Overview
Famitsu 40th Anniversary Fes, a real-world event celebrating the 40th anniversary of the game magazine Weekly Famitsu, has been announced for Bellesalle Akihabara on November 7, 2026.
Weekly Famitsu launched in 1986 and marks its 40th anniversary on June 6, 2026. The Akihabara event follows anniversary magazine issues and special broadcasts in June.
Highlights
The announcement says the event will include stage programs featuring guests connected to Famitsu and sales of limited merchandise. Further details are scheduled to be announced through Weekly Famitsu and Famitsu.com.
The June 18, 2026 issue of Weekly Famitsu, released on June 4, is a more-than-400-page special anniversary issue. Four consecutive anniversary issues and special Famitsu TUBE broadcasts are also planned during June.
Additional Announcement (September 30)
The event will include play-testing of new games, a workshop to experience the Famitsu editorial department, an exhibition looking back on 40 years, photo spots, merchandise, stage events, and signings. Persona 4 Revival has been added to the play-testing lineup.
- Stage viewing is limited to advance lottery winners, up to 204 people per session
- Play-testing and merchandise areas use an advance lottery (details on October 9)
- A photo spot lets visitors feel buried in Famitsu's famous Gabas currency
- Visitors receive a Gabas-style card, and survey respondents get a clear file that turns anything into a Weekly Famitsu cover
- Signing sessions with Kino Takahashi, Saho Yamamoto and Ami Shibata (pre-event lottery). For Takahashi and Yamamoto, bring Weekly Famitsu's November 19, 2026 issue (on sale November 5; digital OK); for Shibata, buy and bring her new book Dokibagu Yaminabe-hen due November 4
- Signing sessions take place at eSports Studio AKIBA on the 8th floor of Sofmap AKIBA PC & Digital Building, next to Belle Salle Akihabara; Shibata's session runs 14:30–16:30 on November 7
Travel Support Plan (Announced October 6)
Cool Japan Travel Inc. began selling the accommodation package "Famitsu 40th Anniversary Fes Travel Support Plan feat. Lupin Kojima & Kotsubu Murashita" on October 7. Its highlight is a guided tour of the venue with former Weekly Famitsu editor Lupin Kojima and retro game idol Kotsubu Murashita.
- Night-before plan (check in Fri Nov 6, check out Sat Nov 7): ¥33,000 (tax included)
- Same-day plan (check in Sat Nov 7, check out Sun Nov 8): ¥44,000 (tax included)
- Participant-only bonuses: "Lupin Coffee Original Blend" roasted by Kojima himself, and a three-shot instant photo with Kojima and Murashita
Play-Test, Merchandise, and Stage Update (Announced October 9)
All playable titles were revealed and advance lottery applications for play-testing and merchandise opened. Players receive a novelty item for each title after playing.
- Example titles: Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance, Mega Man: Dual Override, Persona 4 Revival, Final Fantasy VII Liberation, and more
- Play-test lottery deadline: Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 23:59
- Merchandise: over 150 items using rare artwork from more than 35 game makers; lottery deadline Sunday, October 18, 23:59
- The Super Danganronpa 2x2 stage features Megumi Ogata, 榊原昌平, and Kazutaka Kodaka (viewing lottery deadline October 13, 23:59)
- Organizer: KADOKAWA Game Linkage Inc.
Stage Guests and Lottery Results (Announced October 10)
The B1F stage will feature Masahiro Sakurai, Megumi Ogata, Majical Lovely and others. Sakurai appears to celebrate the release of Masahiro Sakurai on Creating Games Final (on sale November 6).
- Applications require free registration for the KADOKAWA Game Linkage member service
- B1F stage results are notified on Thursday, October 22; signing session results on Friday, October 23
- Winners of multiple programs in the same time slot may join only one
Full Merchandise Lineup (Announced October 16)
The full lineup of more than 150 items was revealed, offered both as on-site sales and as simultaneous made-to-order sales.
- On-site purchase bonus: one random sticker (4 types) for every ¥3,000 (tax included) spent at the venue; venue only, not applicable to ebten purchases
- Made-to-order: orders open on ebten at 10:00 on November 7, 2026. These items are not sold at the venue; delivery is planned for around February 2027
- L and XL size items are sold first at the venue
Exhibits and Day-of Lottery Update (from October 28)
- Exhibits include the original artwork of Hidenori Matsubara's Sakura Wars illustration used on the October 15, 2026 cover of Weekly Famitsu, and a disassembled PlayStation 5 specimen
- Misuzu Furukawa appears as a special guest at the stage opening
- Advance lotteries have closed. Day-of lotteries for goods and capsule toys are accepted from 9:00 to 12:00 on November 7 via the LINE app "mogily" (free, location services on near the venue). Winners are notified around 12:10, with assembly from 12:20 depending on ticket number
- Tickets become invalid 20 minutes after the assembly time. Screenshots or printouts are not accepted, and only one checkout per person
- One accompanying child (elementary school age or younger) and one caregiver per person needing assistance may enter together
Event Details
- Venue: Bellesalle Akihabara
- Address: Sumitomo Fudosan Akihabara Building, 3-12-8 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026, 10:00-18:00
- Contents: Famitsu 40th anniversary real-world event, stage programs, limited merchandise sales planned
- Admission: Free (some areas require advance lottery)
- Reservation: Lottery applications for stage events, signings, and play-testing close October 13, 23:59; merchandise closes October 18, 23:59
Recommended For
- Readers who want to enjoy Famitsu 40th anniversary activities in person
- Visitors interested in game media and game industry anniversary events
- People who want to track major game-related events at Bellesalle Akihabara early
