Once a niche pursuit, anime fandom has become a powerful driver of travel across Asia, with fans crossing borders for conventions, themed stays and pilgrimages to real-life locations from their favourite series.
Trip.com data points to a 195% year-on-year jump in searches for anime and comic-related travel experiences, led by travellers from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, the Philippines and South Korea. International ticket sales for AnimeJapan 2026 surged 697%, drawing buyers from 82 countries — more than half aged 25 to 34.
Streaming hits like One Piece, Demon Slayer and Naruto have fuelled the boom, while Southeast Asia’s young, digitally native audiences have emerged as some of the most engaged fanbases globally. Conventions are doubling as social hubs: Hong Kong Comic Con 2026 has seen women account for over 80% of ticket sales, and hotel bookings near Tokyo’s Odaiba climbed 78% ahead of Summer Comiket.
The pull extends beyond events. Fans are flocking to sites like the Slam Dunk railway crossing near Kamakura, while themed glamping retreats and Universal Studios Japan’s new anime collaborations are turning fandom into fully immersive travel.