{"id":405983,"date":"2026-07-21T01:57:33","date_gmt":"2026-07-21T01:57:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/405983\/"},"modified":"2026-07-21T01:57:33","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T01:57:33","slug":"highlights-and-announcements-from-anime-expo-2026-annenberg-media","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/405983\/","title":{"rendered":"Highlights and announcements from Anime Expo 2026 \u2013 Annenberg Media"},"content":{"rendered":"

From July 2-5, Los Angeles hosted the 35th Anime Expo<\/a> across the Los Angeles Convention Center and its surrounding venues. The annual convention brings together fans of anime and celebrates the popularity and influence of Japanese pop culture internationally. Featuring industry-first announcements, exclusive merchandise opportunities and fan events, the convention provides something exciting for all fans of anime.<\/p>\n

With this year\u2019s convention featuring over 422,000 turnstile fans<\/a> from more than 65 different countries across its four days, North America geared up for four days to celebrate the global force Japanese anime has become. These are some of the largest announcements and panels featured at this year\u2019s convention as they occurred.<\/p>\n

Aniplex Industry Panel\"PanelistsKanta Kamei playing rock-paper-scissors with the audience to give away a signed art piece. (Photo by Aaron Ogawa) <\/p>\n

Starting off with the first day of the convention, production company Aniplex<\/a> touched on several anticipated shows and IP\u2019s during its panel. Hosts Shelby Tozier and Lauren Jeong walked the audience through Aniplex\u2019s merchandise, collaborations, lineup of currently airing and upcoming shows and event announcements.<\/p>\n

The panelists then discussed Aniplex\u2019s current and upcoming anime release calendar. Before the panel, Aniplex held a series of polls regarding anime titles in its roster. Using these polls, the company hinted at the projects it would mention during the panel.<\/p>\n

The hosts first showcased a trailer for a localized version of \u201cPuella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Walpurgisnacht Rising\u201d with English subtitles. No official release date was announced. Hosts also revealed \u201cThe Irregular at Magic High School the Movie: Yotsuba Succession Arc\u201d and \u201cRascal Does Not Dream of a Dear Friend,\u201d both of which were announced to be releasing soon.<\/p>\n

The anime announcements consisted of \u201cNeedy Girl Overdose,\u201d \u201cRilakkuma\u201d Season 2, \u201cElusive Samurai\u201d Season 2, \u201cMashle: Magic and Muscle Tri-Magic-Athalon Divine Visionary Final Exam arc\u201d and \u201cGrow Up Show – Sunflower Circus.\u201d The director of \u201cGrow Up Show – Sunflower Circus,\u201d Kanta Kamei, appeared as a special guest to talk more about the show.<\/p>\n

Alien Stage\"PanelMoments before the \u201cAlien Stage\u201d panel began at the JW Marriott. (Photo by Aaron Ogawa) <\/p>\n

Artist Vivinos and Producer Kang returned to Anime Expo to discuss what will come next for the popular Korean YouTube animated series \u201cAlien Stage.\u201d <\/p>\n

The two talked about the newly released series, \u201cZombie Stage,\u201d and how they are happy with the positive reaction the first episode has been receiving thus far. Along with the release of the new series, they also highlighted the Alien Stage: Find Your Plus One!<\/a> exhibition, currently being held at Animate LA.<\/p>\n

The panelists also mentioned that they are currently working on a brand-new Alien Stage project: the first-ever 3D character concert\/exhibition. The show will be a continuation of the finale of the original \u201cAlien Stage\u201d show and is set to launch next year in Seoul, Tokyo and Los Angeles. <\/p>\n

The series will have a small showcase in Tokyo in October, where the characters Luca, Sua and Ivan will be present. <\/p>\n

Midway through the panel, Vivinos and Producer Kang introduced their special guest, the series main artist, Qmeng, whom the audience welcomed with screams of excitement. <\/p>\n

The panelist then showcased a snippet of the 3D concert that is still in production. They showed behind-the-scenes images of the live project, which included (for some characters) both the 2D and 3D versions.<\/p>\n

When the audience thought that was all, the final and biggest news from the panel was announced: there will be an anime adaptation with Animate, an anime specialty store.<\/p>\n

Star Wars: Visions Presents \u2013 The Ninth Jedi\"PanelistsFrom left to right Hitsohi Ito, Shunsuke Tada and Kenji Kamiyama discussing the creation behind \u201cStar Wars: Visions Presents \u2013 The Ninth Jedi.\u201d (Photo by Aaron Ogawa) <\/p>\n

During its panel on day one, Lucasfilm and Production I.G gave a first look at \u201dThe Ninth Jedi,\u201d a new anime set in the Star Wars universe that is set to premiere on Aug. 5th on Disney+ and Hulu.<\/p>\n

Picking up a fan-favorite story from \u201cStar Wars Visions,\u201d an animated anthology series that presents the mythology of Star Wars through multicultural perspectives, \u201cThe Ninth Jedi\u201d will continue Lah Kara\u2019s journey with her Jedi allies to find her father, sabersmith Lah Zhima, who was taken by Jedi Hunters.<\/p>\n

\u201cStar Wars and anime were always destined to come together,\u201d Rimes said. \u201cAnime has always been just a huge part of Lucasfilm, the staff, and our internal animation team as well. George Lucas even did a book called Visions, in which he went out and found a lot of artists to do their interpretation of Star Wars, and that\u2019s where we got the inspiration for the title.\u201d<\/p>\n

