#Japan #Board Games #ArcLight #Game Market #Chiba

Exciting Announcement: Game Market 2026 Spring is Here!

Mark your calendars! The Game Market 2026 Spring, Japan's premier analog game event, will take place on May 23-24, 2026, at the Makuhari Messe, Hall 1-4. Organized by Arclight, this event is a must-visit for fans of board games, card games, and more!

Understanding Analog Games

Analog games refer to a wide range of non-digital games, including board and card games, tabletop role-playing games (TRPGs), trading card games (TCGs), and murder mystery games, among others. These games emphasize the joy of in-person interaction, serving as a perfect communication tool in our increasingly digital world. As people seek meaningful connections, analog games are gaining unprecedented popularity.

What is the Game Market?

Since its inception in 2000, the Game Market has grown into a massive event that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With over 25 years of history, it attracted 30,000 attendees last fall, marking a significant milestone. The event features an array of booths where attendees can purchase games, watch live stage performances, and even participate in gameplay demonstrations. Game creators gather to showcase their latest releases, while businesses promote blockbuster announcements and exclusive items available only at the event.

Don't Miss the Highlights!

This year's Game Market promises to be even more engaging with an increased number of general exhibition booths where visitors can actually play games before they buy. Enthusiastic attendees can look forward to thrilling experiences, such as the 'Big Game Park' featuring gigantic board games and 'The World of Truly Fun Eurogames,' where newcomers can try out popular titles.

In addition, new measures have been introduced, such as genre-specific booth layouts and dedicated labels to indicate whether games are available for trial play. This makes navigating the extensive exhibition much smoother, ensuring that everyone can find their favorite games or meet their favorite creators effortlessly.

Make sure to take advantage of these improvements and discover the perfect game for yourself!

For a full list of exhibition booths and the day-two map, click here.

Special Stage Events

Exciting activities include a unique cross-event connection with the BitSummit indie game event in Kyoto. Expect insightful lectures on 'Board Games and Intellectual Property,' backed by collaborations with the Agency for Cultural Affairs and the Japan Patent Office. Additionally, anticipate game design discussions led by international guests—a staple of this springtime event.

For further details, check here.

Global Gathering: Welcoming Participation

The upcoming event will see a remarkable increase in international participation, with 60 businesses and organizations from around the world, double the number from the previous edition! Japan's innovative board games are now gaining global recognition, paving the way for extensive business negotiations. With 45 entities from outside Japan, a dedicated corner will celebrate international collaboration.

Event Overview

• - Event Name: Game Market 2026 Spring
• - Venue: Makuhari Messe, Halls 1-4
• - Dates: May 23-24, 2026
• - Opening Hours: May 23 (11:00 AM - 6:00 PM) / May 24 (11:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
• - Admission Fee: ¥1,500 (tax included) / Free for high school students and younger

While tickets will be sold at the venue on the event day with an additional fee of ¥500, electronic tickets are highly recommended for a seamless experience.
Note that early entry on May 23rd requires a special pass priced at ¥3,000, available for a limited number only via advance purchase.
From noon on the first day and from 11:00 AM on the second day, high school students can enter for free with valid ID as long as accompanied by guardians.

Ticket Purchase

Electronic tickets were made available from April 23, only through specific platforms such as 'eeplus' and 'Ticket Pia.' Note that ticket types may differ across sites. Visit the links for more details:

• - Ticket Pia
• - eeplus

To assist visitors traveling from afar, we have organized special tour plans called 'Game Market 2026 Spring Expedition Tour Plan.' For more information, visit here.

Catalog Details

Sales begin on April 23, 2026, on Amazon.

Final Notes

With 1,322 booths across the two days—including 95 area booths, 1,215 general booths, and 12 special booths—there’s endless fun awaiting!

Event hosted by: Arclight
For more information, visit Arclight's Website.
Supported by Chiba Prefecture and Chiba City.

Get ready for an unforgettable gaming experience at the Game Market 2026 Spring!