What this is
Animelo Summer Live, affectionately known as 'Anisama,' is widely regarded as the world's largest anime song live event, drawing tens of thousands of fans across a multi-day festival format. First held in 2005, it has grown into an unmissable annual pilgrimage for anime music lovers, showcasing the biggest names in anisong alongside beloved voice actors performing live. The 2026 edition, subtitled '-Messenger-,' runs across three days from July 10–12 at Makuhari Messe's expansive Exhibition Halls 4–6 in Chiba. Each day features a distinct lineup, with Day 1 headlined by Aoki Haruna, Uchida Maaya, and RAISE A SUILEN; Day 2 by A3!, Ogura Yui, and Natsuyoshi Yuuko; and Day 3 by i☆Ris, Uma Musume, and Oishi Masayoshi. It is a landmark event in Japan's anime culture calendar and a rare opportunity to see dozens of top anisong artists on a single stage.
Who should go
This event is tailor-made for anime music fans, voice actor enthusiasts, and anyone deeply embedded in Japanese pop culture. The atmosphere is electric and communal — expect a sea of glowsticks, coordinated fan chants, and an audience that knows every lyric. Casual anime fans who enjoy the music side of the fandom will also find it thrilling, even without encyclopedic knowledge of every artist. International visitors are increasingly common at Anisama, and the shared language of music and fandom makes it welcoming regardless of Japanese ability. Check the official lineup carefully and consider purchasing tickets for the specific day or days that feature your favourite artists.
Good to know
Tickets are sold via a ballot system on the official Animelo Summer Live website and through services such as eplus.jp and pia.jp — both accept foreign credit cards, and convenience store pickup (combini) at Lawson is the most reliable collection method for visitors without a Japanese delivery address. Makuhari Messe Exhibition Halls 4–6 is a massive flat-floor arena space configured for standing audiences at Anisama, with capacity reaching upwards of 20,000 per day, so expect dense crowds and limited sightlines near the back — arriving early to secure a good position is strongly advised. The venue has multiple food and merchandise stalls, but official merchandise queues open hours before the event and sell out fast; dedicated merchandise-only queues often form from early morning. Cash is recommended for in-venue purchases including food and goods. Large bags may be subject to security checks at entry, and re-entry policies are typically strict, so plan toilet and food breaks carefully.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.