The Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Tokyo Game Show as the event takes place September 17 to 21 this year.
The event at Makuhari Messe on the outskirts of Tokyo will use the theme of The Longest Five Days of Nonstop Play.
The show is now accepting exhibitor applications. TGS2026 will be held in a hybrid format, centered on the physical venue with online initiatives such as official programs. I expect that GamesBeat will be going again.
The physical event at Makuhari Messe (Chiba) will run from September 17 (Thu) to 21 (Mon/Holiday), 2026, marking the longest duration in history at five days. September 17 (Thu) and 18 (Fri) will be Business Days, while September 19 (Sat) to 21 (Mon/Holiday) will be Public Days.
The physical venue will feature numerous anniversary events unique to the 30th year, offering a framework for a wide range of visitors from business professionals to families. Online platforms such as official programs will provide diverse information and experiences transcending regional and time constraints.
Three Key Features of TGS2026
●The First-Ever five-Day Event. This year marks the first-ever five-day duration for TGS. While Public Days are always crowded with many visitors, this often limited the number of titles available for trial play. By adding one more Public Day, the group aims to alleviate congestion and create more opportunities for visitors to enjoy TGS even more than before.
●New Tickets to Improve Visitor Satisfaction. Starting in 2026, new ticket categories will be introduced for both Business Day and Public Day admission. By launching tickets with added services to satisfy visitors within the limited venue infrastructure, the shw can further enhance the value.
●Moving Toward a More Globally Conscious Event. While TGS has already seen significant participation from overseas exhibitors and visitors, the show will further strengthen promotions. The event will add new cities for overseas exhibitor briefings, participate in game and entertainment events other than TGS, and launch new campaigns to solidify our position as the “Global TGS.”
◾TOKYO GAME SHOW 2026 Event Overview
Name: TOKYO GAME SHOW 2026
Organizer: Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA)
Co-organizers: Nikkei Business Publications, Inc., Sony Music Solutions Inc.
Dates:
September 17, 2026 (Thu) Business Day 10:00–17:00
September 18, 2026 (Fri) Business Day 10:00–17:00
September 19, 2026 (Sat) Public Day 9:30–17:00
September 20, 2026 (Sun) Public Day 9:30–17:00
September 21, 2026 (Mon/Holiday) Public Day 9:30–16:00
*Opening hours differ between Business Days and Public Days.
*Opening hours on Public Days may be advanced by 30 minutes depending on circumstances.
Venue: Makuhari Messe (Exhibition Halls 1–11, International Convention Center), TKP
Tokyo Bay Makuhari Hall
Expected Number of Visitors: 300,000
Number of Booths: 3,500 booths (tentative)
Official Website: https://tgs.cesa.or.jp/en
Applications are also open now for Selected Indie 80, a program that supports indie game developers with free exhibition opportunities.
Seleced Indie 80 is a special framework that allows indie game developers to exhibit free of charge. Applications can be submitted via the dedicated web entry form, with a deadline of April 30 (Thu), 5:00 PM (JST). Please note that early applicants will receive preferential treatment, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
For details, visit: https://events.nikkeibp.co.jp/tgs/2026/en/exhibitor/indie/
Eighty titles will be selected through a screening process from the submitted entries to
exhibit at TGS 2026.