The producers were soon joined by the writer and supervising director of \u201cThe Ninth Jedi,\u201d Kenji Kamiyama.<\/p>\n

\u201cI fortunately was offered by Lucasfilm to extend into the series,\u201d Kamiyama said.. \u201cWhile I was writing and creating the original short episode [for Star Wars: Visions], I was creating a lot more background, both the characters and stories, so I had an extensive idea, and I wanted to see more of Kara\u2019s journey myself, so I gladly accepted the opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Following the reveal of a new, exclusive trailer and a new teaser poster for the upcoming series, Kamiyama broke down some important details.<\/p>\n

\u201cA lightsaber that changes colors based on the user\u2019s heart and emotions, that\u2019s the unique part of this world,\u201d Kamiyama said. \u201cIn this poster, Kara is holding a green lightsaber, but at the end of the trailer, you saw that the color was red. So what\u2019s going to happen? That\u2019s something we wanted to explore.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once the panel concluded, fans discussed their thoughts on the first episode.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was really interesting,\u201d attendee Matthew Young said. \u201cIt was my first time at Anime Expo, so I wasn\u2019t expecting to see Star Wars. It\u2019s really interesting to see these two, anime and Star Wars, cross so deeply.\u201d<\/p>\n

With the first day of the convention wrapping up, fans left the Convention Center to prepare for the next three days of announcements.<\/p>\n

Gachiakuta\"PanelFans waiting in their seats at the Peacock Theater for the Gachiakuta panel to start. (Photo by Collin Kim) <\/p>\n

Early in the morning of day two, the \u201cGachiakuta\u201d panel (hosted by Crunchyroll) took place at the Peacock Theater, where host Tim Lyu gave the audience a first look at season 2 of \u201cGachiakuta.\u201d Lyu soon welcomed Aoi Ichikawa, the Japanese voice actor of Rudo (the main character of the series), as a special guest. Following Ichikawa, they also had the director, Fumihiko Suganuma, and the producer of \u201cBones,\u201d Naoki Amano, accompany him to talk about the upcoming season.<\/p>\n

Ichikawa joked that even he didn\u2019t know what to expect because he had just recorded the lines and had not seen the animation. Following the discussion, they proceeded to do a live dubbing with Ichikawa of two scenes from Season 1.<\/p>\n

The panel concluded with a rough, short teaser of Season 2.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just love being able to see snippets of it, because every single snippet that was new, that was mixed in with the older ones, gives you so much excitement. I was like, \u2018Oh, I know what happens! Oh my gosh, it\u2019s this part!\u2019 I am just so excited,\u201d said Emily Santos, a cosplayer who attended the panel.<\/p>\n

Demon Slayer\"VoiceFrom left to right, Saori Hayami, Natsuki Hanae and Takahiro Sakurai speaking about their experiences working on the \u201cDemon Slayer: Infinity Castle\u201d film. (Photo by Aaron Ogawa) <\/p>\n

Returning to the Peacock Theater, the \u201cDemon Slayer\u201d panel welcomed Natsuki Hanae, the voice of Tanjiro Kamado, Takahiro Sakurai the voice of Giyu Tomioka and Saori Hayami\u2019s first time in Los Angeles, the voice of Shinobu Kocho.<\/p>\n

Known for its beautiful animation, \u201cDemon Slayer\u201d takes place in Japan\u2019s Taisho period where demons exist and eat humans and can only be defeated by demon slayers and the sun. Following the tragic loss of his family and his younger sister\u2019s turning into a demon, protagonist Tanjiro goes on a journey to hunt down the progenitor of demons, Muzan, while encountering allies and dangerous foes. \u201cDemon Slayer: Infinity Castle\u201d was released last September in the U.S. and it became the highest grossing anime film of all time.<\/p>\n

The panel began with the voice actors talking about their experiences working on the record-holding film.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven when reading the original works in Infinity Castle, I knew this was such an important moment, a climax,\u201d said Hanae. \u201cI was just excited, and also when recording, I was a little bit nervous, but I also had fun as well in the recording booth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the Akaza part it was actually only three of us in the recording studio,\u201d said Tomioka. \u201cSo myself, Akira Ishida, who\u2019s the voice of Akaza, and Hanai-san, and I was just taken back of just how powerful Ishida-san\u2019s acting was. His aura was just oozing and amazing, so I was just admiring that very much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI knew how much resolve was needed and how much determination was needed in going into this fight, so I channeled that, and I was a little bit nervous, but I also wanted to channel this and do my best,\u201d said Hayami. \u201cIn regards to Mamoru Miyano, the voice of Doma, I knew him from before, but when he was playing Doma, I was just like, \u2018Oh, I gotta get this guy.\u2019 He brought out a lot of anger within me, but with that combined with the visuals, I think it really, really helped me get through the battle scenes and really ignite that natural emotion that he evoked through his acting.\u201d<\/p>\n

The many emotions that the voice actors mentioned were presented through an exciting live dubbing session.<\/p>\n

Hayami voiced the iconic confrontation scene between Shinobu and Douma. Chills could be felt throughout the theater, as Hayami brought out the pure anger her character felt after finally encountering her older sister\u2019s murderer.<\/p>\n

