kagawa is full of unique destinations, like Angel Road. They say that if you lay eyes on Zenigata Sunae, a huge Kagawa sand painting, you'll never have money troubles ever again.

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      Located in the most southwestern part of Japan, Kyushu (九州) is an island of 7 prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. The island's unique culture has been influenced by Chinese and Dutch trade, along with missionaries coming in through Nagasaki's port. Modern-day travelers love the lush natural scenery and fresh food, plus the natural hot springs found all throughout the area (thanks to volcanic activity)!

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      Fukuoka Prefecture has the highest population on the southern island of Kyushu, with two major cities: Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. Thanks to growing transportation networks, Fukuoka is more accessible than ever, and so are the many local attractions. On top of historical spots like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, travelers shouldn't miss Fukuoka's food scene, with motsu nabe (offal hotpot), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and famous Hakata ramen―best eaten from a food stall in the Nakasu area of Hakata. Plus, it's full of all sorts of destinations for travelers, like trendy shopping centers, and the beautiful nature of Itoshima and Yanagawa.

    • KAGOSHIMA

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      Kagoshima Prefecture played a major role in Japan's modernization as a backdrop for famous historical figures like samurais Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, who pushed Japan out of the Edo era and into the Meiji. Because of that, Sengan-en Garden is just one of many historical destinations, and when it comes to attractions Kagoshima has plenty: the active volcano of Sakurajima, popular hot springs Ibusuki Onsen and Kirishima Onsen, World Heritage Site Yakushima Island, even what Japan calls the "island closest to heaven," Amami Oshima. Kagoshima might be found on the very southernmost tip of the southern island of Kyushu, but there's plenty to see.

    • OKINAWA

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      The island chain of Okinawa (沖縄) makes up the southernmost tip of Japan, which is why it's also the most tropical area in the country. Thanks to a history of independence and totally distinct political and cultural events, Okinawa has a unique culture, and remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom are still visible all over the islands. Food, language, traditional dress, it's all a little different! It's also said to be the birthplace of karate.

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