Every year, the ACen guest team works hard to invite exciting, talented people to be part of our event, and musical concerts are an integral part of that. We aim to inform, surprise, excite, and entertain by bringing a variety of music acts to the convention. From the well-known, to the up and coming, we hope you’ll not only find a new favorite band, (or get the chance to see your current favorite live), but learn about current anime and Japanese pop culture as well.
Attending a Concert at Anime Central
Unless otherwise noted, all concerts are included as part of your ACen membership purchase. Each year thousands of attendees look forward to an amazing show from our international and domestic musical guests on our main stage as a part of our annual convention.
Each concert will have a maximum capacity limit to them and once that capacity is reached no more attendees will be able to enter. Be prepared to arrive early if you plan on attending one of the concerts at Anime Central. Anime Central does not guarantee the entry to any of the concerts held over the course of the convention.
Concert Bag Policy
During the EDM dances and concerts held in live events 1, bags will not be allowed at all. This is for the safety of everyone. The only exception to this will be a clutch/wristlet, with or without a handle or strap, that does not exceed 4.5″ x 6.5″ (approximately the size of a hand). Exceptions will also be made for attendees with a special needs access pass for medication. These passes can be obtained through our event accessibility services booth in the convention center. For events that may allow you to bring bags with you, please note that they may be subject to searching.
Upcoming Concerts for Anime Central 2026
THE IDOLM@STER and THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS
THE IDOLM@STER (Pronounced “Idol Master”) began as an idol production arcade game in July 2005, featuring 10 idols. While resembling similar “bishoujo” genre games, THE IDOLM@STER features the unique characteristic where you play as the “Producer”, and players work towards the success of the characters’ careers until they become “Top Idol”.
The series has since developed to span over 300 idol characters across 6 unique brands, several console, handheld, and mobile games, multiple anime series, and a massive music catalog with music produced by many renowned creators and collaborators. Recently in 2025, the series celebrated its 20th anniversary, and various projects continue to be launched in celebration of the franchise.
THE IDOLM@STER also hosts live concert performances featuring the voice cast from the series, as well as 3DCG Character Concerts (utilizing new “xR” technology). They have held concerts across Japan at venues such as Saitama Super Arena, Tokyo Dome, Kyocera Dome, and more. In January 2026, THE IDOLM@STER character Chihaya Kisaragi made history by holding a solo concert at the Nippon Budokan, a landmark achievement for a game-origin character.
Yuki Kajiura / FictionJunction
Aside from being known as the composer of many notable anime works, Yuki Kajiura has also been making music for her personal music project “FictionJunction”, and at ACen, she will be welcoming regulars Joelle, KAORI, LINO LEIA, and YURIKO KAIDA as the main vocalists of the group.
Through the vocal blend of these 4 extraordinary vocalists, Kajiura has heavily influenced the way choral arrangements are implemented into anime soundtracks and theme songs, establishing her own unique sound in many notable anime series such as Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Sword Art Online, Fate/Zero, etc.