Tokyo Game Show opens with more exhibitors from overseas, new entrants

The Tokyo Game Show commenced on Thursday, celebrating its 30th anniversary with an increased number of overseas exhibitors and newcomers from various industries. This year's event featured a record number of participants, exceeding last year's count of 1,136 exhibitors from over 50 countries and regions, according to the organizer. The showcase included the latest releases of Capcom Co.'s Monster Hunter franchise and Square Enix Co.'s Final Fantasy series.

In a first-time move, the five-day extravaganza, extended from the usual four, was organized to accommodate the rising attendance. It is anticipated to attract approximately 300,000 visitors to the Makuhari Messe convention center in Chiba, east of Tokyo, reported the Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association. Media and industry officials were initially granted access during the first two days, while the public was permitted entry from Saturday.

Among the newcomers entering the gaming sector were global character licensing giant Sanrio Co. and entertainment powerhouse Toei Co. Launched in 1996, the Tokyo Game Show stands as one of the world's leading gaming events, alongside Gamescom, which took place in Germany recently. The global games content market remained robust in 2025, reaching a staggering 32.1 trillion yen ($205 billion), primarily driven by the growth of mobile games, which reached 18.7 trillion yen.

Japan's content industry exports experienced a significant expansion over the past decade, tripling from 1.6 trillion yen in 2014 to 6.1 trillion yen in 2024, with games constituting the largest share at 56 percent.