Hanae performed the long-awaited encounter between Tanjiro and Akaza. As the audience watched in anticipation as Akaza entered the screen, Hanae embodied Tanjiro and bellowed Akaza\u2019s name with determination to avenge his mentor Kyojuro.<\/p>\n

Sakurai acted out the exciting moment where Giyuu resolved to raise his sword against Akaza and unlocked his demon slayer mark. Bringing out Giyuu\u2019s determination, Sakurai brought the audience back to the legendary moment where his character\u2019s fight against a terrifying villain entered a new dimension.<\/p>\n

Following the live dubbing, a special video was shown of Tanjiro and Giyuu being drawn. Sped up, the video showcased how much work and attention to detail went into sketching and coloring the two characters. The very drawing was passed out to the audience in the form of a card as a token of gratitude from Ufotable for all the support they have received.<\/p>\n

Additionally, a short video teasing Ufotable\u2019s newest film project, Witch on the Night, was shown, garnering the audience\u2019s interest for how the studio would adapt the famous visual novel.<\/p>\n

Towards the end of the panel, it was revealed that \u201cDemon Slayer: Infinity Castle\u201d will now be available for streaming on Crunchyroll beginning July 28.<\/p>\n

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2\"DESCRIBEFans fill the seats of Crypto.com Arena waiting for the \u201cCyberpunk: Edgerunners 2\u201d panel to begin. (Photo by Aaron Ogawa) <\/p>\n

An early screening of the first episode \u201cCyberpunk: Edgerunners 2\u201d was screened at a panel hosted on July 3rd in Crypto.com Arena.<\/p>\n

Released on Netflix on Sept. 13, 2022, \u201cCyberpunk: Edgerunners\u201d follows the story of David Martinez, a street kid who,following a tragic loss, becomes a mercenary, taking on dangerous jobs against corporations while navigating the dystopian Night City that is obsessed with body modifications called \u201cchrome.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before the first episode of the second season was revealed, Showrunner Bartosz Sztybor and Executive Producer Saya Elder discussed the work behind the first season.<\/p>\n

Elder shared how there was a lot of pressure to do well since the concept of edgerunners has always existed as a campaign where participants could become their dream edgerunner and do \u201ccrazy things\u201d in Night City.<\/p>\n

The showrunner and producer also discussed the differences between Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 1 and 2. Sztybor said that season two will be more grounded compared to the romantic depiction of Night City in season one.<\/p>\n

\u201cNight City is hyperviolent and hypersexual,\u201d Elder said. \u201cSo how can you tell a good story in Night City?\u201d<\/p>\n

During the episode, the audience was introduced to multiple characters. Weak Kingsley, a former cyberpunk legend now forced to live without chrome, D, a deadly nomad seeking revenge for his family, Talia Yang, a woman obsessed with her gang\u2019s chrome-culture and Roman Carax, the protagonist and a child cinephile who\u2019s hellbent on documenting real stories in Night City.<\/p>\n

Ikarashi revealed that his vision of season two revolved around how the characters would be consumed by the system of Night City and how they would cope with the decisions they would have to make.<\/p>\n

Once it was revealed that season two would have the same writers from season one, the phrase, \u201cDon\u2019t get too attached to everyone,\u201d was shared multiple times between the panelists and the audience, as Cyberpunk: Edgerunners has earned the reputation for being simultaneously one of the most beautiful yet tragic animes out there.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou may think sadness is sexy,\u201d added Sztybor. \u201cIt\u2019s not. Happiness is sexier.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Apothecary Diaries\"VoiceVoice actors of Jinshi, Takeo Ootsuka, and Mao Mao, Aoi Yuuki, speaking towards the audience. (Photo by Aaron Ogawa) <\/p>\n

Returning for this year\u2019s convention, \u201cThe Apothecary Diaries\u201d panel brought Aoi Yuuki, the voice of Mao Mao, and Takeo Otsuka, the voice of Jinshi, to the stage of the Peacock Theater. While being Yuuki\u2019s second time attending Anime Expo, the panel marked the first time Otsuka visited Los Angeles.<\/p>\n

With season two ending last July, the panelists confirmed that production of season three is already underway.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe actually started dubbing for season three already, so we\u2019re recording the episodes as we speak,\u201d Yuuki said. \u201cWhat I will say is the scale is going to be even bigger than season two, the mystery is going to be even more mysterious, and it\u2019s actually going to carry over from season two. And of course, there\u2019s going to be the Mao Mao and Jinshi interactions to look forward to as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both voice actors then discussed their personal experiences playing Mao Mao and Jinshi.<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean this in the best possible way, but it feels like we\u2019re in elementary school together when we\u2019re recording,\u201d said Yuuki. \u201cAs Mao Mao, I think I have the most work out of all the other cast members. There\u2019s a lot of talking, but everyone\u2019s so nice to me, and they spoil me, so I think it all works out in the end.\u201d<\/p>\n

Towards the end of the panel, the voice actors answered what they are looking forward to regarding season three.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn season three, there are going to be new characters and some existing characters that are going to see a lot more screen time, so I think if you\u2019re fans of those characters, it\u2019s going to be your season,\u201d Ootsuka said.<\/p>\n

While not discussed at the panel, a new trailer<\/a> for \u201cThe Apothecary Diaries: The Movie\u201d was released on YouTube on July 2. The movie is set to premiere in Japan on Dec. 11, 2026.<\/p>\n

