AMUSEMENT EXPO

Japan's amusement industry will hold its annual showcase of arcade games and entertainment technology over two days this November, organised by the Japan Amusement Industry Association (JAIA). The first day is reserved for trade visitors, while the second is open to the general public.

Now a fixture on the industry calendar, Amusement Expo ranks among the largest trade shows and fan events dedicated to the amusement sector, spanning games centres and the wider entertainment technology business. Around 55 companies are due to exhibit this year, including arcade machine manufacturers, prize suppliers, related equipment makers, and operators of amusement facilities.

The show floor brings together arcade games across genres - claw machines, video games, print-sticker (purikura) booths, and medal games - alongside newer experience-based attractions, recreating the feel of a large-scale games centre for the duration of the event. All machines are free to play once inside the venue.

This year's theme, styled as "Sugeeee-Sen" (roughly, "amazing arcade"), centres on a flagship machine chosen by each participating company, all playable on-site. A stamp rally themed around discovery, learning, and surprise is also planned, intended to introduce visitors to aspects of games centre culture beyond simply playing the games themselves. The organisers describe the line-up as suited to a broad range of visitors, from dedicated arcade fans to families, couples, and students.

The second day, open to the public and designated "User Day", adds a dedicated music event to the schedule: AMUSEMENT MUSIC FES 2026, a one-off collaboration between four manufacturers behind some of the best-known arcade rhythm games - Konami Amusement, Sega Fave, Taito, and Bandai Namco. Voice actors and composers associated with these games are due to perform. A separate ticket, combined with User Day admission, will be required to attend the concert; a viewing ticket is needed for children of elementary school age or younger as well.

Ticket sales for the expo are expected to open from September, with purchasing details to follow via the event's official website and social media channels.