A Major Event for Dragon Ball Fans, Dragon Ball fans finally have something big to look forward to. In January 2026, the franchise will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a special event known as “Genkidamatsuri”, a name that translates to “Spirit Energy Festival.”
According to Nintendo Life and several reliable anime outlets, this event will be one of the largest official celebrations in Dragon Ball history, and it’s already sparking massive speculation across social media.
What Is the Genkidamatsuri Event?
The Genkidamatsuri is not just a simple fan gathering it’s expected to be a full-scale showcase for everything Dragon Ball. From anime and manga updates to game announcements and merchandise reveals, the event will likely highlight how the franchise continues to grow even after the passing of Akira Toriyama.
This celebration marks four decades since Goku first appeared in Weekly Shonen Jump back in 1984 making 2026 not only a symbolic year for nostalgia, but also the perfect moment to launch Dragon Ball’s next era.
What Could Be Announced
Here’s what the fandom is buzzing about:
- A teaser or trailer for Dragon Ball Super 2. With the manga currently paused, 2026 is the most realistic window for a full revival.
- A brand-new Dragon Ball game. Many believe Sparking! Zero was just the start, and a follow-up or spin-off could be revealed at the festival.
- Official return of the manga. With Toyotarou reportedly preparing new material, this anniversary event could confirm the comeback schedule.
- Tributes to Toriyama. Expect emotional moments celebrating the creator’s legacy, featuring rare sketches and unreleased concept art.
How It Fits the Larger Timeline
Dragon Ball’s return has been building quietly since 2024. After the hiatus and Toyotarou comments about the challenges of continuing without Toriyama, many insiders including Diario AS pointed to 2026 as the true restart point.
Holding a major anniversary event right at the start of the year lines up perfectly with that timeline. Fans are reading this as the official countdown to Dragon Ball Super 2.
What Fans Should Do Now
Keep an eye on official Dragon Ball channels, especially @DB_official_jp on X (Twitter) and V Jump magazine updates in December. Those outlets usually drop teaser visuals a month before major reveals.
Fans can also join live streams of the event through Toei Animation’s YouTube channel, which has already hosted similar broadcasts for past anniversaries.
Final Thoughts
The January 2026 Genkidamatsuri could redefine Dragon Ball future. Whether it’s the reveal of Super 2, a new game, or a heartfelt tribute to Toriyama, this event will mark the official start of the next Dragon Ball generation.
Get ready the wait might finally be over, and the Saiyan energy is building once again.