Persona 4 Revival\"PhotoAttendees line up to take a photo with Teddie from \u201cPersona 4\u201d before the panel begins. (Photo by Aaron Ogawa) <\/p>\n

Game studio ATLUS kicked off day three of Anime Expo with new announcements regarding the long-awaited \u201cPersona 4 Revival\u201d remake. After revealing the pre-order trailer<\/a> during the Xbox Games Showcase Jun. 7, ATLUS has been promoting the upcoming remake through gameplay and story showcases on social media.<\/p>\n

General producer Kazuhisa Wada, business producer Yohsuke Uda, character designer Shigenori Soejima and the new voice actor of Yosuke Hanamura, Paul Castro Jr. made an appearance at the panel to reveal new information about the game.<\/p>\n

The panel first began with a side-by-side comparison between the graphics<\/a> in \u201cPersona 4 Golden\u201d and \u201cPersona 4 Revival.\u201d Similar to ATLUS\u2019 newer titles, Persona 4 Revival\u2019s graphics provide a stylish flair and smooth animations that build upon the original \u201cPersona 4\u201d experience.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have put a lot of effort into redoing all of the character models and making sure everything is just beautiful and upgraded,\u201d Soejima said. \u201cWe\u2019ve made the models look great \u2026we can upgrade the system, things that we couldn\u2019t do back then to have, like full proportion character bodies, that are going to make you all go \u2018wow.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Wada then spoke about what aspects of the game were given special care and attention for the remake.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve put a ton of importance this time on making sure that we preserve the original\u2019s atmosphere and vibe. We know you love it and we want to make sure you still get that same sense,\u201d said Wada. \u201cAt the same time, we want to make sure that you can really feel like the world, like the kind of laid-back kind of countryside life in Inaba that you all enjoyed. But really that complex human drama at the heart of the story, we\u2019ve kind of spent a lot of time trying to rebuild those core elements that make the game so special.\u201d<\/p>\n

When interviewing Persona fans, Danny Fung voiced his opinions regarding the new remake and Prime Time battle mechanic.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause they included Prime Time, I have concerns about the difficulty,\u201d Fung said. \u201cI hope they retain the ability to set the difficulty really high. I think the game should be hard to the point where it does not discourage you. it should push you to overcome the challenge that\u2019s ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n

With the soundtrack of the Persona titles being a key component of each game\u2019s identity, Fung touched on this aspect of the game as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe thing that stuck out to me [was] that there were a lot of opinions on the music online. I think based on the new music that I heard from the trailer, there were a lot less percussion,\u201d said Fung. \u201c[The original soundtrack had] lots of heavy drum beats and bass. But overall, anyways, that\u2019s not a downside for me. I\u2019m excited to hear the new soundtrack.\u201d<\/p>\n

The panel also showcased a new trailer<\/a> revealing Abby Trott to be the new English voice actor of Rise Kujikawa. Unlike the original Japanese cast, \u201cPersona 4 Revival\u201d will feature a recast of every voice actor for the English dub.<\/p>\n

Midway through the panel, Manabu Otsuka, president and CEO of Studio MAPPA, made an appearance as a surprise guest. This was quickly followed an announcement that MAPPA will animate the cutscenes for \u201cPersona 4 Revival.\u201d Storyboards and the world premiere<\/a> of the cutscene where the protagonist awakes to his persona were showcased.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe director who handled the animated cutscenes, in order to make sure that they really got perfectly all the vibes right, played [Persona] one through four in a row before they started doing the direction,\u201d Soejima said.<\/p>\n

The panel ended with an announcement that \u201cPERSONA 4 the ANIMATION<\/a>\u201d and \u201cPERSONA 4 the Golden ANIMATION<\/a>\u201d are both available to stream for free on Aniplex USA\u2019s YouTube Channel from July 4 to Aug. 19.<\/p>\n

While not revealed at the panel, a trailer for Yosuke<\/a> and Chie<\/a> were released later, and new demo gameplay<\/a> featured at Bilibili World showcased early parts of the game.<\/p>\n

Persona 4 Revival is set to be released on February 18, 2027, on Xbox, PlayStation and Steam.<\/p>\n

Mob Psycho 100\"PanelFrom left to right, Yuzuru Tachikawa, Setsuo Ito, and Takahiro Sakurai stand on stage, ready to discuss Mob Psycho 100. (Photo by Lynn Sunwoo) <\/p>\n

To celebrate its 10-year anniversary for its anime adaptation, \u201cMob Psycho 100\u201d hosted a special panel featuring chief director Yuzuru Tachikawa, the voice of Mob, Setsuo Ito, and the voice of Reigen, Takahiro Sakurai.<\/p>\n

Following the story of Shigeo \u201cMob\u201d Kageyama, an unimpressionable boy who suppresses his emotions in order to keep his psychic powers at bay, and exorcises evil spirits with his con-man mentor, Reigen, \u201cMob Psycho 100\u201d blends high-stakes action scenes with messages centered on emotional growth. The show concluded its television run with three seasons in Dec. 2022.<\/p>\n

