I. Introduction: Welcome to Anisama 2025!
What is Anisama? (A Special 20th Anniversary Event)
“Animelo Summer Live 2025,” commonly known as “Anisama”, is the world’s largest anime song concert, held every summer at Saitama Super Arena. This event goes beyond another music festival, offering a truly one-of-a-kind experience. The 2025 edition, titled “ThanXX!”, marks a milestone 20th anniversary for Anisama. This special year promises the biggest, loudest, and most emotional festival ever.
The production values are unrivaled, featuring elaborate stage designs, giant LED visuals, pyrotechnics synchronized to the beat, and the breathtaking sight of thousands of penlights waving together. Here, artists and fans exchange heartfelt gratitude, voice actors sing as characters, and composers see their works come alive.
A Message to Overseas Travelers
In recent years, Anisama has become much more accessible to international fans. Translation apps and vibrant online communities, as well as official overseas shipping for merchandise, have made language barriers easy to overcome. Whether you're a longtime anime fan or just discovering the power of anime songs, Animelo Summer Live 2025 is absolutely worth attending. It's an unforgettable, heartwarming, and joyful experience—a reminder of music's power to bring people together.
Due to the 20th anniversary, competition for both tickets and accommodations will be fierce. Early and thorough planning in all aspects—tickets, lodging, travel—is absolutely crucial.
II. Event Overview: Dates and Venue
Event Dates
Animelo Summer Live 2025 “ThanXX!” will be held over three days:
- Friday, August 29, 2025
- Saturday, August 30, 2025
- Sunday, August 31, 2025
Doors open at 14:00, show starts at 16:00 each day. Please manage your health in advance as the event is long.
Venue
Saitama Super Arena
8 Shintoshin, Chuo-ku, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, 330-0081, Japan
Capacity: Up to 37,000 for large concerts.
Please note that PET bottled drinks only are permitted in the venue. Other containers may be prohibited.
Next to the arena you'll find the large Cocoon City shopping mall—useful for meals and breaks before/after the event!
III. Ticket Buying Guide
Ticket Categories and Prices
| Ticket Type | Price (per day, incl. tax) | Seat Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIP Seat | 25,300 yen | Front/center arena | Special goods, priority entry/exit, supporter name printed |
| S Seat (Arena) | 16,500 yen | Front arena | — |
| S Seat (Stand) | 16,500 yen | Front stand (200 level) | — |
| Reserved Seat | 11,000 yen | General seating | — |
| S Seat (Stage Side) | 16,500 yen | Side of stage | May have poor/limited view |
| Stage Side Seat | 9,900 yen | Stage side | May have poor/limited view |
| Obstructed Side Seat | 7,700 yen | Diagonal/backstage | May have obstructed/no view due to stage structure |
| Stage Back Seat | 5,500 yen | Directly behind stage | No view of performers or stage effects |
Children aged 3 and up require a ticket. No refunds/seat changes for artist changes or impaired seats. By purchasing, you agree to these terms.
Purchasing Tickets from Overseas and Key Points
- International sales may be offered via official website and eplus international.
- VISA, MasterCard, Alipay accepted; prices usually in JPY. 10% service fee applies.
- Absolutely do not buy from resellers or scalpers—tickets from unofficial sources may be invalid and entry denied.
- Tickets are picked up at the venue by the original purchaser only, with passport photo ID.
Electronic Tickets (MOALA Pocket)
- Entry is by smartphone digital ticket—no paper tickets issued.
- Every attendee needs a smartphone device; ticket redistribution (“split”) is mandatory for groups.
- Charge your phone and bring a power bank; dead battery means no entry.
- The official MOALA Pocket app is required—not just web access.
IV. Getting to the Venue
Nearest Stations
- Saitama-Shintoshin Station (JR): 3 min walk; served by Keihin-Tohoku, Utsunomiya, Takasaki, Ueno Tokyo Lines.
- Kita-Yono Station (JR Saikyo Line): 7 min walk.
After the event, stations will be very crowded—wait at Cocoon City or use Kita-Yono for return travel when possible!
From Airports
| Departure Airport | Method | Time | Fare Approx. | Transfers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Narita (NRT) | Keisei Skyliner + JR Keihin-Tohoku | ~1h31m | 1,287–3,170 yen | 1 (Nippori) | Most efficient |
| Narita (NRT) | Narita Express + JR Keihin-Tohoku | ~1h59m | 3,205–6,191 yen | 1 (Tokyo) | For JR Pass users |
| Narita (NRT) | Limousine Bus | 90-110min | — | None | Direct |
| Narita (NRT) | Taxi | 1h24m | 34,000–41,000 yen | None | Expensive |
| Haneda (HND) | Keikyu + JR Ueno-Tokyo Line | 1h18m | 857–1,111 yen | 1 (Shinagawa) | Most efficient |
| Haneda (HND) | Limousine Bus | 1h13m | 2,000 yen | None | Runs every ~2 hours |
| Haneda (HND) | Taxi | 44min | 22,000–27,000 yen | None | Fastest, but costly |
From Major Tokyo Stations
- From Tokyo Station: Direct JR Takasaki/Utsunomiya Line (via Ueno Tokyo Line); 30 min, 580 yen.
