No matter the region, some annual events have become a permanent mark on the calendar. For gaming enthusiasts, Tokyo Game Show (TGS) remains one of Asia’s biggest conventions, consistently attracting crowds from across the globe, and this year’s iteration is no different.
And with good reason, too. As part of its 30th anniversary, and unlike previous runs, TGS 2026 will take place over five days at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, with doors open to the public after the first two days, 17 and 18 September. Among the returning parties are Sega and, by extension, Atlus, who continue to draw attention with their elaborate booth setups, mascot appearances, and special stage activities. The space is big, lively, and nearly impossible to miss, filled with rows of play stations (pun intended) for hands-on demos. Swing by at the right time, and a beloved character may even be available for a photo opportunity.
Coincidence or not, the warm yellow glow is thematically relevant to Crazy Taxi: World Tour and Persona 4 Revival, which are both revival projects of sorts. The first marks a new major entry since 2002’s Crazy Taxi 3: High Roller, and the colour is, of course, a nod to the vehicle, while the latter is a remake of 2012’s Persona 4 Golden, a shade of yellow. After capturing a photo with or of the franchise’s iconic yellow cab, visitors can head over to the Persona 4 Revival booth, adorned with recreations of the game’s TV sets, on-screen visuals, and a looming statue of Izanagi, the protagonist’s initial Persona.
Stranger Than Heaven, as another fellow headliner, also gets its own area. The entrance is lined with large display panels introducing the various characters and their respective voice actors, with a Walkthrough Museum showcasing staff and cast interviews, illustrations, and poster art. A close-up look at the Collector’s Edition, comprising the box, vinyl record, and Steelbook, awaits at the exit. Rounding out the list of highlights is the theatre, which includes three shows, each based on a different character, with never-before-seen musical performances from the title.
The full programme details are as follows:
- Show 1: Makoto Daito (portrayed by Yu Shirota), Yu Shinjo (Dean Fujioka), Takashi (Satoshi Fujihara from Official Hige Dandism)
- Show 2: Keiko Shirai (Ado)
- Show 3: Suzy Day (Tori Kelly)
Similarly, the other booths are decked out in their own flair – an inflatable Sonic hangs from the ceiling for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, and Total War: Warhammer 40,000 brings a diorama to the show floor, alongside the occasional appearance of a Space Marine. For the Emperor!
The Sega / Atlus booth for TGS 2026 is located in Hall 4 of Makuhari Messe, with the full exhibit lineup as follows:
- Stranger Than Heaven
- Persona 4 Revival
- Total War: Warhammer 40,000
- Crazy Taxi: World Tour
- Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
- Sonic Pico Park
- Metaphor: ReFantazio
- Two Point Hospital: Full Health Collection
- Absolum (partner showcase)
- Dave the Diver Complete Edition (partner showcase)
- Demons’ Night Fever (partner showcase)
- Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow (partner showcase)
- Lollipop Chainsaw 2 Back2Back (partner showcase)
- EA Sports FC 27 (partner showcase)
- Farming Simulator 25 Beans & Alpacas Expansion (partner showcase)
- Stupid Never Dies (partner showcase)
- Kalanoro (partner showcase)
- Control Resonant (partner showcase)
- Stellar Blade Complete Edition (partner showcase)
- LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight (partner showcase)
- LEGO Harry Potter Collection (partner showcase)
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (partner showcase)
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Joey Leong
Yonk
