AkumuFest Hits Japan Village Brooklyn
Kaede Kimonos and JapanCultureNYC are collaborating to present AkumuFest: An Interactive Japanese Horror Experience! This Saturday, October 25, Japan Village will come alive with Yokai in this immersive celebration of Japanese horror, fashion, folklore, and fandom.
AkumuFest: An Interactive Japanese Horror Experience
Kaede Kimonos and JapanCultureNYC are collaborating to present AkumuFest: An Interactive Japanese Horror Experience! This Saturday, October 25, Japan Village will come alive with Yokai in this immersive celebration of Japanese horror, fashion, folklore, and fandom.
AkumuFest merges Japanese horror aesthetics with modern fandom through immersive storytelling, folklore-inspired fashion, and interactive experiences. Attendees are invited to dress in Japanese horror cosplay, kimono, or original yokai-themed attire.
Event Details
📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025
🕘 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 pm
🌑 AkumuFest After Dark: 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
📍 Japan Village – 934 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232
🎟️ Admission: Free
Presented By
👘 Kaede Kimonos & JapanCultureNYC
🎌 Under the patronage of Japan Village
Main Highlights
📖 Japanese Storytelling
👹 Cosplay Contest
🏮 30 Unique Vendors
BaobDraws
Sushito Clothing
Radlab Art Studio
XIseeno
Vandel M Studios
Summeresque Crochet
Partulla
CupNewdles
CleanPlum
Unlicensedkarebear
The Dark Fae Collaborative
P-GLiTCHii Studio
tiny little guys
Oishiri Sauce
Cute Tangerinie
glitched_rena
SteamCatKimono
Anubis House Productions
Kazaria3
Pucci Ropa Jewelry /Hanatural.
Crafts by Wing
Little Song’s Workshop
Natalie Anna Jacobsen – Author of Ghost Train
PlusHii Kawaii
GRINNIES /Fragrant Olive
Clucludie
JOGI NO YUME
JapanCultureNYC
Ravishing Admire
KikiPenguins
🥐 Akumu Café – Located in the courtyard in front of Panya!
🎤 Live Performers
Liana Kurogi
OMNY Taiko
Rino Day performance (Solo/Duo)
Rino Band
Let Hair Down
Edamovement Lab
Akari Village
Quantum
🏯 Brooklyn’s First Night Parade of 100 Yokai
After Dark
✨ Stay with us for AKUMUFEST AFTER DARK ✨
🎶 Live Performances • 🎭 Comedians • 🎤 Special Guests
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc
Get ready to scream, because the Chainsaw Man Movie Trailer will be shown at AkumuFest! swing by the Chainsaw Man booth for bloody-good giveaways (while supplies last)!
Are you brave enough to step into the chaos?
For the first time, Chainsaw Man slashes his way onto the big screen in an epic, action-fueled adventure that continues the hugely popular anime series. Denji worked as a Devil Hunter for the yakuza, trying to pay off the debt he inherited from his parents, until the yakuza betrayed him and had him killed. As he was losing consciousness, Denji’s beloved chainsaw-powered devil-dog, Pochita, made a deal with Denji and saved his life. This fused the two together, creating the unstoppable Chainsaw Man. Now, in a brutal war between devils, hunters, and secret enemies, a mysterious girl named Reze has stepped into his world, and Denji faces his deadliest battle yet, fueled by love in a world where survival knows no rules.
VIP Pass
Step into the shadows with our exclusive VIP Pass, designed to give you the ultimate AkumuFest journey.
As a VIP, you’ll receive:
🍱 One Deluxe Bento Box – Choose from a curated selection of Japanese bento, each served with 2 classic side dishes.
🍬 Authentic Japanese Snack bag – Handpicked festival treats to enjoy throughout the day.
🥤 One Refreshing Drink – Choose from tea, soda, specialty drink or bottled water.
🎴 Up to Two Interactive Experiences – FREE – Whether you dare to take on the Cursed Experience Challenge or join the Yokai Hunt Tour, you can unlock up to two of these immersive adventures at no extra cost.