- From Shinjuku Station: JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line or Saikyo Line rapid; 30 min, 490 yen.
- From Ikebukuro Station: JR Saikyo Line to Kita-Yono; 32 min, 410–550 yen.
V. Accommodation
Hotels Near Saitama Super Arena
- Hotel Metropolitan Saitama-Shintoshin (3 min walk to arena, Wi-Fi, convenience store, laundry, café)
- The Mark Grand Hotel, Candeo Hotels Omiya, REF Omiya by VESSEL HOTELS
- eeGee STAY Omiya, Hotel New Saitama (budget)
- Also, Omiya Station area (Daiwa Roynet Hotel, Palace Hotel Omiya, Toyoko Inn) is 2 min by train to the arena.
Hotels Near Major Tokyo Stations
- Tokyo Station: The Tokyo Station Hotel, others, ~30 min direct to the arena.
- Shinjuku Station: Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo, Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, 30 min access.
- Ikebukuro Station: Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro, 32 min access.
Book accommodation as early as possible, especially for this 20th anniversary year!
VI. Rules, Manners, and Event Etiquette
Bag Policy & Prohibited Items
- Large luggage (suitcases, etc.) is strictly prohibited and cannot be stored at the venue—use station/hotel lockers. Book ahead, as lockers fill up early.
- Only PET bottle drinks may be brought in. No cans, glass bottles, thermoses, cups, or alcoholic beverages.
- No dangerous items (spray cans, lighters, flammable items). No umbrellas inside during the show.
Penlight Rules
- Length: 30cm or less, straight type only. No chained, modified, or overpowered penlights.
- No throwing/swinging. Penlights may be collected at exits after the show.
Penlights are crucial to Japanese anison culture. Overseas fans may be unfamiliar with the specifics—observe and follow the Japanese fans!
In-Venue Manners
- No alcohol or smoking inside or anywhere at the venue.
- No eating in your seat or lobby.
- Photography, video, and audio recording are strictly prohibited (including smartphones/cameras/PCs/tablets).
- No gifts, letters, bouquets, or flower arrangements for performers.
VII. Performing Artists and Anisong/Anime Links
Sample Lineup
| Date | Artists |
|---|---|
| Aug 29 (Fri) | i☆Ris, Eir Aoi, Masayoshi Oishi, Masami Okui, Yui Ogura, KOTOKO, TRUE, Takanori Nishikawa, Kiyoshi Hikawa + Kiina, fripSide, MyGO!!!!!, Suzuko Mimori, May’n, ReoNa, Roselia |
| Aug 30 (Sat) | THE IDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE!, Ave Mujica, angela, Guilty Kiss, Saint Snow, GRANRODEO, ZAQ, JAM Project, Sphere, TrySail, FLOW, Mamoru Miyano, Milky Holmes, Hiroko Moriguchi, Lia |
| Aug 31 (Sun) | THE IDOLM@STER SideM, Shouta Aoi, ALI PROJECT, Yoko Ishida, Maaya Uchida, Minami Kuribayashi, Konomi Suzuki, SPYAIR, Minori Chihara, fhána, Poppin'Party, Nana Mizuki, Chihiro Yonekura, LiSA |
Representative Songs and Anime Connections (Sample)
| Artist Name | Representative Songs | Related Anime Titles |
|---|---|---|
| LiSA | Gurenge, Homura, crossing field, ADAMAS | Demon Slayer, SAO, Fate/Zero |
| fripSide | only my railgun, sister’s noise, black bullet | A Certain Scientific Railgun, Black Bullet |
| Eir Aoi | Ignite, Innocence, Memoria | Sword Art Online, Fate/Zero |
Anisama-Exclusive Collaborations and Staging
Expect rare collaborations, one-night-only medleys, and legendary surprise guests for the 20th anniversary. Elaborate staging, LED visuals, and pyrotechnics make Anisama a must for any anison fan.
VIII. Tips for Enjoying Anisama to the Fullest
Preparation Is Key
- Research the lineup and anime connections. Familiarity will enhance your experience.
- Prepare properly sized penlights and learn the color codes for each artist.
- Buy goods early—online or at the venue. Be prepared for long lines!
- Stay hydrated. August is hot; bring cold drinks and ice packs if possible.
Local Culture & Fan Communication
- Enjoy cosplay—ask permission for photos.
- Exchange goods and experiences with fans using translation apps if necessary.
- Observe local manners: avoid blocking views, jumping, improper cheering.
After the show, join in fan gatherings at local restaurants or online communities, enriching your travel and live event memories.
IX. Conclusion: Unforgettable Summer Memories Await
Animelo Summer Live 2025 “ThanXX!”—a once-in-a-lifetime celebration—will let you experience the passion of anison and anime with thousands of fellow fans. Meticulous preparation, respect for Japanese live culture, and, above all, your music-loving spirit, will guarantee you an incredible experience and lasting memories.
Don’t forget: prepare tickets/accommodation early, charge your devices, and join the harmony—this will be a highlight of your life!
