The NPO Akihabara Tourism Promotion Association (ATPA) will hold the "AKIBA Subculture Summit @ Kanda Myojin 2026" on August 15, 2026 (Sat) at Kanda Myojin Cultural Exchange Hall's "EDOCCO STUDIO."

AKIBA Subculture Summit @ Kanda Myojin 2026 Logo

This event is a participatory event aimed at learning about and experiencing trading card games (TCGs), a representative subculture of Akihabara, not as a "competition" but as a "culture," and spreading it throughout the city.

On the day of the event, in addition to a cultural lecture, a card game culture experience session, and an Akihabara culture experience tour, a "AKIBA Mystery Quiz Rally" will be held for 10 days from August 15 to 24, allowing participants to enjoy the entire Akihabara area.

Official Website

https://www.akiba-subculsummit.com/

Background of the Event

Akihabara has developed as a global hub for subcultures such as anime, games, and hobbies. Among these, trading card games have taken root as a culture that allows many people to interact and enjoy across generations. However, opportunities for beginners and families to experience card games in a safe and comfortable environment are still insufficient.

Therefore, this event will implement programs that allow participants to enjoy Akihabara's unique culture with peace of mind, centered around the themes of "learning," "playing," "walking," and "exploring."

Scenes from the 2025 "AKIBA Subculture Summit @ Kanda Myojin 2025"Panel discussion at the 2025 "AKIBA Subculture Summit @ Kanda Myojin 2025"Scenes from the 2025 "AKIBA Subculture Summit @ Kanda Myojin 2025"Reception at the 2025 "AKIBA Subculture Summit @ Kanda Myojin 2025"

Event Details

1. Akihabara Culture Lecture

Experts active on the front lines will give lectures on the appeal of card game culture and Akihabara culture, as well as proper ways to play and etiquette.

Scene from a special lecture at the 2025 "AKIBA Subculture Summit @ Kanda Myojin 2025"

Katsu Umemoto (Professor, Digital Hollywood University)

Katsu Umemoto (Professor, Digital Hollywood University)

Lecture Topic

"The Soul of Electric Town Residing in Cards - Why Do People Gather in Akihabara in the Smartphone Era?"

Takuya Okouchi (Representative, Association for the Promotion of Card Game Culture)

Takuya Okouchi (Representative, Association for the Promotion of Card Game Culture)

Lecture Topic

"The Original Fun of TCGs and a Healthy Gaming Culture"

2. First TCG Experience (Card Game Culture Experience Session) (Free Participation)

This is a beginner-friendly experience session where instructors will carefully explain the rules and allow participants to enjoy playing, making it easy for beginners and families new to card games to participate with peace of mind.

Instructors will carefully explain the rules, allowing beginners to enjoy card games with ease.

Image of the First TCG Experience at AKIBA Subculture Summit @ Kanda Myojin 2026

◆ Held 3 times in total

◆ 96 participants per session

◆ Total 288 participants

◆ Free participation

Beginners and families welcome

3. Akihabara Culture Experience Tour (Free Participation)

This is a walking tour of approximately 60 minutes led by a certified national guide, visiting Akihabara's card shops and historical/cultural spots. It will introduce card shops equipped with duel spaces (battle spaces) and Akihabara's unique cultural resources, allowing participants to experience the charm of the city.

・Approximately 60 minutes per session

・Held twice a day

・Free participation

・Advance registration required

4. AKIBA Mystery Quiz Rally

Held for 10 days from August 15 to 24, 2026.

This is a digital rally where participants solve quizzes while visiting Akihabara's historical and cultural facilities, card shops, etc. Utilizing LINE, this digital quiz rally allows participants to enjoy exploring historical and cultural facilities and card shops throughout Akihabara. Participants will discover new charms while enjoying the entire Akihabara area.

AKIBA Mystery Quiz Rally 2026

Prize redemption venue (AkibaRobolaboMeetup) *Held in FY2025Original limited stickers *Held in FY2025Posters around town *Held in FY2025

Official Website

https://www.akiba-subculsummit.com/

Event Overview

Event Name

AKIBA Subculture Summit @ Kanda Myojin 2026

Date and Time

August 15, 2026 (Sat)

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Venue

Kanda Myojin Cultural Exchange Hall "EDOCCO STUDIO"

Participation Fee

Free (Advance registration required)

Organizer

NPO Akihabara Tourism Promotion Association (ATPA)

Support

Chiyoda Ward (planned)

--- Future Plans ---

In mid-July, the second press release will announce the start of applications for the First TCG Experience, details of the AKIBA Mystery Quiz Rally,

participating stores, prizes, LINE collaboration projects, and an Akihabara TCG Culture Map.

We look forward to the participation of many people in this new regional event that "learns, experiences, and spreads" Akihabara's culture to the city.

Official Website

https://www.akiba-subculsummit.com/

[Overview of NPO Akihabara Tourism Promotion Association]

This association engages in the following activities for domestic and international tourists and businesses visiting Akihabara:

(1) Activities to promote community development

(2) Activities to promote tourism

(3) Activities to promote academia, culture, arts, and sports

(4) Activities for international cooperation

(5) Activities to promote science and technology

(6) Activities to revitalize economic activities

(7) Activities to provide communication, advice, or assistance for the operation or activities of organizations engaged in the activities listed in the preceding paragraphs

・Establishment: September 14, 2007

・Location: Nagai Daiichi Building 5F, 2-15-8 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku

・Representative: Director Tomio Izumi

[Contact Information]

NPO Akihabara Tourism Promotion Association

Director: Tomio Izumi

Deputy Secretary-General: Ryuyu Yamashiro

Tel/Fax: 03-6206-0305

E-Mail: [email protected]

Homepage: https://npo-akiba.com

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event