Tokyo eSports Festival 2026: Bridging Disability through Gaming

Tokyo is about to become the nexus of the gaming community as it prepares to host the Tokyo eSports Festival 2026 on January 10, 2026, at the Tokyo Big Sight. The event promises to be inspirational, featuring an exhibition match with para eSports players aimed at showcasing their skills and capabilities in a landscape often dominated by physical limitations.

Details of the Event

Starting at 10:30 AM and lasting until 11:30 AM, participants will have the chance to engage with talented para eSports players Jeni and NAOYA in a dynamic exhibition match featuring the latest in the iconic Street Fighter 6 franchise. With no prior reservations necessary, the event is set to be completely free for spectators, making it accessible to fans from all walks of life.

Location

The venue, Tokyo Big Sight, is located in Koto City, Tokyo, Japan. The exhibition will take place at the South 1 and 2 Hall Substage, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere filled with excitement and camaraderie.

Who Will Be There?

The exhibition match will feature a range of intriguing participants, including para eSports players:

- Jeni: A gamer who actively combats muscular dystrophy, Jeni utilizes a self-made controller that he operates with his chin, showcasing his resilience. Notably, he ranked 257th among 5,300 participants in the Evo 2024 tournament held in Las Vegas, demonstrating his relentless dedication.
- NAOYA: The first visually impaired player in Japan to reach master rank in eSports, NAOYA has been a pioneer in adapting gaming for blind players. His participation will not only exhibit his skills but also promote the inclusion of disabled gamers in competitive settings.
- Special Guest: Yuka Kuramochi, a renowned producer for the female eSports team G-STAR Gaming, will also make an appearance. She is well-known for her contributions to the growth of the eSports industry.
- Stage MC: The event will be hosted by the comedy duo NO Motion, celebrated for their impressive impressions and humor surrounding anime and video games, further enriching the event's engaging environment.

About Street Fighter 6

Released in 2023 by Capcom, Street Fighter 6 swiftly gained popularity, surpassing 5.2 million copies sold worldwide by June 2025. This latest title introduced innovative features such as the “Modern Type” control scheme, allowing players to pull off special moves without complex commands, and a new