Top Gaming Events and Conventions in Japan (2025)

In recent years, Japan’s game event landscape has continued to diversify and expand. From large-scale physical exhibitions to esports tournaments, indie game festivals, and livestream-centric events, the way players and fans engage with these gatherings has undergone a dramatic evolution. Today, participation extends beyond simply being present in person—viewing through platforms like YouTube and Twitch has become the norm. As a result, the influence of game events now stretches far beyond physical attendance. 

This is especially true among younger generations, where esports viewership has seen steady growth, making online presence a vital indicator of an event’s impact. In this article, we rank the top game events in Japan as of 2025, focusing on both influence and scale. Events are ranked based on either their peak in-person attendance or peak livestream viewership, reflecting the current reality where physical turnout is no longer the sole metric of success. For instance, STAGE:0 now boasts over 13.9 million livestream viewers, blurring the line between real and virtual participation. 

With this in mind, the following rankings consider various formats to highlight the most significant events in Japan’s gaming scene, examining each by genre, audience, and cultural relevance.

Gaming Event & Conventions Ranking

(*Based on maximum audience reach)

1. STAGE:0 – approx. 13.93 million livestream viewers (2024)
2. TOKYO GAME SHOW – approx. 300,000 attendees (2018)
3. Summer Game Fest 2025 – approx. 26,000 live viewers (June 7, 2025)
4. BitSummit – approx. 24,000 attendees (2023)
5. TOKYO INDIE GAMES SUMMIT – approx. 23,000 attendees (2025)

1. Stage:0

Source: Stage:0 Homepage

Launched in 2019, STAGE:0 is Japan’s largest high school esports tournament, held annually in the summer. Top-tier student teams from across the country compete in games like Fortnite, Clash Royale, League of Legends, and VALORANT. In 2024, it drew a staggering 13.93 million livestream viewers, setting a new benchmark for domestic game events. The event’s polished commentary, immersive production, and steadily evolving stage design continue to captivate audiences. Recognized as a gateway to professional gaming, it also contributes to changing public perceptions of gaming, fostering school and family support systems, and promoting teamwork, planning, and strategic thinking.

2. TOKYO GAME SHOW (TGS)

Source: TOKYO GAME SHOW (TGS) Homepage

Since 1996, TOKYO GAME SHOW has been Japan’s premier game expo and one of the largest globally. In 2018, it welcomed over 300,000 visitors across four days. The event showcases everything from home consoles and mobile games to VR and indie titles, functioning as an annual festival for gamers worldwide. In recent years, it has embraced a hybrid format, attracting fans via online streams in addition to in-person visits. TGS also hosts esports stages, celebrity streamer panels, and B2B zones, playing a key role in fostering both entertainment and industry development.

3. Summer Game Fest 2025

Source: Summer Game Fest 2025 Homepage

With growing global interest in Japanese culture, an increasing number of business cards are incorporating Japanese elements. Vertical layouts and traditional Japanese typefaces, such as Mincho fonts, lend an air of calm sophistication and uniqueness. This style is often used by companies aiming to emphasize their Japanese identity, such as those in the tourism industry targeting inbound travelers or firms involved in international trade. It’s also popular in traditional sectors and artisan businesses, where the layout and the nuance of kanji are chosen with care. As globalization continues, this reappreciation of local identity is becoming increasingly relevant.

4. BitSummit

Source: BitSummit Homepage

Held in Kyoto, BitSummit is one of Japan’s most prominent indie game festivals. In 2023, it drew a record 24,000 attendees. Unlike big-name expos, BitSummit emphasizes personal connections between indie developers and fans. It also serves as an international exchange point, attracting overseas developers and buyers. The event features exhibitions, talks, live performances, and award ceremonies, providing a space where discovery and interaction converge. Online components, such as those available through YouTube and Steam, provide broader access to the latest ideas and innovations from the indie scene.

5. TOKYO INDIE GAMES SUMMIT

Source: TOKYO INDIE GAMES SUMMIT Homepage

Launched in 2023, the TOKYO INDIE GAMES SUMMIT quickly rose in popularity, gathering 23,000 attendees by 2025. Its accessible location in Kichijoji and free admission attract a wide range of visitors, from families to hardcore gamers. Focused on domestic and international indie creators, the event offers hands-on game demos and direct interaction with developers. With opportunities to discover student projects and works-in-progress, it’s a hotspot for spotting future talent. Community collaborations, such as local stamp rallies, further embed the event into the city's fabric.

Conclusion

Japan’s game events are more diverse than ever, spanning everything from professional esports and student competitions to grassroots indie showcases. Thanks to advances in livestreaming, participation now extends far beyond physical venues. This article ranked Japan’s most impactful events by their total reach—whether in-person or online—showcasing the vibrant energy of Japan’s gaming culture today. As this ecosystem continues to evolve, keeping a close eye on these events will be crucial to understanding the future of gaming in Japan.