Tokyo Game Show 2027

Tokyo Game Show is Japan's biggest event for video games, held every September at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, just outside Tokyo. The 2027 edition is scheduled for Thursday 16 to Monday 20 September, a public holiday in Japan, across five days. Japanese and international publishers show their new games, independent developers present their projects, and players, cosplayers and industry visitors fill one of the largest exhibition centres in the country.

The 2026 show was planned as the first five-day edition, but its final day was cancelled because of a typhoon, with only selected programmes broadcast online. The 2027 edition is again planned as a full five-day event.

About Tokyo Game Show

The show has been held since 1996 and is organised by CESA, the Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association, the Japanese games industry body. Over three decades it has become the main stage for Japanese games and one of the major annual shows of the global industry, alongside gamescom in Germany. It is also known for its official livestreams, which carry publisher presentations to viewers worldwide.

What to Expect at TGS 2027

• Publisher booths with playable demos and stage presentations
• Indie Game Project: independent games from Japan and around the world
• Official programme and event stage, with talks, announcements and livestreams
• Cosplay area, one of the show's best-known features
• Family Game Park, merchandise and food areas
• Business days for industry, media and trade meetings, followed by public days

In 2026, the first two days were business days and the remaining days were open to the public; the 2027 schedule of business and public days will be confirmed on the official website.

Tokyo Game Show for Artists and Designers

For game designers and artists, TGS is the best place to see the Japanese industry up close: the character design, key art, booth design and visual identity of Japanese games are on show everywhere, often with large-scale artwork and figures. The indie area is particularly rewarding. Independent studios from Japan and Asia show games that rarely appear at Western events, and developers are usually there in person.

If you work in games, the business days offer a calmer floor and a chance to meet publishers and studios.

Who Is It For?

• Game designers, artists and developers
• Indie studios looking for players and publishers in Asia
• Students interested in the Japanese games industry
• Players, fans and cosplayers
• Publishers, media and investors

Tickets

Public visitors buy day tickets, usually in advance online, while business day access is for industry and media with separate registration. Ticket prices and sales dates for 2027 are published on the official website; weekend public days sell out first.

Tips for Visiting

Arrive early on public days: queues for popular demos fill quickly, and some booths use lotteries or numbered tickets. Carry cash and a charged phone, as some purchases and digital tickets rely on them. If you plan to photograph cosplayers, follow the cosplay area rules and always ask first.

Planning Your Visit

Makuhari Messe is in Chiba, about 30 to 40 minutes by train from central Tokyo; the nearest station is Kaihin-Makuhari on the JR Keiyo Line. Many visitors stay in Tokyo, but hotels around Makuhari are convenient for early starts. September in Japan can be hot and is typhoon season, so check the weather and official announcements before you travel.

Things to Know

• Dates: 16–20 September 2027, five days.
• Venue: Makuhari Messe, Chiba.
• Days: business days first, then public days.
• Weather: typhoons can affect the schedule; follow official updates.
• Travel: JR Keiyo Line to Kaihin-Makuhari Station.

Attend Tokyo Game Show 2027

Planning a visit?

Visit Tokyo Game Show

Tickets, exhibitors and the programme are on the official TGS website.

Looking for more to see? Browse all events, festivals and exhibitions on Good Stuff Weekly.

Last verified: October 27, 2026