Giant Anime Festival in Yokohama: SEASIDE CINEMA 2026 Program Announced!
Japan's port city of Yokohama is preparing to host an unforgettable experience for anime lovers. Known as the country's largest urban outdoor cinema festival, SEASIDE CINEMA 2026 will be held this year from May 2 to May 6. Coinciding with Japan's famous Golden Week holiday period, this event will offer viewers a mesmerizing atmosphere as giant screens merge with Yokohama's iconic scenery.
Two major titles that will excite Studio Ghibli fans stand out in this year's festival program. The 1986 film Castle in the Sky, which holds the distinction of being the first film officially produced by the studio, and From Up on Poppy Hill, which is set in 1960s Yokohama, will meet the audience. Especially for From Up on Poppy Hill, the fact that it will be watched in the city where its story takes place and against the backdrop of the harbor promises a nostalgic and immersive experience for fans.
The anime selection is not limited to Ghibli classics. A Silent Voice (Koe no Katachi) by Kyoto Animation, known for its emotional depth, and the award-winning In This Corner of the World (Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni), which tells the story of the Second World War through a woman's eyes, are also included in the festival program. In This Corner of the World holds the title of being one of the longest films in Japanese animation history with its 168-minute extended version and is known for its historical realism.
The festival, which is being held for the 8th time this year, will take place simultaneously at five of the city's most popular locations, including Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, Marine & Walk, and Yokohama World Porters. The event, where admission is free, will feature massive 450-inch screens. Expected to attract great interest from both locals and tourists, the festival once again proves how strong a place anime culture holds in public spaces in Japan. If your travels take you to Yokohama during these dates, don't miss the chance to watch these masterpieces accompanied by the sea breeze!
