Key Facts
- ✓ Dragon Ball Genkidamatsuri will be held on January 25, 2026, at Makuhari Messe near Tokyo as part of the franchise's 40th anniversary celebrations.
- ✓ The event will be livestreamed by Toei Animation, allowing international fans to watch main stage announcements, talk shows, and performances in real-time.
- ✓ A new video game reveal has been confirmed for 11am JST on January 25, with producers Masayuki Hirano and Jun Furutani presenting the announcement.
- ✓ Son Goku's Japanese voice actress Masako Nozawa and Dragon Ball series executive producer Akio Iyoku will provide exclusive announcements during the event.
- ✓ The franchise's most recent games include Dragon Ball Sparking Zero! (2024) and the free-to-play mobile title Dragon Ball: Gekishin Squadra (2025).
- ✓ Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996) played a major role in popularizing Japanese anime abroad, particularly in the United States market.
A Historic Celebration Awaits
Dragon Ball fans worldwide are preparing for a landmark event that promises to chart the course for the beloved franchise's future. On January 25, 2026, the Dragon Ball Genkidamatsuri will take place at Makuhari Messe near Tokyo, marking a pivotal moment in the series' history.
This free, livestreamed celebration represents more than just nostalgia—it serves as a crucial announcement platform for what comes next. With the franchise's future uncertain following the 2024 passing of legendary creator Akira Toriyama, this 40th anniversary event carries significant weight for millions of dedicated followers worldwide.
The Event Details 🎉
The Dragon Ball Genkidamatsuri will transform Makuhari Messe into a celebration of the franchise's four-decade legacy. The venue will host comprehensive exhibitions showcasing the series' evolution, alongside dedicated merch booths and interactive game areas for attendees.
For international fans unable to travel to Japan, Toei Animation will provide complete livestream coverage of the main stage announcements, talk shows, and performances. The event kicks off with exclusive insights from Masako Nozawa, the iconic Japanese voice of Son Goku, and Akio Iyoku, Dragon Ball series executive producer.
The celebration carries particular emotional resonance as it represents the first major franchise announcement since Toriyama's passing. The event will address the question that has lingered since 2024: what direction will Dragon Ball take without its original creator?
Confirmed Game Reveal
One certainty for the anniversary event is the new video game announcement. At 11am JST on January 25, Masayuki Hirano (Dragon Ball games producer) and Jun Furutani (Sparking Zero! producer) will unveil the latest gaming project.
The franchise's gaming history spans nearly every major console since the NES era. Recent releases include:
- Dragon Ball Sparking Zero! (2024) - Team fighting game with over 180 characters
- Dragon Ball: Gekishin Squadra (2025) - Free-to-play mobile title
- Dragon Ball Super Card Game Fusion World (2024) - Strategic card game
While Sparking Zero! received praise for its extensive roster, it faced technical challenges including balancing issues and online instability. The new announcement could explore different genres—perhaps an open-world RPG or a title featuring the chibi cast from Dragon Ball Daima.
Potential Anime & Movie News
Beyond gaming, the event may reveal significant developments for Dragon Ball's animated future. Dragon Ball Daima aired in Japan during 2024, but Toriyama's death left its continuation uncertain.
Rumors have circulated within fan communities about a potential Dragon Ball animated movie targeting a 2027 release. Given the recent international box office success of anime films like Demon Slayer and Chainsaw Man, a Dragon Ball movie announcement would align with current market trends.
The 40th anniversary celebration provides the ideal platform to confirm whether these rumors hold substance or to announce entirely new animated projects that honor Toriyama's legacy while pushing the franchise forward.
Franchise Legacy & Impact
The Dragon Ball phenomenon began with the manga's 1984 debut, but Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996) served as the gateway for international audiences. The series played a major role in popularizing Japanese anime abroad, particularly in the United States.
At home, Dragon Ball's influence permeated subsequent shonen series, shaping the genre's evolution. Its impact is evident in iconic titles like One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach, all of which drew inspiration from Toriyama's storytelling and character design.
The franchise's video game legacy is equally significant, allowing players to execute their favorite Saiyans' flashy attacks across multiple generations of gaming hardware. This enduring popularity ensures that any announcement from the anniversary event will resonate throughout the gaming and entertainment industries.
What Comes Next
The Dragon Ball Genkidamatsuri represents a turning point for the franchise. Whether the announcements bring new anime series, movie confirmations, or innovative gaming experiences, the event will establish the creative direction for Dragon Ball's next chapter.
For diehard fans, the January 25 livestream is unmissable. It offers the first concrete answers about the franchise's future since Toriyama's passing, potentially revealing how his beloved creations will continue to evolve and inspire new generations.
The 40th anniversary celebration promises to honor the past while boldly stepping into the future, ensuring that the Dragon Ball legacy remains as vibrant and influential as ever.