As the panel began, the three panelists discussed which episodes stood out to them the most.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think one moment that stands out to me is when Reigen says, \u2018You can run away,\u2019\u201d Sakurai said, referring to the iconic moment where Reigen assured Mob during a tense battle against dangerous opponents. \u201cOften in anime, the theme is \u2018I can\u2019t run away. Don\u2019t run away.\u2019 So being able to say the opposite was really striking.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ito and Sakurai also performed a live-dubbing session of their answers. They also voiced one of the fan-favorite moments from the series finale, where Mob revealed he was rejected by his crush and started crying as Reigen comforted him.<\/p>\n

Following the dub session, it was announced that \u201cMob Psycho 100\u201d would be celebrating its 10th anniversary through a theatrical experience on July 20 in select theaters by screening five episodes that the fans voted for through Crunchyroll.<\/p>\n

In addition to this announcement, a real-time screen recording of Tachikawa\u2019s computer was shown, which highlighted the chief director\u2019s storyboarding process.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted to keep the goodness of the original manga as much as possible,\u201d Tachikawa said. \u201cSo the scenes I really loved in the manga I tried to be as faithful as possible in terms of nuance and camera angles, but for the action scenes, I took more liberties to have all the dynamic actions.\u201d<\/p>\n

To conclude the panel, an early screening of a special short episode celebrating the 10th anniversary of the anime series was shown. The fans cheered and laughed upon seeing their beloved Mob and Reigen return.<\/p>\n

Warner Bros. Industry Panel\"PanelistsFans raise their hands for a chance to take a trivia quiz and win special giveaways, waiting to be picked by voice actor Laura Post. (Photo by Laury Li) <\/p>\n

Warner Bros. Japan Anime Production celebrated its 15th anniversary at the industry panel with fans through exclusive video messages, special giveaways and premiere date announcements.<\/p>\n

Laura Post and Damien Hass \u2014 voice actors of Br\u00fcnnhilde in \u201cRecord of Ragnarok III\u201d and Diego Brando from \u201cSTEEL BALL RUN: JoJo\u2019s Bizarre Adventure\u201d \u2014 discussed recent and upcoming series.<\/p>\n

The panel featured video messages to hype the audience up for the production company\u2019s upcoming titles. The \u201c15 seconds challenge,\u201d including brief plot summaries and messages, came from Daman Mills<\/a> (Jonny Joestar), Shunsuke Takeuchi<\/a> (Kenshiro) and \u201cDevil\u2019s Crest\u201d opening theme singer Ado<\/a>. <\/p>\n

The panel also announced the rest of the \u201cSTEEL BALL RUN\u201d will release every Friday, starting on Sept. 25.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one ever has to ask me about the date for this ever again,\u201d Hass joked about the long-anticipated release as he learned the date with the attendees.<\/p>\n

And further announcements followed: original soundtracks of \u201cRecord of Ragnarok\u201d II and III will be available across platforms on Oct. 1, as the fourth season production was officially confirmed. For the next year, audiences can expect the second season of \u201cFist of the North Star: Hokuto No Ken,\u201d a 3D remake of the 2008 classic action anime available on Prime Video.<\/p>\n

Warner Bros. Japan Anime Production revealed that \u201cDevil\u2019s Crest,\u201d an anime adaptation of the \u201cSword Art Online\u201d writer Reki Kawahara\u2019s latest light novel, will premiere on Amazon Prime starting Nov. 6. Ado will perform the opening theme song \u201cShinka<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Production I.G x WIT STUDIO Industry Panel\"PanelistsProduction I.G and WIT STUDIO featuring guests from shows such as \u201cAttack on Titan\u201d and \u201cStar Wars: Visions Presents \u2013 The Ninth Jedi.\u201d (Photo by Aaron Ogawa) <\/p>\n

One of Anime Expo\u2019s most anticipated panels, this year\u2019s Production I.G X WIT STUDIO collaboration returned to Anime Expo at the Crypto.com Arena to share exciting updates with hundreds of eager fans. <\/p>\n

The panel kicked off with the first industry guests \u2014 founders George Wada, Mitsuhisa Ishikawa and Tetsuya Nakatake. All clad in \u201cHaikyuu!!\u201d jerseys, the four warmed up the crowd with introductions, chants and teasing giveaways later in the panel.<\/p>\n

Production I.G began with a series of announcements from fan-favorite franchises. <\/p>\n

The studio confirmed that it is filming \u201cHaikyuu!!: The Place Where Monsters Go,\u201d and \u201cHaikyuu!! VS. The Little Giant\u201d is set to release in 2027. They also confirmed the final chapter of \u201cKaiju No.8,\u201d alongside the short film \u201cNarumi\u2019s Week at Work.\u201d <\/p>\n

Additional announcements included an anime adaptation of \u201cDemons\u2019 Crest,\u201d based on Reki Kawahara\u2019s light novel (\u201cSword Art Online\u201d) and featuring an opening song by hit singer ADO. Before moving on, the company wrapped the short announcements with a new \u201cRilakkuma\u201d short animation, scheduled to premiere in Japan on Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n

After this WIT STUDIO announced \u201cCandy Carries,\u201d a cute stop-motion centered on a sentient cavity, and \u201cLONA,\u201d which the studio described as a \u201cfantasy-related story that can only be achieved in animation.\u201d<\/p>\n

They also announced a remake of \u201cOne Piece\u201d with a new trailer, starring Mayumi Tanaka as Monkey D. Luffy. WIT STUDIO then brought out its special guest: \u201cAttack On Titan\u201d director Tetsuro Araki.<\/p>\n

