Anitamasai – Saitama’s largest Anime / Manga festival normally takes place in October annually in Omiya. Entry to the grounds is free. However, in both 2020 and 2021 on account of the Coronavirus the event was moved online. The organizers have confirmed that the 10th annual Anitamasai is scheduled for 2022. Moreover, most of the events are at venue for the first time in 3 years. They will also have an online component. In addition, in celebration of ten years, there will also be a two week commemorative exhibition.
When and where is Anitamasai in 2022?
Anitamasai, Saitama’s largest anime and manga event, will be held at various locations and online on Saturday October 22nd 2022. The main venue is at Sonic City. There will also be a two week commemorative exhibition at M’s Square on the 2nd floor of the relatively new Musashino Bank Head Office Building. You can see that exhibition from Friday October 7th to Saturday 22nd.
Anitamasai
Normally, there are over 80 booths and a wide variety of events. Some of the events require pre-registration. The cosplay fashion show is normally a highlight for many. They don’t specify that there will be a cosplay fashion show in 2022, just that there will be a cosplay live stage event. In 2021, all of these type of events were online. As of, September 21st 2022 they haven’t confirmed the final details for this year, but said they will add information to the official website in due course.
What they have confirmed is
10th Anniversary Goods
In appreciation of the support of loyal fans, the author of “Lucky Star”, Mr Kagami Yoshimizu, is distributing “Lucky Star” merchandize. >>Lucky Star fan? Don’t miss this post!<<
Online event
Free viewing on the Sonic City Official YouTube/”Anitama Festival Channel”. Details such as the broadcast time will be announced on the Anitamasai website at a later date.
- Yama no susume “Next Summit” Collaboration event. >>Fans of Next Summit, don’t miss this post!<<
- The Luminous Witches
- Saitama Vloggers
- Saitama e-sports Cup
At Venue Events
- From Saitama, the holy land of anime! Animation Industry “Work Style Reform”. From 1 to 3.30 pm at the Symposium Citizen Hall, rooms 401 and 402
- Anime and Manga Mecca Summit. From 4 to 5.10 pm. Guest from “My Dress Up Darling” and “Lucky Star”. Citizen Hall, rooms 403 and 404
- Japanese Anime 88 Spots, 2nd and 3rd Exhibition Halls
- eSports Saitama Festival from 10 am to 5 pm at the main (1st) Exhibition Hall.
- Anime cars “Itasha”, outside in Kanezuka Park, with stage events and cosplay. From 10 am to 4 pm.
To the best of my knowledge, these events are free.
Regional cooperation event
Ani Ball Festival Collaboration Exhibition at M’s SQUARE (Musashino Bank Head Office Building 2F), from October 7th (Friday) to 22nd (Saturday)
※Further details for each event will be released on the official website at a later date. Also, due to the pandemic, there is always a chance of changes or cancellation. Please do always check the official site on the day.
The event used to have an english webpage, but they removed it in 2019 and replaced it with a one page (2 paragraph) summary of what Anitamasai is. On that page they divulge that the aim of the festival is to create an image of Saitama Prefecture being an Anime hub.
Anitamasai 2022 Information
Date: Saturday October 22nd. Plus an exhibition from October 7th to 22nd.
Venue: the main venue is Sonic City. 〒330-0854 Saitama, Omiya Ward, Sakuragicho, 1 Chome−７−5. Venue website. View on Google Maps.
Cost: this year a lot of the event seems to be free with free merchandize also available (subject to change / no guarantees).
Anitamasai Access
The main venue is Sonic City, which is a five minute walk from Omiya Station’s West exit in the Sonic City Building. (Only 30 minutes from Tokyo)
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First published in 2012, moved to the events section in 2017.10.04, updated annually. Moved back to the main blog with the closure of the events calendar in September 2021. Completely republished on September 21st 2022.