The Dragon Ball fandom is in for a major treat. To celebrate the climax of its 40th anniversary, the franchise has announced a special event titled Dragon Ball Genkidamatsuri, set to take place on January 25, 2026, at the Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Hall in Japan. Running from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., the festival promises exclusive news, celebrity appearances, and potentially the moment fans have been waiting for—the official return of Dragon Ball Super.

The Grand Celebration of a Global Phenomenon

The Genkidamatsuri event marks the grand finale of Dragon Ball’s 40th anniversary celebrations, following last year’s Daimatsuri event. This upcoming festival aims to showcase the full legacy of the franchise—from manga and anime to games, toys, and global fandom.

What makes this event even more exciting is the confirmed presence of Masako Nozawa, the legendary voice of Son Goku, and Akio Iyoku, Dragon Ball’s Executive Producer. Together, they will host the “New Development Super Announcement! Genkida Stage,” which is expected to reveal major updates about the franchise’s future across all media.

The event’s visual teaser features multiple versions of Goku—from his early Dragon Ball days to his Ultra Instinct form—symbolizing the evolution of the character and the series over four decades. The official logo, adorned with Shenron’s face, adds to the anticipation of a monumental reveal.

Hints at the Return of Dragon Ball Super

While no direct confirmation has been made, all signs point toward an announcement related to Dragon Ball Super. The series, which ended in 2018, has been on an extended hiatus since the Tournament of Power arc concluded. Fans have long been eager for a continuation of the anime that adapts the manga arcs such as Moro and Granolah the Survivor.

Adding fuel to the speculation, the official Dragon Ball Super X (formerly Twitter) account recently changed its handle from @DB_super2015 to @DB_anime_info—a subtle yet powerful hint that a major revival may be in motion. Interestingly, this change wasn’t made for previous releases like Dragon Ball Super: Broly or Dragon Ball Daima, further suggesting that the upcoming event could signal the anime’s long-awaited return.

A Legendary Line-Up and Live Performances

Beyond announcements, the event will also feature a special live performance by Hironobu Kageyama, the iconic singer behind legendary Dragon Ball anthems such as CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA and We Gotta Power. The inclusion of live music adds an emotional touch, connecting decades of fans who grew up with these timeless theme songs.

The event is expected to showcase exclusive merchandise, collectible figurines, and interactive zones dedicated to each Dragon Ball era—from the original Goku and Krillin adventures to the cosmic battles of Super. Admission is free, though attendees will need to apply for tickets in advance, as seats are expected to fill up quickly.

The Future of Dragon Ball

As the anime world eagerly watches, the Genkidamatsuri event could mark a defining moment in Dragon Ball history. Whether it’s a full-fledged anime continuation, a new movie announcement, or a massive multimedia expansion, one thing is certain—the Dragon Ball legacy is far from over.

With anticipation at an all-time high, January 2026 could be the month when Goku’s roar once again echoes across the anime world.


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