"Happy 30th Anniversary, TGS!" from Creators

The Tokyo Game Show began in 1996. Thirty years have passed since then. To commemorate its 30th anniversary, TGS2026 is hosting a special exhibition at the venue called "30th Anniversary: Anniversary Messages from Game Makers," featuring shikishi (autograph boards) with messages from game creators and development teams.

The exhibition is located on the second floor of Makuhari Messe Hall 10. Shikishi boards from various manufacturers, creators associated with games, and development teams are gathered in one place, celebrating TGS's 30th anniversary with their respective illustrations and messages. According to the official TGS website, the displayed shikishi will also be published on a special 30th-anniversary page.

As you gaze at the shikishi, it's as if you can see the very history of gaming that has unfolded alongside TGS. At the venue, we confirmed shikishi related to titles that have been beloved by game fans for many years, such as "Dragon Quest," "Suikoden," and "Sakura Wars."

"Dragon Quest," "Suikoden," "Sakura Wars"... Titles That Make You Stop in Your Tracks

Especially for those who have been playing games for many years, just spotting a title name is sure to evoke a strong feeling. In contrast to the giant booths and flashy stages of the latest games, the shikishi exhibition is designed for visitors to carefully admire each board individually.

Nevertheless, the impact conveyed through the handwritten text and illustrations is significant. It makes you recall your own gaming journey, thinking, "Oh, I played this game," or "TGS was like this when this title came out..."

The Tokyo Game Show is also hosting "Tokyo Game Show x 30 Years of Gaming History," which looks back at the game industry from its first event in 1996 to the present. This exhibit introduces past Japan Game Awards winners, hit titles, and key events in the game industry, alongside popular buzzwords, hit songs, stock prices, and exchange rates of their respective eras.

Take a Moment to Reflect on Gaming History Amidst the Latest Games

This year's TGS also features numerous other special projects unique to this milestone year, such as 30th-anniversary talk stages, support message boards, and photo-sharing campaigns. Among these, the shikishi corner offers a close-up view of the "30th-anniversary congratulations" sent to TGS from the creators themselves.

TGS can be quite busy, with opportunities to try out new games, experience the latest devices, and watch stage events. It's a good idea to pause your tour of the venue for a moment and immerse yourself in the gaming memories accumulated over the past 30 years.

You can search for shikishi from your favorite games, or enjoy an unexpected encounter with a title you don't know. This exhibition is a must-see for any game enthusiast, allowing you to truly feel the significance of TGS's 30th anniversary.

ASCII is currently publishing articles from its on-site reporting team as part of its "Tokyo Game Show 2026 Report"!

We will continue to introduce discussions on the latest technologies and interesting products discovered at the venue. Let's fully enjoy this year's Tokyo Game Show 2026 together with ASCII!

Tokyo Game Show 2026, venue scene