Anime fans explore the world to step inside their favourite stories

KUALA LUMPUR: For some travellers, holidays revolve around beaches, shopping or famous landmarks.

For anime fans, the itinerary might instead include visiting the seaside crossing featured in “Slam Dunk”, exploring anime-themed attractions in Osaka, or flying to Tokyo for one of the world’s biggest cosplay conventions.

Across Asia, more fans are planning trips inspired by the shows, characters and fictional worlds they grew up loving, turning anime fandom into a booming travel trend.

Recent travel industry data showed searches by Malaysians for anime- and comic-related travel experiences rose by 121% over the past year, reflecting growing appetite for immersive fandom-based holidays.

The enthusiasm is also translating into actual travel: Malaysians ranked among the top 10 overseas markets purchasing tickets for AnimeJapan 2026 in Tokyo and Hong Kong’s first official Comic Con, according to figures released by travel platform Trip.com.

Globally, AnimeJapan 2026 drew visitors from 82 countries and regions, while international ticket sales for the event reportedly surged by 697% year-on-year.

The audience was dominated by younger travellers, particularly Gen Z and millennials aged between 25 and 34.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s inaugural Comic Con also drew strong regional interest, especially from Southeast Asia and mainland China, with more than 80% of ticket buyers belonging to Gen Z and millennial age groups.

Interestingly, women accounted for more than 80% of ticket sales for the event, highlighting the increasingly diverse appeal of anime and comic culture.

But anime tourism today extends far beyond conventions alone – fans are increasingly seeking immersive experiences linked to the onscreen worlds they admire, from themed cafés and attractions to anime-inspired accommodation and guided location tours.

In Japan, one countryside glamping retreat inspired by “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” allows visitors to stay among recreated scenes and themed installations based on the fantasy series.

Universal Studios Japan has also expanded its anime collaborations, introducing attractions inspired by franchises such as “Detective Conan” and “Frieren”.

Meanwhile, anime location tours have become increasingly popular among overseas visitors, including trips to Kamakura, the seaside town closely associated with “Slam Dunk”.

Closer to home, Malaysia’s own anime and cosplay scene is also gaining momentum. Anime Fest+ 2026 in Kuala Lumpur recently attracted local and international visitors with appearances by Japanese creators, regional performers and popular cosplayers.

The event also appeared to generate a noticeable tourism spillover effect, with hotel bookings within 3km of the venue rising by 36% during the convention period.

Industry observers say the rise of anime tourism reflects a broader shift in how younger travellers choose destinations and experiences, with entertainment and pop culture now playing a bigger role in shaping travel decisions.

For many fans, these journeys are no longer simply about merchandise or photo opportunities – they are about stepping into the worlds, stories and communities that helped shape a part of their identity.

المصدر: Free Malaysia Today