The largest Japanese pop culture convention in Southern California is back.
Anime Expo is taking over the Los Angeles Convention Center July 2-5, along with a handful of neighboring venues, including Crypto.com Arena, The Novo and the Peacock Theater, hosting several different panels, independent artists, live performances from local and international musicians and fierce cosplay competitions.
This year, attendees can also look forward to console gaming, comedy shows, dance sessions, tabletop gaming, a gaming lounge and more. There are four days packed with panels, competitions and sightseeing, so going to an event of this caliber can be a bit overwhelming if you’re not prepared.
If it’s your first time attending or just looking for some interesting panels and events to attend, we’ve put together a list of 10 things to check out at this year’s Anime Expo, including a panel on how to make your own stuffie, another on how anime could save your life, a Japanese-style mariachi, and more.
Here are 10 things to check out at this year’s Anime Expo.
AX Crossing: Anime Expo is debuting AX Crossing, a hub inspired by the world-famous Shibuya Crossing, known as Japan’s busiest intersection. Fans can expect Asian-inspired bites served by food vendors, interactive experiences and live performances. Acts taking the stage at AX Crossing include Drew Jackson, Chance to switch on with cosmosy, Hamu Cotton, Blow Brass, Touzan Taiko, pinponpanpon, Awai, niccodilly, Nikkei Choral Ensemble and S4X. There will also be karaoke for those who want to pick up the microphone and shine in the spotlight, or at least sing a favorite song or two. Times vary by day, located at Gilbert Lindsay Plaza and Pico Blvd.
Plushie Making Workshop Hosted by The Plushie Workshop: Plushies are huge in the anime scene, and if you’ve ever been curious about what it takes to bring a one to life, now you can. This panel invites attendees to create their plushie at The Plushie Workshop. Participants can choose between an adorable white bear or beige bunny and bring their plushie to life through stuffing, assembly, and customization. You’ll even get to see the signature Plushie Workshop knitting devices in action. 3:15-7:15 p.m. Thursday, July 2. Panel Room 406AB.
X-Men Versus My Hero Academia: Two animated series face off in the ultimate debate battle between two amazing shows. The panel will operate on audience participation, with attendees breaking into two teams to defend their sides and be asked a series of questions to win over the crowd for the ultimate bragging rights between the Quirks and the X-gene. 6:15-7:05 p.m. Thursday, July 2. Panel Room 511ABC.
Sports Anime Festival: This panel is for those sports anime fans out there, including those who follow “Haikyuu!!,” “Kuroko no Basket,” “Blue Lock,” “Yuri on Ice,” and “SK8.” Attendees can join a talented cast of English voice actors from their favorite sports anime and participate in games such as Jeopardy and more, all centered around the world of sports anime. 11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m. Friday, July 3. Panel Room: 408AB.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle Celebration: Celebrate the world of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle” with a special event looking back on the theatrical release of the film. The panel will feature guests Natsuki Hanae (Japanese voice of Tanjiro Kamado), Takahiro Sakurai (Japanese voice of Giyu Tomioka), and Saori Hayami (Japanese voice of Shinobu Kocho), making her Anime Expo debut. Fans of Studio Ufotable will get a peek at a special video of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle,” and the latest footage from the studio’s newest film project. 5 p.m.- 6 p.m. Friday, July 3. Panel Room Peacock Theater.
Late Comedy Showdown: This 18+ event invites comedy enthusiasts ready to showcase their skills on stage, as well as fans ready for a good laugh and to experience the best in anime-inspired humor. Audience and participants must pick up an 18+ wristband at Info Services before attending. This comedy show is only open to those with a four-day pass.
Guess that Anime Dog: Are you a fan of dogs? Now, are you also a fan of anime dogs? Hosted by two cosplay wolves, fans will get to test their knowledge of man’s best friend in the anime universe by seeing how many good boys they can recognize, and maybe even pet a few of them. This doggo-oriented interactive panel puts a fun spin on the “Guess That Anime” staple at the convention and offers small prizes for the winners. Saturday, July 4. 10:30-11:20 a.m. Panel Room: 402A.
Mariachi Eclipse: The mariachi ensemble known as Mariachi Eclipse brings anime and video game music into a live performance setting, but with a traditional mariachi instrumentation spin. The group performs well-known Japanese soundtracks, adapting them through a different musical lens while maintaining the character of both styles, creating a sound that feels grounded and distinctive across cultural spaces. 8:45-9:45 p.m. Saturday, July 4. Beer Garden at Peacock Place.
Jujutsu Kaisen Celebrating Five Years of Curses: The fifth anniversary of “Jujutsu Kaisen” will be celebrated with the cast of the show at a panel hosted by TOHO Animation. Fans will hear behind-the-scenes stories reflecting on the series’ journey so far, including Season 3, key battles, story milestones, and major character moments. 10-10:50 a.m. Crypto.com Arena.
A Psychiatrist on Anime Culture: How Your Favorite Anime Could Save Your Life: If you’ve ever watched a life-changing anime that feels like it saved you, that might not be an understatement. This panel, hosted by Psychiatrist Dr. Francesco Pantò — the originator of Anime Therapy at Yokohama City University — shares clinical findings on stories, characters, and sound as medicine and answers how anime, manga, and music can heal us all. The event will also feature an exclusive video interview with “Final Fantasy” composer Nobuo Uematsu, plus a Q&A. 2:30- 3:50 p.m. Sunday, July 5. Panel Room: 404AB.
Anime Expo
When: July 2-5.
Where: Los Angeles Convention Center. 201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles. f
Tickets: Four-day tickets are $197.75, and single-day tickets are $94.75-$109.75 at anime-expo.org.