Your VIP pass doesn’t just give you food and perks—it grants you deeper access to the eerie, immersive world of AkumuFest. Enter, if you dare, by clicking here.
Support JapanCulture•NYC by becoming a member! For $5 a month, you’ll help maintain the high quality of our site while we continue to showcase and promote the activities of our vibrant community. Please click here to begin your membership today!
Chainsaw Man in NYC Theaters October 24
For the first time, Chainsaw Man slashes his way onto the big screen in an epic, action-fueled adventure that continues the hugely popular anime series.
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc
For the first time, Chainsaw Man slashes his way onto the big screen in an epic, action-fueled adventure that continues the hugely popular anime series. Denji worked as a Devil Hunter for the yakuza, trying to pay off the debt he inherited from his parents, until the yakuza betrayed him and had him killed. As he was losing consciousness, Denji’s beloved chainsaw-powered devil-dog, Pochita, made a deal with Denji and saved his life. This fused the two together, creating the unstoppable Chainsaw Man. Now, in a brutal war between devils, hunters, and secret enemies, a mysterious girl named Reze has stepped into his world, and Denji faces his deadliest battle yet, fueled by love in a world where survival knows no rules.
Where to Watch
Here are just a few places where you can see Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc in New York City. As you look through the screening times, make sure to check which ones are subtitled or dubbed into English.
The Devil Hunters arrive at AkumuFest!
Get ready to scream, because the Chainsaw Man Movie trailer will be shown at AkumuFest this Saturday, October 25 at Japan Village in Brooklyn! Festival Hours: 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. | After Dark: 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Plus—swing by the Chainsaw Man booth for bloody-good giveaways (while supplies last)!
Support JapanCulture•NYC by becoming a member! For $5 a month, you’ll help maintain the high quality of our site while we continue to showcase and promote the activities of our vibrant community. Please click here to begin your membership today!
Immersive ONE PIECE Exhibition at Mercer Labs in Downtown NYC
Legendary studio Toei Animation and Mercer Labs, Museum of Art and Technology, unveiled ONE PIECE x MERCER LABS, a groundbreaking immersive exhibition celebrating the iconic ONE PIECE anime franchise.
Image courtesy: ©Eiichiro Oda/Shueisha, Toei Animation
ONE PIECE x MERCER LABS
Thursday, October 9, 2025 through Sunday, November 30, 2025
Mercer Labs – 21 Dey Street (between Church Street and Broadway)
Admission: $75 VIP | $55 General Admission | $50 for Students, Seniors (65+), and Children (4-17)
On Thursday, October 9, legendary studio Toei Animation and Mercer Labs, Museum of Art and Technology, unveiled ONE PIECE x MERCER LABS, a groundbreaking immersive exhibition celebrating the iconic ONE PIECE anime franchise. Taking place at Mercer Labs (21 Dey Street, in downtown Manhattan), this highly anticipated experience will open to the public through Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Based on the globally beloved and best-selling manga of all time created by Eiichiro Oda and brought to life by Toei Animation, the iconic ONE PIECE episodic series follows pirate Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Crew on their epic quest to find the “One Piece,” the legendary treasure of Gol D. Roger, former King of the Pirates. Now more than 25 years since the series debuted on Japanese TV in 1999, ONE PIECE has taken its place in mainstream pop culture as one of the most successful and enduring anime franchises of all time, attracting millions of fans of all ages around the world. Today, the franchise currently spans 15 feature films, multiple video games, a trading card game, and an ever-growing catalog of licensed merchandise and location-based entertainment.
“At Mercer Labs, we’re revolutionizing the art experience — and for me, that begins with forging bold, creative alliances that shatter conventions,” says Nasir Dean, manager of special projects at Mercer Labs. “Partnering with Toei Animation on ONE PIECE was an instinctive choice — it’s a legendary brand that has ignited imaginations worldwide. Now, we’re inviting fans to immerse themselves in its universe through a dynamic fusion of culture, cutting-edge innovation, and breathtaking sensory exploration.”
