Tokyo Anime and Art Exhibits From May 2026 to August 2026

Some of the larger anime, pop culture, and art museum exhibits taking place in Tokyo between May and August 2026. While there are some anime exhibitions (the big ones for Ghost in the Shell and Evangelion are over), so what really catches my attention are the exhibits on pop culture such as the Hokusai to Manga, and the art of Neo-pop with Murakami. I'd definitely go and see those! The Hello Kitty one could be quite interesting to see too!

Comic Market 108 (Summer Comiket)

The world’s largest fan-driven event for independent manga, novels, and games. The "Corporate Booth" area features major anime studios (MAPPA, Aniplex, etc.) selling exclusive merchandise and debuting new trailers.

Venue Name: Tokyo Big Sight (Ariake)
Dates: August 15, 2026 - August 16, 2026
Event Website: comiket.co.jp

Ghibli Museum Special Exhibition: "The Gift of Animation"

A new rotating exhibition exploring the tactile nature of hand-drawn animation. It features original cells and background paintings from Studio Ghibli’s latest projects, specifically focusing on the evolution of color palettes.

Venue Name: Ghibli Museum, Mitaka
Dates: June 6, 2026 through August 2026
Event Website: ghibli-museum.jp

Hokusai and the Floating World: From Edo to Manga

A major retrospective linking classical Ukiyo-e art to modern visual storytelling. The exhibit showcases over 150 works by Katsushika Hokusai and analyzes his influence on the layout and pacing of contemporary manga.

Venue Name: Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (Ueno Park)
Dates: July 4, 2026 - August 30, 2026
Event Website: tobikan.jp

Modernism in Japan: 1950–1975

A deep dive into the post-war Japanese art scene, featuring paintings, architectural models, and early industrial design that defined Japan's rapid modernization and visual identity during the mid-20th century.

Venue Name: The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT)
Dates: May 20, 2026 - August 23, 2026
Event Website: momat.go.jp

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth x TOKYO CITY VIEW

A collaboration between the science-based anime Orb and the Roppongi observatory. It features high-resolution production art displayed alongside real astronomical tools, set against a panoramic view of the Tokyo skyline.

Venue Name: Tokyo City View (Roppongi Hills)
Dates: April 10, 2026 - June 8, 2026
Event Website: tcv.roppongihills.com

Sanrio Exhibition FINAL ver. – 60 Years of Kawaii Culture

The ultimate conclusion to the Sanrio world tour, this exhibit displays rare archival materials, design sketches of Hello Kitty and My Melody, and collaborations with contemporary artists exploring the "Kawaii" aesthetic.

Venue Name: Mori Arts Center Gallery (Roppongi Hills)
Dates: April 9, 2026 - June 21, 2026
Event Website: tokyofinalexhibition.com

Shonen Jump Summer Festival 2026

An annual celebration of Weekly Shonen Jump titles. The 2026 event features life-sized character statues, interactive "Trial of the Hero" games, and a pop-up café themed after currently airing anime series.

Venue Name: Sunshine City, Ikebukuro
Dates: July 18, 2026 - August 28, 2026
Event Website: shonenjump.com

The Art of Neo-Pop: Murakami and the Next Generation

A survey of contemporary Japanese art that blurs the lines between "fine art" and "subculture." The exhibit highlights Takashi Murakami’s "Superflat" movement and its lasting impact on the global art market.

Venue Name: Mori Art Museum (Roppongi Hills)
Dates: May 25, 2026 - August 31, 2026
Event Website: mori.art.museum

Tokyo Toy Show 2026 (Public Days)

Japan’s largest toy trade show. While the first two days are for industry, the weekend is open to the public, featuring massive displays of anime figures (Gundam, Transformers) and interactive game demos.

Venue Name: Tokyo Big Sight (Ariake)
Dates: June 11, 2026 - June 14, 2026
Event Website: toys.or.jp