Wonder Festival [Summer]

The Wonder Festival, often referred to as Wonfes, is a biannual event held each year in Winter and Summer at Makuhari Messe in Chiba. Sponsored by the manufacturing company Kaiyodo, the event is best known for its focus on the exhibition and sale of garage kits, and has grown into a major gathering for the anime, gaming, and sculpting communities.

Garage kits are highly detailed, three-dimensional sculptures depicting a wide range of subjects, including anime and video game characters, mecha, and science-fiction creations such as Kuratas. These kits are typically produced by independent artists and hobbyists, resulting in limited production runs that reflect the handcrafted nature of the medium. Wonder Festival provides a unique platform for these creators to showcase and sell their work directly to fans and collectors.

One of the event’s major highlights is the Wonder Showcase (WSC), which features exceptionally skilled artists selected for their outstanding craftsmanship. Works chosen for the showcase receive special attention, with limited-edition releases often made available at premium prices, attracting dedicated collectors from Japan and abroad.

Overall, Wonder Festival is a cornerstone event for enthusiasts of anime, gaming, sculpting, and collectibles. It offers creators an opportunity to present their talent, gives collectors access to rare and exclusive pieces, and serves as a preview stage for upcoming releases from established toy and figure manufacturers.

Special Projects at Wonder Festival 2026 [Summer]

Two major special projects will take place at this summer’s event, each highlighting a different aspect of creative sculptural expression.

Special Project 1: Kow Yokoyama Exhibition 2026 – Maschinen Krieger Makuhari Meeting

A special exhibition celebrating the world of Kow Yokoyama returns to Wonder Festival for the first time in ten years.

Kow Yokoyama is a leading illustrator and model creator whose work has had a profound influence on the hobby industry. Centred on his iconic series Maschinen Krieger (Ma.K.), the exhibition will present a wide range of three-dimensional creations inspired by his distinctive universe. Garage kits, plastic model kits, and figures created by both manufacturers and fans will be brought together in a dedicated exhibition space.

Originally launched in 1982 as SF3D Original in Hobby Japan magazine, the series later became known as Maschinen Krieger and remains Yokoyama’s most recognized and enduring work. The 2026 exhibition marks a significant milestone, celebrating Yokoyama’s 70th birthday alongside the sculptural creations that have defined his career.

Designed for both longtime fans and newcomers, the exhibition offers an opportunity to experience the world of Maschinen Krieger for the first time, while also serving as a space for connection and exchange within the community.

Special Project 2: Imaginary Creatures Wonder Festival

The Imaginary Creatures Wonder Festival is a sculptural exhibition dedicated entirely to original, fictional lifeforms. Open to creators producing original works, this project invites participants to transform their visions of unknown and imagined beings into physical form, celebrating creativity and imagination at the heart of sculptural art.