WIT STUDIO then brought out its special guest: \u201cAttack On Titan\u201d director Tetsuro Araki.<\/p>\n

Araki shared that he was recently in the U.S. to conduct research for an unannounced project, and handled guns in a shooting range in Vegas. When asked again by fans, he reviewed the story as a reboot of a past project, centered on a girl who uses guns, and \u201csomething no one will ever guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

Studio Trigger Industry Panel\"CosplayersCosplayers from \u201cCyberpunk: Edgerunners\u201d taking photos with fans. (Photo by Aaron Ogawa) <\/p>\n

The Studio Trigger industry panel featured director Kai Ikarashi and president and screen director Masahiko Otsuka, who discussed the behind-the-scenes of the upcoming show \u201cCyberpunk: Edgerunners 2.\u201d<\/p>\n

The hosts started the panel by discussing changes between the seasons, from a different tone to new characters. Character model works\/sketches for the upcoming show were also shown, such as close-ups of eyes, details and different head directions.<\/p>\n

They soon moved on to their other popular series, \u201cDelicious in Dungeon.\u201d The audience was shown a short video message from the director of the show, Yoshihiro Miyajima, who thanked the audience for their patience as they waited for the series.<\/p>\n

The panelists explained to the audience that they are renewing the entire character design cast to match the original artist\u2019s (Ryoko Kui) changing art style. The show is set to release in Oct. 2027.<\/p>\n

The final announcement was a new flagship title, the studio\u2019s first since \u201cPromare\u201d was released in 2019. This will be the studio\u2019s fourth studio project. The untitled project has started production with director Hiroyuki Imaishi and screenwriter Kazuki Nakashima.<\/p>\n

My Hero Academia\"PanelFans await the 10-year anniversary celebration of My Hero Academia at Crypto Arena. (Photo by Lynn Sunwoo) <\/p>\n

One of the most popular anime of this generation, \u201cMy Hero Academia\u201d celebrated its 10th anniversary during the third day of Anime Expo. Taking place inside Crypto.com Arena at 2:30 p.m, fans filled up the seats, many of them cosplaying memorable characters from the show.<\/p>\n

Originally a manga written and illustrated by Kohei Horikoshi, the anime for \u201cMy Hero Academia\u201d was released on April 3, 2016 and ended on Dec. 13 2025. The story takes place in a world where humanity possesses supernatural abilities called quirks and has evolved into a society where heroes and villains exist. Though the protagonist, Izuku Midoriya (nicknamed Deku), is quirkless, he is determined to become a hero like his idol, All Might. <\/p>\n

The panel kicked off with a compilation of memorable moments from the show, earning screams and applause from the audience. After the video, Deku\u2019s voice actor, Daiki Yamashita, and Shigaraki\u2019s voice actor, Koki Uchiyama, entered the stage. The two voice actors discussed what they thought was the most memorable episode to record.<\/p>\n

Yamashita chose the 167th episode, which was 2025\u2019s highest-rated TV episode on IMDb. During this episode, Deku faces Shigaraki by going through a final transformation with the help of his friends. Yamashita explained that all the support that Deku received from both the characters in the series and from the fans in that final climactic moment is what made the episode so memorable.<\/p>\n

Uchiyama chose the 121st episode, an episode known for Shigaraki\u2019s shuddering yet determined monologue regarding his beliefs. Uchiyama explained that Shigaraki had gone through so many changes, from his physical appearance to his beliefs.<\/p>\n

During the panel, the two panelists live-dubbed a climatic moment from the 167th episode, where Deku finally reaches Shigaraki and the villain delivers his last words.<\/p>\n

Reflecting on how they felt about performing in front of thousands of people, Yashimita said he was happy that this scene was chosen to be live-dubbed.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven though there\u2019s a lot of action, there\u2019s a moment to connect heart to heart,\u201d said Yashimita.<\/p>\n

Uchiyama shared that this scene was particularly difficult since it was the first time he played Shimura Tenko, Shigaraki\u2019s true identity.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere were a lot of things going on emotionally,\u201d Uchiyama said. \u201cBut I was asked to act as if I was internally clear.\u201d<\/p>\n

After the discussion, a special short episode titled \u201cI am a hero too,\u201d was premiered exclusively for the attendees. Based on a one-shot Horikoshi created for his Ultra Age fanbook, the episode gave the audience a glimpse of Eri, a key-child character from the series, and her life following the final season.<\/p>\n

Once finished, it was revealed that the episode would be available on Aug. 3 through Crunchyroll. Attendees were instructed to look under their chairs for a special gift. Two lucky attendees each earned a free ticket to My Hero Academia in Concert, a celebration of the show\u2019s 10th anniversary with a 15-piece live band performing iconic scores from the series. The final announcement consisted of the game \u201cMy Hero Academia: All Justice\u201d coming to Nintendo Switch on Sept. 4.<\/p>\n

Cloverworks Industry Panel\"PanelFans finding a seat before the CloverWorks panel. (Photo by Aaron Ogawa) <\/p>\n

The CloverWorks industry panel revealed news regarding the studio\u2019s upcoming releases.<\/p>\n

