#Japan #Tokyo #Manga #IMART #Yuki Sonoda

IMART2025: A New Era for Manga IP

The general incorporated association MANGA Research Institute, under the leadership of Ken Kikuchi, has announced the sixth iteration of the Manga IP Borderless Conference, dubbed IMART2025. This year, the event is scheduled for November 12, 2025, and aims to evolve the landscape of content creation by fostering the exchange of knowledge and professionals across the industry.

In the previous edition, IMART2024, industry leaders such as manga editor Shihei Hayashi and CloverWorks producer Yuichi Fukushima captivated attendees through keynotes and engaging discussions. Over 70 speakers featured in approximately 25 talk sessions provided an enriching experience for everyone involved. A detailed look at IMART2024 can be found here.

The IMART conference is transitioning its focus from solely manga and anime to a broader perspective on Manga IP. This shift underscores the vital role that manga plays not just in the realm of comics but across various mediums, including anime, video games, novels, merchandise, and even live entertainment. As we move into 2025 and beyond, this transformation aims to enhance collaboration and connection among industry stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of manga as a springboard for various entertainment sectors.

New Branding and Logo

With this transition comes a fresh name and logo for the event. Formerly known as the International Manga and Anime Festival Reiwa Toshima, it will now be celebrated as the International MANGA Conference Reiwa Toshima. The new brand embodies the diverse fields related to manga, including animation, novels, and games—all encapsulated in the term “MANGA.” This year’s event will feature stimulating discussions on various topics, including business, academic insights, creative processes, expression regulations, and even the influence of AI in the industry.

Networking opportunities will also be abundant at IMART2025, with plans for a special gathering allowing participants to forge valuable connections—especially among companies participating as sponsors.

Event Details

• - Date: November 12, 2025
• - Location: Animate Theater (B2F of Animate Ikebukuro)
• - Participation Options: On-site attendance and online streaming of approximately 25 sessions
• - Organizer: MANGA Research Institute

Details about keynote speeches, sessions, and ticketing will be shared on the official IMART2025 account on X (formerly Twitter), with further announcements expected around September 12. You can follow for updates here.

Alongside the main event, plans are underway for the next international business meeting scheduled for March 25-27, 2026, following the success of the previous two meetings.

Key Visual of IMART2025

The iconic artwork for IMART2025 has been created by Yuri Sonoda, whose comic series "Tsure Neko Maruru to Hachi" won the prestigious 54th Japan Manga Association Award for the comic category. The illustration captures a delightful essence through various beloved elements of Japanese pop culture, including robots, yokai, and idols, adding a vibrant touch to the event's atmosphere.

Yuri Sonoda shares her thoughts on the illustration: "Given the focus on Manga IP events, I aimed to depict a wide range of genres while imagining characters and settings that could exist in various forms of merchandise. I hope audiences can envision the worlds represented by these characters. My favorite is a Vocaloid-like calico cat!"

Yuri Sonoda is currently serializing ‘Tsure Neko Maruru to Hachi’ in Kodansha’s official comic app, 'Comic DAYS.' The story revolves around Maruru, a stray cat separated from its owner, and Hachi, a grumpy male cat navigating life's trials alongside other strays.

For more details on the 2024 Manga IP market research, which will continue into 2025, visit Research Information.

About the MANGA Research Institute

The MANGA Research Institute focuses on analyzing and studying Japanese pop culture through the lens of intellectual property (IP). With a mission to accurately understand both domestic and international phenomena, the institute contributes to the cultural and economic advancement of the industry. It is responsible for organizing the IMART conference and also engages in cross-industry market research and proposals for improvement.

• - Director: Ken Kikuchi
• - Location: 1F Miraku Department Store, 3-4-10 Minaminagasaki, Toshima, Tokyo
• - Website: MANGA Research Institute

Join us in this exciting venture at IMART2025, where the future of Manga IP will be explored and celebrated!