“This partnership is a true meeting of worlds — legendary storytelling and next-generation technology,” said Roy Nachum, co-founder and Creative Director of Mercer Labs. “With ONE PIECE, we're not just displaying animation. We’re inviting fans to experience the artistry, imagination, and enduring spirit of the series in an entirely new way.”
Image courtesy: ©Eiichiro Oda/Shueisha, Toei Animation
The ONE PIECE x MERCER LABS exhibition will include exclusive installations, behind-the-scenes production artwork, immersive digital environments, and interactive experiences that celebrate the epic saga of Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Crew.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Mercer Labs to create ONE PIECE x MERCER LABS and bring this cutting-edge immersive ONE PIECE location-based entertainment experience to fans in New York City,” said Lisa Yamatoya, Senior Director and Head of Marketing at Toei Animation Inc. “For over 25 years, ONE PIECE has been delighting audiences of all ages around the world with the imaginative storytelling and colorful characters by Creator Eiichiro Oda. And now, ONE PIECE x MERCER LABS will offer guests an exclusive limited-time opportunity to be immersed in the world of ONE PIECE and experience it like never before. Whether an existing fan or newcomer, you will not want to miss this one-of-a-kind and truly unforgettable ONE PIECE event!”
Ticket Pricing Breakdown
VIP: $75 (includes free mochi, a customized beverage, and a commemorative poster)
General Admission: $55
Students, Seniors (65+) and Children (4-17): $50
Groups of 10+ are 10% off. For group questions, contact Groups@mercerlabs.com.
Individual tickets for ONE PIECE x MERCER LABS are on-sale now. For tickets, visit www.mercerlabs.com, or call the box office at 212-600-9009.
Mercer Labs Hours
Monday - Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Thursday - Sunday: 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.
ABOUT TOEI ANIMATION
Toei Animation Inc. is based in Los Angeles and manages the distribution of Toei Animation’s top properties, including franchise series Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, ONE PIECE, Digimon, Saint Seiya, and many others, to North America, Latin America, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. In addition, Toei Animation’s Los Angeles office also oversees all categories of consumer product licensing based on its film and television brands within these territories. For more information, please visit toei-animation-usa.com.
ABOUT MERCER LABS
Mercer Labs is a cultural institution that pushes the boundaries between art and technology. A space for experimentation and innovation, Mercer Labs is committed to redefining the museum experience, where art and technology constantly progress, serving as a center for the convergence of art, culture, and technology through immersive exhibitions, interactive experiences, and forward-thinking collaborations. As a collaborative platform, Mercer Labs fosters partnerships with artists, musicians, filmmakers, designers, and creatives creating an ecosystem where diverse forms of creative expression thrive. For more information, please visit www.mercerlabs.com.
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New York Public LIbrary’s Manga Book Club with Kodansha USA
NYPL x Kodansha Manga Book Club (To Your Eternity)
Wednesday, March 19 from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.
53rd Street Library – 18 W. 53rd Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues), Community Room
Admission: Free
Join the New York Public Library for their manga book club, in partnership with Kodansha USA! They’ll be discussing Yoshitoki Oima’s supernatural drama, To Your Eternity with special guest Haruko Hashimoto, one of the book’s editors.
The book club will be covering the first volume of To Your Eternity, which is available to all cardholders through the Comics Plus database. If you have questions, please email josephpascullo@nypl.org.
To attend, please use the Register Now link at NYPL’s website.
About To Your Eternity
A new manga from the creator of the acclaimed A Silent Voice, To Your Eternity features intimate, emotional drama and an epic story spanning time and space.
A lonely boy wandering the desolate tundra meets a wolf, and the two become fast friends, depending on each other to survive the harsh environment. But the boy has a history, and the wolf is more than meets the eye as well. To Your Eternity is a totally unique and moving manga about death, life, reincarnation, and the nature of love.
