NotableOFFICIALFestival · Music, creators and virtual talent
ASOBIEXPO brings 86 music, creator and virtual-talent acts to Tokyo
ASOBIEXPO is a one-day festival produced by Japanese culture company ASOBISYSTEM.
ASOBIEXPO takes place August 18 at Toyota Arena Tokyo in Koto City, Tokyo, Japan. The free area opens at 2 p.m., paid arena doors at 4 p.m. and the show at 5:30 p.m.; the organizer lists 86 acts, including Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, ATARASHII GAKKO!! and Kizuna AI, but cannot guarantee that every appearance will proceed unchanged.
Why it mattersThe same-day schedule distinguishes free and ticketed access while showing the unusual breadth of its music, creator and virtual-talent lineup.
NicheREPORTEDIndustry event · Manga ecosystem awards
The first IMART Award names manga bookstores, apps and fan events as nominees
The Manga Research Institute created the IMART Award to recognize organizations supporting manga beyond individual works and creators.
The first nominees were announced August 18 across physical bookstores, ebook stores or apps, and manga-related events, with Animate, LINE Manga and Jump Festa among them. Voting is planned for August and September before winners are announced at IMART 2026 on November 20; nomination is not a quality ranking or a win.
Why it mattersThe categories make the retail, digital and event infrastructure around manga visible to fans and industry observers.
NicheREPORTEDFan event · Anime and manga community fair
UP Anime Manga Enthusiasts reschedules AME Matsuri to September 11
AME Matsuri, also called AME Fair, is organized by the University of the Philippines Anime Manga Enthusiasts.
A community report attributes a September 11 date at Gimenez Gallery in UP Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, to the organizer’s August 16 announcement. The event had been scheduled for August 14 before southwest-monsoon weather prompted a postponement; the accessible report does not reproduce a full programme or ticket policy.
Why it mattersThe new date and campus venue give the local anime community an actionable replacement for a weather-disrupted fair.
NicheREPORTEDPublisher event · Manga reader activation
Ki-oon Summer Tour opens a free two-day manga stop near Paris
The French manga publisher’s mobile summer programme combines activities, an exhibition and reader challenges.
The tour visits Le Pavé du Canal bookstore in Montigny-le-Bretonneux, Île-de-France, France, on August 18 and 19 with free admission. Advertised rewards include Frieren postcards, Ichi the Witch stickers and badges, The Apothecary Diaries labels and a tour badge, subject to remaining stock.
Why it mattersReaders can take part without a convention badge and know which franchise-specific rewards may be available.
NicheREPORTEDWorkshop · Cosplay and fantasy costuming
Alchemy of Cloth begins a three-part cosplay upcycling workshop in Mississippi
Alchemy of Cloth teaches participants to turn existing clothing into cosplay or fantasy-ball attire.
The first session runs August 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, United States. The US$75 series continues August 25 and September 1, and finished pieces may appear at the Forest of Fae Renaissance Festival in November; remaining capacity is not confirmed.
Why it mattersThe course gives beginners and experienced makers a structured, lower-waste route from garment modification to a public showcase.