With the seats of JW Marriott filled, the panel kicked off with a compilation of CloverWorks\u2019 prominent works, such as \u201cSpy x Family,\u201d \u201cThe Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity\u201d and \u201cRascal Does Not Dream.\u201d<\/p>\n

Following the compilation, Akira Shimizu, president of CloverWorks, entered the stage. His first announcement was \u201cRascal Does Not Dream of a Dear Friend,\u201d the finale of the anime series \u201cRascal Does Not Dream.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been eight years since the Rascal Does Not Dream series started as an anime series,\u201d Shimizu said. \u201cSo it\u2019s a piece that has actually continued to grow alongside the studio\u2019s growth. So there are many staff who are working on it with so much passion and love, especially because of the history that we have with the series.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRascal Does Not Dream of a Dear Friend,\u201d will be released in theaters in Japan on Oct. 16, 2026, and the U.S. theatrical release will follow after.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s going to be a live performance concert scene that we\u2019re putting in a lot of effort into, so we really hope you guys look forward to being able to watch that,\u201d Shimizu said. \u201cBecause this is the finale of this long-standing series that we care about so much, we\u2019re putting in a lot of effort and passion. So we hope that you watch the show to the end and see us through in all the effort that we are putting into this.\u201d<\/p>\n

The second season of \u201cThe Elusive Samurai,\u201d was announced to release on July 17.<\/p>\n

Revolving around the story of Hojo Tokiyuki, the last survivor of his clan, \u201cThe Elusive Samurai\u201d takes place during the Kamakura period of Japan and centers around the theme of survival and endurance.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Kamakura period is actually a complicated part of Japanese history,\u201d Shimizu said. \u201cSo in this show, even if you don\u2019t understand the difficult Japanese history of the Kamakura period, you can really enjoy the Japanese aesthetic as well as the characters\u2019 movements and the expressions they have..\u201d<\/p>\n

After Shimizu\u2019s presentation, Yuichi Fukushima, the vice president of CloverWorks, entered the stage to talk about an upcoming original piece called \u201cGROTESQQUE.\u201d<\/p>\n

Set to release in Japanese theaters on Nov. 6, 2026, \u201cGROTESQQQUE\u201d is a completely original animation film made by the director of \u201cDarling in the Franxx\u201d and character designer of \u201cGurren Lagann,\u201d Atsushi Nishigori. Comprising three episodes titled \u201cAeliens,\u201d \u201cYoroshiku Girl\u201d and \u201cNocturn: En Cette Nuit Grotesque,\u201d the film will blend uneven yet beautiful stories together to create a piece that fuses pop and edgy imagery and sound.<\/p>\n

Following the exclusive premiere of the trailer, Fukushima revealed what it was like to work with Nishigori.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a huge fan of Gurren Lagann,\u201d Fukushima said. \u201cI really wanted to work with him, and so after we started working together, we worked on \u201cThe Idol Master\u201d and then \u201cDarling in the Franxx,\u201d and now we\u2019re here \u2026. We made this without holding back, so we really hope you can watch it.\u201d<\/p>\n

To add to Nishigori\u2019s credibility, \u201cGROTESQQQUE\u201d will feature 14 different cast members from various genres and 35 different well-known artists, from singer-songwriters, local language producers, idols, bands and composers, including METALVERSE and their song for the opening theme titled \u201cShoot Shoot Shoot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although the film is set to release in November, it will have its world premiere at the prestigious Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal later this month.<\/p>\n

Next, Aniplex producer Masami Niwa was invited on stage. Niwa has produced for \u201cSword Art Online,\u201d and this was his first time presenting for a CloverWorks panel.<\/p>\n

Niwa announced that Masashi Ishihama, the director of \u201cHorimiya,\u201d Kanna Hirayama, the character designer of \u201cRent a Girlfriend\u201d and \u201cOshi No Ko,\u201d and \u201cRino Yamasaki,\u201d the scriptwriter behind \u201cSpy x Family,\u201d are collaborating on an adaptation of the manga series \u201cThe Guy She was Interested in Wasn\u2019t a Guy at All.\u201d<\/p>\n

Revolving around the story of Aya, a glamorous high schooler who develops a crush on a mysterious employee at a local CD shop, thinking they are a guy, and Mitsuki, Aya\u2019s shy classmate who is actually the mysterious employee, \u201cThe Guy She Was Interested in Wasn\u2019t a Guy at All\u201d has sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a piece where girls are connecting their hearts through music,\u201d Niwa said. \u201cI was reading the manga originally, even before we got the offer of doing this animation. So after I heard that we were doing the job to create this animation, I really thought about how I could bring this piece to light.\u201d<\/p>\n

The official teaser for the series played shortly after, featuring the show\u2019s opening theme, \u201cBreed\u201d by Nirvana.<\/p>\n

The music is a very core and important part of the piece, so we really wanted to put effort into making it happen,\u201d Niwa said of the opening theme. \u201cWe actually got to talk directly with the manager of Nirvana, John Silva, and we were able to make it a reality.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Guy She Was Interested in Wasn\u2019t a Guy at All\u201d anime adaptation is set to release in Jan. 2027 on Crunchyroll.<\/p>\n

To conclude the panel, a teaser for a brand-new Evangelion anime series<\/a> was played, revealing that CloverWorks and Studio Khara would be behind the project.<\/p>\n