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JAPANESE MANGA ARTIST & ILLUSTRATOR ACKY BRIGHT FEATURED AT JAPAN SOCIETY
Acky Bright: Studio Infinity
Friday, October 4 through Sunday, January 19, 2025
Japan Society – 333 E. 47th Street (between 1st and 2nd Avenues)
Admission: $12 nonmembers | $10 students and seniors | Free First Fridays from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Japan Society presents Acky Bright: Studio Infinity, a showcase of the rising star’s unique kawakakkoii (cute and cool) style of illustration and product design. A distinguished Japanese manga artist and illustrator, Acky Bright is known for his unique worldbuilding.
Conceived as Acky Bright’s design studio, the exhibition offers visitors an exceptional opportunity to meet the artist, witness his freestyle “live drawing,” and participate in making a series of manga-style murals. Performative and interactive, the exhibition, which previewed during the weekend of Anime NYC in August, will evolve as Acky Bright makes intermittent appearances in the gallery.
The exhibition will feature two new painting series by Acky Bright, KBK-18, and Ah-Un, that each draw inspiration from traditional Japanese art and theater. Underscoring the impressive range of his contemporary art practice, the show will also highlight Acky Bright’s promotional campaigns designed for major companies, including his multimedia designs for the nationwide “WcDonald’s” campaign, YOASOBI x Vaundy’s FRIES BEAT 2024 music video, and Squid Game coloring book illustrated for Netflix.
Gallery Information
Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Closed on major holidays
Tickets include entry to both of Japan Society’s fall exhibitions, Acky Bright: Studio Infinity and Bunraku Backstage. To purchase tickets, please visit Japan Society’s website.
Support JapanCulture•NYC by becoming a member! For $5 a month, you’ll help maintain the high quality of our site while we continue to showcase and promote the activities of our vibrant community. Please click here to begin your membership today!
POKEFEST NYC
Monday, September 4 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. (Early admission at 9:00 a.m.)
Sour Mouse – 110 Delancey Street (between Essex and Ludlow Streets)
Admission: $12.71 Early Bird — 9:00 a.m. Entry | $7.37 General Admission — 10:00 a.m. Entry (includes fees)
This Labor Day, Japanese Pokémon vendor Tenshi & Zilla and Lower East Side social club and pool hall Sour Mouse present POKEFEST NYC!
A wide variety of vendors will be there with goods ranging from cards, funko pops, plushies, and more. Pokémon Unite players, bring your teams for GTT-Unova. The NYC Pokémon Unite Guild hosting a meet-up group for networking and casual play.
In addition, voice actors Emily Cramer and Nicholas Corda will join as special guests. Food and drink will be available for purchase.
After the show, enjoy the PokefestNYC After Party. Don’t miss out on the biggest Pokémon event in NYC at PokeFestNYC! To purchase tickets, please visit Sour Mouse’s Eventbrite page.
About Emily Cramer
Emily Cramer is a voice actor and singer whose work can be heard internationally in commercials, animated television shows, movies, video games, dark rides, and audio dramas.
Her most notable titles are currently Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS, The Winx Club, Bread Barbershop, Battle Game In 5 Seconds, EDF World Brothers, many Yu-Gi-Oh! video games, and Genshin Impact.
Before falling in love with voiceover, Cramer performed for many years in Broadway and national touring productions of Shrek the Musical, Mary Poppins, Les Misérables, and School of Rock. For more information about Cramer, please visit her website.
About Nicholas Corda
Nicholas Corda is an actor, writer, singer, musician, and producer. He can be heard in Pokémon Sun and Moon, Pokémon Journeys, Yu-Gi-Oh! Sevens, Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links, One Piece, Adult Swim and Crunchyroll's hit series Fena: Pirate Princess, Square Enix's critically-acclaimed Live A Live, Netflix's Original Movie Secret Magic Control Agency, as well as Genshin Impact, Prince of Tennis, and other anime, cartoons, commercials, video games, podcasts, and audiobooks. Corda is also the Audio Description Narrator for the beloved Nickelodeon series Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix. Please visit his website for more information.
Tenshi & Zilla
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