Anime Expo 2025 Announces Full Programming Lineup Including Industry Leaders, Panels, World Premieres, Special Events and More

The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) has officially unveiled the complete programming schedule for Anime Expo 2025, set to take place July 3-6 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. This year’s event features an expansive lineup packed with exclusive premieres, celebratory events, panels, special appearances, and distinguished Guests of Honor.

Participating partners include Aniplex of America, Arc System Works America, ATLUS/SEGA, Bandai Namco Entertainment, Crunchyroll, Funko, Hulu, KADOKAWA WORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC, Konami, Netflix, Square Enix, Takaratomy, VIZ, Webtoon, and many others.

Below is a brief look at the confirmed programming lineup. For a deeper dive, explore direct links to additional guest announcements, premieres, and panel details.

INDUSTRY & GUESTS OF HONOR

Naoki Yoshida

Visionary producer of FINAL FANTASY XIV and FINAL FANTASY XVI, Yoshida joined Square Enix in 2005 and led the successful overhaul of FINAL FANTASY XIV, launching A Realm Reborn. As Producer and Director, he has overseen its continued success while heading Creative Studio III. Yoshida also produced FINAL FANTASY XVI, the latest title in the franchise.

Peach Pit

The renowned female manga duo, Sendou Banri and Ebara Shibuko, return to AX for the first time in a decade. Known for their wide-ranging portfolio spanning Seinen, Shojo, and Shounen, their works include Rozen Maiden, Zombie Loan, and Shugo Chara!, the latter winning the 32nd Kodansha Manga Award.

Mokumokuren

Creator of The Summer Hikaru Died, a horror-laced coming-of-age manga that earned top honors in Takarajimasha’s This Manga is Amazing! 2023 and ranked 11th in the Manga Taisho Awards.

Ryukishi07

Acclaimed creator behind Higurashi and Umineko, known for seamlessly fusing horror and hope throughout his storytelling in both anime and manga.

Manabu Otsuka

President of MAPPA Co., Ltd.

Paru Itagaki

Manga artist behind the critically acclaimed BEASTARS. Her newer series, SANDA, which began in 2021, is being adapted into an anime by Science SARU.

PREMIERES

HYPNOSISMIC D.R.B Movie / UTA☆PRI TABOO NIGHT XXXX U.S. Premiere

Catch dual screenings of HYPNOSISMIC -Division Rap Battle- Movie and Utano☆Princesama TABOO NIGHT XXXX—in special AX versions! Participate using the CtrlMovie App in Japan’s first interactive anime film. Don’t miss QUARTET NIGHT’s bold new chapter in the UTA☆PRI series!

“The Summer Hikaru Died” North American Premiere – Episode 1 (Subtitled) with Mokumokuren and Chiaki Kobayashi

“YOU TO BE MY SIDE, EVEN IF YOU ARE FAKE…” Experience the eerie new release from CygamesPictures. Featuring appearances by creator Mokumokuren, voice actor Chiaki Kobayashi (Yoshiki), producer Manami Kabashima (CyberAgent), and KADOKAWA producer Chiaki Kurakane.

LEVIATHAN Exclusive Premiere

Follow Alek, a fugitive prince, and Sharp, a commoner in disguise, as they journey aboard the flying whale Leviathan in this new action-adventure anime. Be the first to watch it before its July 10 Netflix debut, with creators from QUBIC PICTURES and STUDIO ORANGE in attendance.

TOUGEN ANKI – A New Generation of Dark Heroics – U.S. Premiere & Special Panel

Be part of the first U.S. screening of TOUGEN ANKI ahead of its July release. Join creator Yura Urushibara (virtually), cast member Kazuki Ura, producer Takanori Matsuoka, and Miku Kobato from BAND-MAID for exclusive behind-the-scenes commentary.

Detective Conan: The Black Iron Submarine – U.S. Premiere

Anime Expo hosts the U.S. debut of Detective Conan: The Black Iron Submarine, the globally successful film grossing over $100 million. Join the ride as Conan tackles a deadly threat deep underwater.

