Anime Collaboration Cafés in Japan — October 2026 Guide

Limited-time cafés, exclusive merchandise, and plenty of reasons to fall in love with your oshi all over again!

October is here, and Japan's anime collaboration café scene is keeping us busy!

If you're planning an autumn trip to Japan, you might want to leave a little space in your itinerary—and your suitcase.

From Katekyo Hitman REBORN! and Hetalia to IDOLiSH7 and Nintama Rantarō, October has some exciting collaborations for anime, game, and VTuber fans.

Here are eight events worth checking out this month, straight from your otaku friend in Japan.

Collaboration	Dates	Exact locations
Katekyo Hitman REBORN!	Oct 5–20	Animate Cafe Ikebukuro (Tokyo), Animate Cafe Nagoya (Aichi), Animate Cafe Tennoji (Osaka)
Hetalia World★Stars	Oct 8–25	Animate Cafe Ikebukuro 3 (Tokyo), Animate Cafe Nagoya 2 (Aichi)
IDOLiSH7 — Salon de TRIGGER	Oct 5–22	Animate Cafe Ikebukuro 2 (Tokyo), Animate Cafe Osaka Nipponbashi (Osaka)
Nintama Rantarō	Oct 5–25	DECOTTO by animate cafe, Ikebukuro (Tokyo)
SK8 the Infinity	Oct 14–18	Animate Cafe Stand Hareza Ikebukuro (Tokyo)
Kuromajo-san ga Tōru!!	Oct 15–18	Animate Cafe Stand Ikebukuro 4 (Tokyo)
NIJISANJI	Oct 22–25	Animate Cafe Ikebukuro (Tokyo), Animate Cafe Nagoya (Aichi), Animate Cafe Tennoji (Osaka), Animate Cafe Stand LACHIC Fukuoka Tenjin (Fukuoka)
Ensemble Stars!! Traveling Event	Oct 10–25*	Canal City Hakata (Fukuoka), LECT (Hiroshima), Aeon Mall Matsumoto (Nagano), ATi Koriyama (Fukushima), Ario Ageo (Saitama), Aeon Mall Kochi (Kochi)

1. Katekyo Hitman REBORN!

October 5–20 | Tokyo, Nagoya & Osaka

Calling all Vongola Family fans!

Katekyo Hitman REBORN! is getting an Animate Cafe collaboration this October.

If you grew up watching Tsuna, Reborn, and the rest of the gang, this is a great excuse to revisit one of the most memorable shonen series of its era.

The event is being held at selected Animate Cafe locations in Ikebukuro, Nagoya, and Tennoji.

TOMODACHI tip: Check the official merchandise lineup before visiting, especially if you're collecting goods featuring a particular character.

2. Hetalia World★Stars — Happy Anniversary Cafe

October 8–25 | Tokyo & Nagoya

Hetalia fans, this one's for you!

The Hetalia World★Stars Happy Anniversary Cafe is coming to Animate Cafe locations in Ikebukuro and Nagoya.

With its enormous cast of country-inspired characters and a passionate international fan community, Hetalia is a particularly fun collaboration for overseas visitors.

Whether you've loved the series for years or recently discovered it, this could be a lovely addition to your Japan itinerary.

TOMODACHI tip: If you're traveling with another Hetalia fan, make it a themed outing and combine your café visit with a little anime shopping.

3. IDOLiSH7 — Harmony Lounge / Salon de TRIGGER

September 18 – October 22 | Tokyo & Osaka

Calling all IDOLiSH7 fans!

The Harmony Lounge collaboration continues this month with Salon de TRIGGER.

For fans who enjoy collecting character-themed merchandise, following their favorite idols, and celebrating special collaborations, this is one to keep on your radar.

Participating venues include Animate Cafe Ikebukuro 2 and Animate Cafe Osaka Nipponbashi.

TOMODACHI tip: Check the reservation details carefully, as certain drink-related reservations may have their own booking categories.

4. Nintama Rantarō

October 5–25 | Tokyo

Here's a collaboration that brings a little Japanese anime nostalgia into October.

Nintama Rantarō has been part of Japanese animation culture for decades, and its characters continue to attract a dedicated fanbase.

This collaboration takes place at DECOTTO by animate cafe in Ikebukuro.

If you're exploring Ikebukuro's anime shops, it's a convenient event to add to your plans.

TOMODACHI tip: Combine your visit with a walk around the surrounding anime shopping district. You might discover even more merchandise featuring your favorite characters.

