Celebrating 40 Years of Famitsu: Special Events and Issue Releases Await Fans

Famitsu Celebrates 40 Years in Gaming

On June 6, 2026, the iconic gaming magazine 'Famitsu' will celebrate its 40th anniversary, marking a significant milestone since its debut in 1986. To commemorate this special occasion, Famitsu is rolling out a spectacular four-issue series throughout June, culminating in a live broadcast event and a memorable real-world festival in November.

Special Release and Anniversary Issues

As part of the anniversary celebration, the extended issue, Famitsu Mega Edition No.1950, was released on June 4, 2026, featuring over 400 pages filled with special features. This issue encompasses heartfelt messages and visuals from more than 80 gaming companies, exclusive contributions from 17 notable manga artists linked with Famitsu, and an 82-page retrospective highlighting the evolution of Famitsu and gaming from 1986 to 2025.

The four anniversary issue series includes:
1. 40th Anniversary Mega Edition - Released June 4, 2026
2. Dragon Quest 40th Anniversary Special - Releasing on June 11, 2026
3. PaRappa the Rapper 30th Anniversary Special - Releasing on June 18, 2026
4. Game Hardware History Special Issue with a bonus catalog - Releasing on June 25, 2026

These commemorative issues promise to deliver a blend of nostalgia and fresh insight into the gaming world, alongside special promotions and giveaways to keep readers engaged.

Live Broadcast Event

On the day of the 40th anniversary, June 6, 2026, a special live broadcast titled “Famitsu Lab: Celebrating 40 Years Together” will be available on the Famitsu TUBE YouTube channel, starting at 19:00 JST. Key figures from Famitsu, such as Katsuhiro Hayashi and the chief editor, Hiroko Saga, will host this celebratory live stream, featuring familiar favorites from the Famitsu Lab team.

In addition to the live anniversary event, two special live streams will follow featuring host Ruriko Aoki, showcasing upcoming titles from various game publishers while celebrating the magazine's rich history.

- Broadcast Schedule for Special Live Streams:

- June 21, 2026
- June 28, 2026

These broadcasts are designed not just to celebrate the past but also to highlight the future of gaming, ensuring the spirit of Famitsu continues to thrive.

Upcoming Physical Festival

The festivities don't stop there; mark your calendars for November 7, 2026, for the “Famitsu 40th Anniversary Festival” set to take place at Bellesalle Akihabara. This event will feature stage presentations with notable guests, exclusive merchandise sales, and numerous activities designed to celebrate the interactions and contributions of the gaming community to Famitsu over the years.

Stay tuned to the official Famitsu website and magazine for more details on the festival and other updates.

About Famitsu

As an influential player in the gaming media landscape, Famitsu continues to serve a loyal readership through its weekly publication and robust online platforms, providing insights into gaming trends, news, and comprehensive guides. The 40th-anniversary special website will serve as a hub for all related festivities and publications, accessible through Famitsu's special site.

KADOKAWA Game Linkage

Famitsu is published by KADOKAWA Game Linkage, a wholly-owned subsidiary of KADOKAWA Corporation. They are committed to delivering valuable content in gaming media, spanning from the publication of renowned magazines such as Famitsu and Dengeki to the management of events, video distribution, and e-sports. For more information on their initiatives, visit their official site.