What this is
This is a special premiere screening event for the 2026 Anpanman theatrical film, 'Go! Anpanman Pantan and the Star of Promise,' held before its official nationwide release. Anpanman is one of Japan's most beloved children's anime franchises, created by Takashi Yanase in 1973, and has been a cornerstone of Japanese childhood culture for decades. The event features an advance screening of the full film at the 10:30 showing, followed by a live cast stage event with celebrity guests. Appearing guests include veteran voice actors and popular entertainers Keiko Toda, Ryusei Nakao, Tao Tsuchiya, and comedy duo EXIT, alongside character appearances by Anpanman and Baikinman themselves.
Who should go
This event is tailor-made for families with young children who are fans of the Anpanman franchise, as well as anime enthusiasts and parents looking for a memorable, interactive cinema experience. The live stage event with beloved characters and celebrity guests adds a festive, celebratory atmosphere well beyond a standard film screening. Fans of voice actors Keiko Toda and Ryusei Nakao — both iconic figures in Japanese animation — will also find this a special occasion. Book tickets early via Ticket Pia's lottery system, as premiere events like this sell out quickly.
Good to know
Tickets are sold via Ticket Pia's pre-reserve lottery system — foreign visitors can access pia.jp, though the site is in Japanese; convenience store pickup at Lawson or FamilyMart is the most practical option for those without a Japanese delivery address. Shinjuku Piccadilly is a modern multiplex cinema in the heart of Shinjuku with comfortable reserved seating, so once you have a ticket your seat is guaranteed. The cast stage event takes place after the screening, so plan for the full event to run significantly longer than the film alone — budget at least 2–3 hours total. Character appearances by Anpanman and Baikinman make this especially exciting for young children, so bring a camera and arrive a little early to soak in the atmosphere. Note that event contents and guest appearances are subject to change, so confirm details on the official website before attending.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.