October 28’s animation observance traces its date to Émile Reynaud’s 1892 Paris presentation. ASIFA Japan’s current programme brings the celebration to several venues.
International Animation Day falls on October 28, the anniversary associated with Émile Reynaud’s 1892 Théâtre Optique presentation at the Musée Grévin in Paris. ASIFA Japan says the international association established the observance to promote animation, with national groups holding events from 2002.
For 2026, the Japanese chapter lists screenings and activities across seven venues. Its programme names locations in Shinjuku, Osaka Minami Kawachi, Oarai, Atsugi, Kyoto, Fujiidera and Hajinosato. This is a chapter programme, not evidence that those are the only events worldwide.
Reynaud’s work also appears in the collection interpretation of ACMI, Australia’s museum of screen culture. The museum describes projected moving pictures painted on flexible strips and performances designed for a gathered audience.
That history gives the day a useful viewing question: how do artists create movement, timing and a shared experience from individual images? A screening can be appreciated as a sequence of artistic decisions as well as a finished story.
The image here is a nineteenth century poster by Jules Chéret, supplied through a CC0 collection record. It is historical context. It is not ASIFA’s 2026 poster, and it does not imply that the old programme is screening today. Check individual organisers for event times and access.