The BilibiliWorld exhibition recently concluded in Shanghai, serving as one of the largest anime, manga, and game events in Asia [1, 2].
The event highlights a surge in "nostalgic consumption" among young people, signaling a significant growth opportunity for the related merchandise market in China [1, 2].
Organized by the Chinese video platform Bilibili, the three-day event took place from July 11 to July 13, 2026 [2]. The exhibition featured more than 170 companies, including a variety of Japanese creators [1].
Demand for the event was high. Tickets for the exhibition sold out within seconds of becoming available [2]. Organizers said they expected a total of 300,000 visitors to attend the gathering [2].
BilibiliWorld focused on the intersection of digital media and physical collectibles. By centering the experience on nostalgic themes, the exhibition sought to accelerate the market for anime, manga, and related goods [1, 2]. The scale of the event reflects the growing influence of ACG (anime, comic, and games) culture within the region's youth economy.
“The event highlights a surge in "nostalgic consumption" among young people”
The massive turnout and rapid ticket sell-out for BilibiliWorld indicate that anime and manga are no longer just niche interests in China, but primary drivers of consumer spending. The focus on 'nostalgic consumption' suggests that brands are successfully leveraging emotional connections to past media to move physical merchandise, creating a lucrative bridge between digital streaming platforms and retail commerce.
