It has been announced that the hands-on exhibition “VTUBER EXPO 2026” will be held at Bell Salle Akihabara from May 3 to 4, 2026, featuring the full-scale 3D action RPG for smartphones, ‘Shironeko Project NEW WORLD’S’. In conjunction with the sponsorship by Colopl, Inc., the event-exclusive character “V Tanuki” will also make its stage debut.

‘Shironeko Project NEW WORLD’S’ Sponsorship Confirmed, Hoshi Tanuki & V Tanuki at the Venue

This announcement revealed that Colopl’s flagship title, ‘Shironeko Project NEW WORLD’S’, will officially participate in VTUBER EXPO 2026. The character “Hoshi Tanuki,” who has jumped out from the game world, will be around the venue both days from 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and the newly created character “V Tanuki” for this event will appear on stage on May 3 (Sunday) from 3:10 PM to 3:40 PM.

During the same stage, the latest information regarding the merchandising of ‘Shironeko’ is also scheduled to be announced. The game, which will celebrate its 12th anniversary on July 14, 2026, is known for its real-time communication battles for up to four players and “skill combinations.” Updates regarding EXPO-related information are continuing on the official X.

Kizuna Ai and Bahar will join, a Festival of VTubers in Their 10th Year

VTUBER EXPO 2026 is the world’s first and largest hands-on exhibition (according to their own research) to be held in 2026, marking the 10th anniversary of the birth of VTubers in 2016. Located on the 1st floor of Bell Salle Akihabara, facing Chuo-dori in Akihabara, this pivotal event will showcase the “current state” and “future vision” of VTuber culture through the latest technology showcases and stages.

As previously reported, Kizuna AI Inc., the company behind Kizuna Ai, which has been at the forefront of VTuber culture, has decided to set up a special booth. On May 3, Bahar is expected to appear as the host for a stage event, indicating a significant scale of participation from many VTubers. Admission is generally free, with priority admission tickets that include special perks available for purchase on LivePocket.

Future Developments: Disclosure of Exhibitors and Collaboration Information and Announcement of a “Mega Project”

The VTUBER EXPO 2026 executive committee has announced that they will gradually reveal extravagant exhibitor information, stage programs, and collaborations with VTubers × talents / anime / games / manga from various fields in preparation for the event. The press release also hints at the existence of a “mysterious mega project,” with expectations for accelerated information dissemination leading up to Golden Week.

The latest information is expected to be updated sequentially on the official site and official X. Not only fans of the VTuber industry but also pathways designed for inbound tourists and new audiences are anticipated, with large mobilization expected over the two-day span encompassing the entire Akihabara area.

Impressions and Prospects

The realization of a hands-on exhibition at Bell Salle in Akihabara on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of VTuber’s birth itself signifies that VTuber culture has become an infrastructure rather than a fleeting boom. The sponsorship by the major game IP ‘Shironeko Project’ further accelerates the integration of the VTuber market and mobile game market. As the Stmaga editorial department, we would like to continue to follow this noteworthy event to unearth the true nature of the “mega project” and to see how far the collaborations between VTubers and other industries can expand.

Source: PR TIMES