VSPO’s Akihabara countdown: free New Year admission, a 25-member costume exhibition and citywide stamps
VSPO’s December 30–31 event combines a countdown, recorded screenings and a recreated streaming studio. Free countdown admission still requires a ticket; here is how the separate bookings and neighborhood activities work.
The characters familiar from a screen are becoming part of an Akihabara itinerary. Gaming and esports project VSPO is planning its Year-end Countdown 2026 in Tokyo on December 30–31, combining an exhibition, special-program screenings and a New Year countdown. Neighborhood collaborations begin on December 1. The different dates, venues and tickets matter when planning a visit.
The announcement was published on October 31, rather than first appearing on November 1. All times below are Japan local time, one hour ahead of Taiwan. Fan-club advance lotteries for on-site tickets have already opened. Even the free countdown requires a ticket obtained in advance; free admission does not mean visitors can simply walk in that night.
Choose the event first: the free countdown and paid screenings have separate tickets
The countdown takes place on the first and second floors of Bellesalle Akihabara on December 31. Doors open at 22:20, the program starts at 23:20 and is expected to finish at 00:10 the next morning. Admission is free and standing, with a free stream also planned on VSPO’s official YouTube channel. The event’s stated restriction does not allow under-18s to enter or remain after 23:00 without an adult accompanying them, a point to consider alongside companions and the journey home.
The special year-end program that day consists of prerecorded screenings, rather than live member performances, in three parts starting at 12:00, 15:00 and 18:00. Each on-site part costs ¥1,500 for a standard ticket or ¥2,500 with an original towel, including tax. Online viewing costs ¥1,000 per part or ¥2,500 for all three. Online tickets are scheduled to go on sale at 10:00 on December 19, with archive viewing available until 23:59 on January 17, 2027.
A recreated studio and costumes for 25 members, in timed 30-minute sessions
The special exhibition recreating the 3D streaming studio’s Gaming Space 2026 will occupy the second floor of Akihabara Convention Hall, from 08:30 to 22:00 on December 30 and 31. Alongside the familiar streaming setting, it will display costumes for all 25 members following the addition of Ginjo Saine and Tatsumaki Chise, plus members’ New Year calligraphy and ema plaques. A venue-only mini radio program is also planned.
The exhibition requires its own ticket: ¥1,500 standard or ¥2,500 with a bonus, including tax. Entry is for a specified date and 30-minute session, with all visitors leaving between sessions. On December 31, Bellesalle’s first floor also has a free exhibition and rest area from 09:00 to 20:00. A photo spot at UDX’s Sabonius Plaza continues until 00:30 the following morning. These free spaces are separate from the paid studio exhibition; their hours cannot be applied to the whole event.
Illustrated Akihabara venue map marking UDX, Bellesalle and Convention Hall in blue, pink and orange
Neighborhood activities start earlier, and merchandise reservations follow another timetable
The neighborhood program runs from December 1 to January 5, 2027, with posters and flags at 100 participating stores, collaborative food at 12 restaurants and a stamp rally across eight stores. The figure of 100 does not mean 100 food collaborations; menu details are due later. A purchase of at least ¥500 including tax in a single transaction at participating stores earns one randomly selected postcard from two designs. Completing the stamps earns a sticker, while cards and prizes last.
The fan-club advance lottery for on-site countdown, screening and exhibition tickets runs from 14:00 on October 31 to 23:59 on November 8, with results at 18:00 on November 13. Both applicants and companions must be fan-club members when applying. Merchandise has a separate numbered-entry process, with its first lottery from 12:00 on November 28 to 23:59 on December 6. Decide which activities to attend, then check the event website for the relevant tickets, sessions and updates before making a full-day itinerary.
Questions and answers
Can I walk into the VSPO countdown because it is free?
Free admission still requires a ticket obtained in advance. The on-site countdown is standing, and a free official YouTube stream is also planned.
When does the fan-club lottery close, and must companions be members?
It closes at 23:59 Japan time on November 8, equivalent to 22:59 in Taiwan. Both the applicant and companions must be fan-club members when applying.
Will all 100 collaborating stores serve themed food?
No. The 100-store collaboration concerns posters, flags and related store activities; the food program separately lists 12 restaurants. Menu details are to follow.
