【New Season Begins!】Introduction for Top KYOTO CMEX’s Events You Should Visit (July 2026 – February 2027)

Kyoto is home to many forms of Japanese pop culture. From July 2026 to February 2027, KYOTO CMEX will host a variety of official and partner events.

In this article, we introduce some of the most exciting events of the season. As a writer who has visited and covered these events (me), I will also share my personal recommendations and highlights. You can find links to event reports and interviews throughout the article to learn more about each event before attending.

If you are wondering which event to visit, check out the categories below. You may find something that matches your interests.

1. Check Out the New Main Visual!

First, take a look at the illustration at the top of this page and on the event flyer. KYOTO CMEX updates its main visual every season. The four characters represent the fields of Manga & Anime, Games, Film & Video, and Cross Media.

This season’s visual was created by freelance illustrator Senei. The artwork has a calm and beautiful style, featuring many details inspired by Kyoto and the different content genres. The more you look at it, the more you will discover. We also interviewed Senei about the ideas behind the illustration and their creative work.

2. [Manga & Anime] Meet voice actors at Kyoto’s biggest subculture event: Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair (KYOMAF)

Date: September 19–20, 2026 Venue: Miyako Messe, ROHM Theatre Kyoto, Kyoto International Manga Museum

The Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair (KYOMAF) is one of Kyoto’s signature manga and anime events. In 2026, it celebrates its 15th edition. The event features company and organization booths, merchandise sales, exhibitions, and stage programs. During KYOMAF, the entire city of Kyoto comes alive with manga and anime culture.

In 2025, related activities included subway train wrapping campaigns and cosplay events, making the experience enjoyable throughout the city. If you’re planning an autumn trip to Kyoto, KYOMAF is a great event to add to your itinerary. KYOMAF is more than just a fan event. It also supports new business opportunities in the manga and anime industry and promotes Kyoto as an international center of content culture.

Writer’s Recommendation

One of the best things about KYOMAF is that visitors can attend voice actor talk shows without paying additional fees beyond admission (lottery entry may be required for popular programs). The exhibition booths are also packed with content, making it easy to spend an entire day exploring the venue. Visitors can often receive a variety of exclusive novelty items as well!

External Link
KYOMAF Website

3. [Movie] Discover emerging filmmakers at Kyoto Historica and Kyoto Filmmakers Lab

Date: December 15–20, 2026 Venue: The Museum of Kyoto, Shochiku Studio, Toei Kyoto Studio

Kyoto Historica is a project that promotes the development of Kyoto’s film and video culture. Its two main programs are the Kyoto Historica International Film Festival and the Kyoto Filmmakers Lab. The Kyoto Historica International Film Festival is introduced as Japan’s only film festival dedicated to historical themes. In 2025, it celebrated its 17th edition.

Meanwhile, the Kyoto Filmmakers Lab offers practical training for young filmmakers from around the world. Participants learn from professionals while working in Kyoto’s historic film studios and experiencing the production of period dramas firsthand. Some projects are even filmed in studios that are normally closed to the public. Together, these programs allow visitors and creators not only to watch films but also to experience how they are made.

Writer’s Recommendation

Kyoto Historica is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in historical cinema. During the festival period, many additional programs and related events take place, allowing visitors to find something that matches their interests. The Kyoto Filmmakers Lab is generally not open to the public, but it offers a rare chance to work inside professional film studios. If you’re a filmmaker, consider applying and taking on the challenge.

External Links
Kyoto Historica Website
Kyoto Filmmakers Lab Website

4. [Games] Experience one of the Japan’s largest indie game events: BitSummit

Date: May 21–23, 2027 Venue: Miyako Messe

BitSummit is Japan’s largest indie game event and is held annually in Kyoto. Game developers, publishers, industry professionals, and fans gather from around the world to showcase and play a wide variety of games created by independent developers and small teams.

One of BitSummit’s greatest strengths is the close connection between visitors and creators. Unlike many large exhibitions, attendees often have the opportunity to speak directly with the developers behind the games. The event also includes business meetings and networking opportunities, helping indie games reach audiences around the world.

Writer’s Recommendation

The term “indie” comes from “independent” and generally refers to games developed by individuals or small teams. BitSummit is much more than a general exhibition. Instead of public relations staff, you’ll often meet the actual developers at each booth. Their passion and enthusiasm create an exciting atmosphere throughout the venue. There are plenty of games to try, and visitors can often collect various souvenirs and novelty items as well.

External Link
BitSummit Website

5. [Partner Event] Discover tomorrow’s filmmakers at the Kyoto International Student Film Festival

Date: Scheduled for February 2027 Venue: The Museum of Kyoto

The Kyoto International Student Film Festival showcases films created by students and emerging filmmakers from around the world. For its 28th edition, the festival received 825 submissions and selected 16 films for screening. These works were presented at the Kyoto Cultural Museum Film Theater, giving audiences the chance to experience the creativity and unique perspectives of young filmmakers.

A distinctive feature of the festival is that it is planned and operated largely by university students. As a city known both for its film history and its large student population, Kyoto provides the perfect environment for discovering and supporting the next generation of filmmakers. After screenings, audiences can often participate in talk sessions and Q&A events with directors, gaining insight into both the films and the ideas behind them.

Writer’s Recommendation

Although it is a relatively small festival, the experience is remarkably rich. You can spend an entire day watching films that range from highly experimental works to more traditional storytelling. Many directors attend in person, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations. It’s a rare chance to connect directly with filmmakers and explore the ideas and philosophies that shape their work.

External Link
Kyoto International Student Film Festival Website

Conclusion

The initiatives connected to KYOTO CMEX extend far beyond the events introduced here. These are only a small selection from a much larger program celebrating Kyoto’s content culture. Whether you are interested in manga, anime, games, film, or creative industries, KYOTO CMEX offers countless opportunities to discover new experiences and connect with creators.

Right now, you are reading about these events on a screen. Why not experience them for yourself next? Many of the events featured here are large and welcoming, making them easy to enjoy even if you attend alone. We hope you’ll visit and experience the excitement and creativity that can only be found on-site.