(Jerome Baquilar)
Every year in mid/late March, around the time cherry blossoms start to bloom and attract crowds in the Tokyo and Kanto Plains area, Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center also opens to big crowds for one weekend. And not just for one, but two great events: AnimeJapan and Tokyo Motorcycle Show.
The Tokyo Motorcycle Show runs March 22-24 in the West Halls of the venue and features all things motorcycles, including major manufacturers out in full force to show off their latest and upcoming vehicles, as well as custom/mod shops displaying their unique custom work.
Whether you’re a biker, an aspiring biker or curious about motorcycles, there’s a lot to see and do at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show. If you like photography, videography, and everything in between, there’s a lot to capture here. It’s not just the “race queens” that sit and pose for photos on the bikes; you can, too! It’s a lot cooler to take a photo of yourself on a motorcycle than a car because it’s easier to capture yourself and the two-wheeler in their entirety. Also, during the event, riding and stunt demonstrations will be held at the outdoor area of the West Halls.
Biking culture has some overlap with various other media, such as television shows, movies, and of course, anime. My favorite anime, Evangelion, always seems to be represented at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show in the form of “Eva”-themed custom bikes, even though there aren’t many appearances of two-wheeled vehicles in the anime.
The AnimeJapan expo will take place in the Eastern Halls of Tokyo Big Sight on March 23-24. Previously billed as the Tokyo International Anime Fair, the event has evolved into its current iteration, which is now more foreigner and English friendly.
If you’re not yet into anime, or if you’re a fan of an older anime looking for something fresh, this is a great place to start. The event draws a plethora of anime purists, young and old, modern anime lovers and anime newbies, so don’t worry if you’re not well-versed in the latest or oldest series.
In addition to anime exhibitions, cosplayers and live performances, AnimeJapan will also feature talks with creators, merchandise for sale and screenings.
Like the Tokyo Motorcycle Show, this event will also provide many great photo ops with props, cosplayers, life-sized character displays and more. Don’t miss the “anisongs,” a portmanteau for anime songs, playing throughout the event area.
The weekend will definitely be a good one to people-watch outside of Tokyo Big Sight and guess which event some members of the crowd are attending. Some are obvious, especially if they are wearing a leather jacket, or a hoodie with fictional drawn characters on it. Most are more subtle in their appearance and some, like me, are attending both events, so the guessing game will be a challenge.
Whichever event appeals to you, Tokyo Big Sight will definitely be the place to be March 22-24. Don’t miss out on these great niche gatherings!
(Jerome Baquilar)
(Jerome Baquilar)
(Jerome Baquilar)
(Jerome Baquilar)
2024 Tokyo Motorcycle Show
Date and time: Fri., Mar. 22, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Sat., Mar. 23, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun., Mar. 24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Address: Tokyo Big Sight West Exhibition Hall 1-4, atrium and rooftop exhibition hall
3-10-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Tickets: Same-day ticket: 2,400 yen; Advance ticket (adult): 2,000 yen; Advance ticket (pair ticket): 3,600 yen; Advance ticket (Under 22 yrs old): 1,200 yen; Free entry for high school students and younger.
AnimeJapan 2024
Date and time: Sat., Mar. 23 to Sun., Mar. 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Last entry at 4:30 p.m.
Address: Tokyo Big Sight East Exhibition Hall 1-8
3-10-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Tickets: 2,300 yen per day; free entry for children under 12