5. SK8 the Infinity

October 14–18 | Tokyo

Reki and Langa fans, pay attention!

SK8 the Infinity has a short collaboration period at Animate Cafe Stand Hareza Ikebukuro.

And when we say short, we mean it—just five days.

For anyone planning to be in Tokyo during these dates, it's worth checking the reservation information as soon as possible.

TOMODACHI tip: Short events can be easy to miss, so double-check the dates before making travel plans.

6. Kuromajo-san ga Tōru!!

October 15–18 | Tokyo

Another short October collaboration!

Kuromajo-san ga Tōru!! is coming to Animate Cafe Stand Ikebukuro 4 for a limited four-day run.

If this nostalgic magical comedy has a special place in your heart, be sure to check the event while it's available.

TOMODACHI tip: The event is short enough that you should confirm the specific day and reservation requirements before visiting.

7. NIJISANJI

October 22–25 | Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka & Fukuoka

VTuber fans, we haven't forgotten you!

A NIJISANJI collaboration is scheduled at selected Animate Cafe locations across four major Japanese cities.

That's especially good news for visitors who aren't planning to spend their entire trip in Tokyo.

Participating areas include Ikebukuro, Nagoya, Tennoji, and Fukuoka Tenjin.

TOMODACHI tip: Check which participating location works best for your itinerary and whether your preferred date has a reservation requirement.

8. Ensemble Stars!! — ENSEMBLE EASTER!! Traveling Collaboration

Dates: October 10–25, 2026 (dates vary by location)

Locations:

• Canal City Hakata — Fukuoka

• LECT — Hiroshima

• Aeon Mall Matsumoto — Nagano

• ATi Koriyama — Fukushima

• Ario Ageo — Saitama

• Aeon Mall Kochi — Kochi

Ensemble Stars!! fans, this one's for you!

The ENSEMBLE EASTER!! collaboration is traveling across Japan as a special Animate Cafe food truck event.

Unlike a traditional collaboration café, this event is takeout-only, with no indoor seating.

TOMODACHI tip: Each location operates on different dates, so don't assume the event runs from October 10 to 25 at every venue. Check the official event schedule and reservation availability before making travel plans.

Official event details: https://www.animatecafe.jp/event/ac000710_2

Reservations: https://reserve.animatecafe.jp/reserve/

First Time Visiting an Anime Collaboration Café in Japan?

Here's what you should know before going.

Reservations Can Be Important

Some collaboration cafés require advance reservations, while others may use different entry systems depending on the date.

Don't assume you can simply walk in.

Check the official website first, especially for weekends and popular events.

Limited Merchandise Is Part of the Fun

Collaboration cafés often feature merchandise designed around the event's theme.

Depending on the collaboration, you might find acrylic stands, badges, cards, or other collectible items.

However, availability varies, and popular products can sell out.

Check the Food and Drink Menu

Character-inspired drinks, themed desserts, and creative presentations are a big part of the experience.

Menus differ between collaborations, so check the official event page to see what's actually being served.

Don't Forget the Rules

Some cafés have specific rules about photography, purchasing merchandise, or how long guests can stay.

Following the venue's instructions helps everyone enjoy the event.

Can't Visit Japan This October?

We know the feeling.

Sometimes you discover an amazing collaboration, fall in love with the merchandise, and then realize the event is happening thousands of kilometers away.

That's exactly the kind of situation TOMODACHI was created for.

We're based in Japan, and we help overseas fans search for Japanese anime merchandise, including items that can be difficult to find outside the country.

If you've spotted something from a collaboration that you love, feel free to ask us about it.

We'll check whether it can be sourced in Japan.

Availability isn't guaranteed, especially for limited-edition or event-exclusive merchandise, but we're always happy to help you look.

Your oshi might be in Japan. Your TOMODACHI is already here.

 

Planning Your Café Visit?

We've included the exact venue names to make planning easier. You can copy the café name into Google Maps to find its location.

Please note that some Animate Cafe locations have similar names but are in different buildings. For example, Animate Cafe Ikebukuro, Ikebukuro 2, and Ikebukuro 3 are separate venues.

Before visiting, check the official reservation page for your chosen café, date, and entry requirements.

Official reservations: https://reserve.animatecafe.jp/reserve/

Which Collaboration Would You Visit?

October is full of opportunities to celebrate your favorite characters.

Are you visiting for the nostalgia of REBORN! or Hetalia?

Are you heading straight for IDOLiSH7 or NIJISANJI?

Or is there another collaboration you're hoping to see?

Let us know which café is on your wishlist!

See you next time!