Shinobi-Zato plans largest Naruto birthday festival yet for September 2026

NARUTO&BORUTO Shinobi-Zato on Awaji Island will launch a limited-time autumn celebration in September 2026 for Naruto Uzumaki’s Oct. 10 birthday. The event will feature eight special activities, including character greetings, exclusive giveaways and the return of the Chunin Exams challenge.

Why it matters: - Shinobi-Zato is using Naruto’s birthday to drive a major seasonal draw at Nijigen No Mori, one of Japan’s best-known anime theme-park experiences. - The festival could boost visits for fans traveling to Awaji Island near Kobe and Osaka. - The event adds a time-limited reason to visit the park beyond its year-round Naruto attractions.

What happened: - NARUTO&BORUTO Shinobi-Zato will launch an autumn birthday festival starting in September 2026. - The celebration marks Naruto Uzumaki’s birthday on Oct. 10. - Shinobi-Zato says the 2026 edition will be its largest birthday celebration ever. - The festival will include eight major special events. - Confirmed activities include character greetings with Naruto Uzumaki, limited-edition giveaway stickers and the return of the Chunin Exams challenge.

The details: - Shinobi-Zato is an interactive anime area inside Nijigen No Mori on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture. - The attraction recreates the Hidden Leaf Village with life-size character figures, a large Hokage Rock monument, a three-dimensional scroll maze, athletic training courses and mission-style puzzle rallies. - Visitors also can buy authentic themed food in the park. - Full schedules and participation details for the eight events will be announced later on the official website and social media channels. - More information is available on the official event page.

Between the lines: - The festival leans on one of the franchise’s most recognizable characters and one of the most popular Shinobi-Zato activities, the Chunin Exams, to maximize fan interest. - A staggered rollout of event details should keep attention on the celebration through the fall. - The focus on limited giveaways and meet-and-greets suggests the park is aiming for high repeat appeal among core Naruto fans.

What's next: - Shinobi-Zato will announce the eight event programs individually at a later date. - The park said schedules and participation rules will be posted sequentially on its website and social channels. - Visitors planning a trip to Awaji Island will need to watch for the timing of each announcement before booking around specific activities.