Frieren: Beyond Journey\u2019s End\"PanelAttendees fill the JW Marriott hall as lines outside continue to wait for an opening. (Photo by Aaron Ogawa) <\/p>\n

In the \u201cFrieren: Beyond Journey\u2019s End Special Event,\u201d hosted by TOHO, the creative team gave fans a look at how the beloved fantasy anime has developed.<\/p>\n

The panel starred director Tomoya Kitagawa, supporting director Keiichiro Saito, animation producer Yuichiro Fukushi and character designer Keisuke Kojima. Kojima held a live drawing session, taking the panel to sketch key characters from season two.<\/p>\n

To kick things off, Kitagawa shared that it was his first time in the U.S. and attending Anime Expo.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s totally different to be in the room with you all,\u201d Kitagawa said.I feel all your energy, and I feel very grateful to be here.\u201d<\/p>\n

The panel then showed some of the original key animations (genga) of acclaimed scenes \u2014 particularly the battle against demon general Revolte in season two. Kojima emphasized the design intent behind the characters, which combine beauty and traditionally masculine strength.<\/p>\n

This internationality is clear throughout Frieren, especially in the development of the OP. Kitagawa explained that the theme was designed from Frieren\u2019s perspective, chronicling her life up until that point and her continued journey. He articulated Frieren\u2019s relationships with a flower motif, saying it represents her as she \u201cchanges gradually while encountering different companions along the way.\u201d This symbol, along with fast cuts between old and new characters, helped tell the story of the \u201cten-year journey\u201d by showing how time is perceived and interpreted in the anime: fleeting to some, and vast to others.<\/p>\n

Before concluding the panel, the panelists confirmed that season three of the series is already in production and will air in Oct. 2027. While still keeping things under wraps, they teased that it would be \u201cepic and romantic,\u201d building up anticipation for the months to come.<\/p>\n

Jujutsu Kaisen\"PanelFans find a seat at Crypto.com Arena early in the morning for the Jujutsu Kaisen panel. (Photo by Aaron Ogawa) <\/p>\n

Celebrating the fifth anniversary of the anime\u2019s debut, the heavily anticipated \u201cJujutsu Kaisen\u201d panel on day four of Anime Expo attracted hundreds of fans for a showcase with the show\u2019s Japanese and English voice actors.<\/p>\n

Over the hour-plus runtime, the talented voices behind Yuji Itadori (Junya Enoki and Adam McArthur) and Suguru Geto (Takahiro Sakurai and Kex Lang) discussed their recording experiences, emotions and memorable moments to reflect on the series\u2019 impact.<\/p>\n

After some cheery introductions, the screen unveiled the commemorative anniversary illustration as fans waved their matching free banners.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo think that this series can go beyond Japan, touching fans worldwide \u2026 I hope that this energy, this momentum, can continue, and I can travel to more countries,\u201d Enoki said.<\/p>\n

The biggest moments of the panel were the live dubbing. Each voice actor took to the stage to reenact an iconic scene from their character as the clip rolled behind them.<\/p>\n

When asked to compare their original recording of the script versus now, McArthur jumped in with a pandemic-era story.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe first time I recorded that scene, I was at home in my home studio during COVID \u2026 not wearing any pants,\u201d McArthur joked. \u201cSo this was a much different experience.\u201d<\/p>\n

Le then turned the topic to season three, which premiered at the beginning of this year. Reflecting on its success, the cast praised the animation and described their experience in the recording studio.<\/p>\n

The animation is on a whole new level,\u201d Enoki said. \u201cThat compelled us to rise to the occasion and get our performance to the level where we could match the work of the animators.\u201d<\/p>\n

The cast then talked about the new characters, including Kinji Hakari, Hiromi Higuruma and Kirara Hoshi \u2014 whose name sparked enthusiastic cheers when Enoki selected her as his favorite.<\/p>\n

To wrap up the panel, Le announced work is already underway for season four, and debuted a brand-new trailer, leaving fans hyped for the series\u2019 next installment.<\/p>\n

Next year\u2019s convention will take place from July 2-5 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"From July 2-5, Los Angeles hosted the 35th Anime Expo across the Los Angeles Convention Center and its…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":405984,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[162761,159564,42512,38477,162755,162760,162770,19725,162764,162766,21403,162768,48,52,51,47,33847,50,49,162762,162769,162759,47857,162756,162763,159565,162757,162767,162758,159569,162765,14955,159566],"class_list":["post-405983","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-los-angeles","tag-alien-stage","tag-anime-expo","tag-aniplex","tag-atlus","tag-cloverworks","tag-cyberpunk-edgerunners-2","tag-delicious-in-dungeo","tag-demon-slayer","tag-frieren","tag-gachiakuta","tag-industry","tag-jujutsu-kaisen","tag-la","tag-la-headlines","tag-la-news","tag-los-angeles","tag-los-angeles-convention-center","tag-los-angeles-headlines","tag-los-angeles-news","tag-mob-psycho-100","tag-my-hero-academia","tag-one-piece","tag-panel","tag-persona-4","tag-persona-4-revival","tag-production-i-g","tag-sega","tag-star-wars-visions-presents-the-ninth-jedi","tag-studio-trigger","tag-the-apothecary-diaries","tag-toho","tag-warner-bros","tag-wit-studio"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/405983","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=405983"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/405983\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/405984"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=405983"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=405983"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=405983"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}