[WORLD PREMIERE] GINTAMA – Mr. Ginpachi’s Zany Class

Get ready for the world premiere of the GINTAMA spin-off! The event includes never-before-seen footage, messages from the cast, behind-the-scenes stories, merchandise reveals, and giveaways.

VOICE ACTORS

A robust lineup of renowned English and Japanese voice actors will be present, including Yuki Nakashima, Kent Ito, and many more.

A complete list is available here: https://www.anime-expo.org/ax/talent/

SPECIAL EVENTS

Jujutsu Kaisen Special Event

TOHO animation welcomes fans with special guests Junya Enoki (Yuji Itadori) and Megumi Ogata (Yuta Okkotsu) for a major JUJUTSU KAISEN celebration.

My Hero Academia Special Event

“Go beyond, Plus Ultra!” With the final season set for October 2025, join Daiki Yamashita (JP voice of Deku), Justin Briner (EN voice of Deku), and a Shonen Jump editor for a sneak peek and surprises—maybe even a message from Kohei Horikoshi himself.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba 6th Anniversary Celebration

Celebrate six years of Demon Slayer with live music from the series and an appearance by Natsuki Hanae (Tanjiro Kamado).

Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage! Fan Meeting AX 2025

An exclusive COLORFUL STAGE! fan event featuring VAs for Saki, Shiho, Akito, and Toya, live performances, surprise announcements, and giveaways.

Obey Me! Boys: Meet and Greet AX 2025

Meet the Obey Me! cast and catch an inside look at upcoming developments from NTT Solmare’s Obey Me! and Ex and Bee.

Gundam Rising in Los Angeles – Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Special Event

Experience the first GQuuuuuuX event with a film screening, talk show, live music, and guests including Director Kazuya Tsurumaki and Tomoyo Kurosawa (voice of MACHU).

J-POP SOUND CAPSULE @AX2025 – Anisong World Matsuri Returns!

AX revives the fan-favorite music festival! Enjoy live performances from GRANRODEO, FLOW, TOGENASHI TOGEARI, HIROSHI KITADANI, SAKURAZAKA46, and ASTERISM.

Sukeban – World Championship Fight

Sukeban, Japan’s female pro-wrestling league, brings its first World Championship match to AX on July 5th.

Anime Expo 2025 Masquerade

The AX Masquerade takes center stage at Peacock Theater, with the best cosplayers competing for top honors and coveted prizes.

One-Punch Man Season 3 Panel – Saitama is Back!

Join Makoto Furukawa (voice of Saitama) for an insider look into One-Punch Man Season 3, happening from 12:00 PM – 1:20 PM at JW Diamond.

INDUSTRY PANELS

MAPPA Panel – “Chainsaw Man: The Movie – Reze Arc”

President Manabu Otsuka and VP Hiroya Hasegawa of MAPPA talk about the upcoming Chainsaw Man movie and more.

BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Panel

Attend for sneak peeks, fan quizzes, and a look at the final chapter of the BLEACH saga. Stay until the end for special announcements.

Animate Presents – ALIEN STAGE: Director Vivinos Live Drawing

Dive into the survival audition series ALIEN STAGE with live drawing and Q&A featuring VIVINOS and KANG PD.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Special Panel

Celebrate JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure with Warner Bros. Japan and guests Kira Buckland (Jolyne), Keith Silverstein (Speedwagon), and Mick Lauer (Abbacchio).

THE GHOST IN THE SHELL X Science SARU: New Animation Project Panel

Learn about the new Ghost in the Shell anime, coming in 2026. Science SARU producers share content previews and development updates.

Netflix Showcase – Discover Your Next Favorite Anime

Preview Netflix’s upcoming lineup, including English dub premieres and new titles like SAKAMOTO DAYS, Record of Ragnarok III, My Melody and Kuromi, and more.

Blue Archive: Dev Talk Live at AX 2025

The devs behind Blue Archive return with sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes stories, and special thank-you events for fans.

KONAMI Presents – Unmasking SILENT HILL f

Join producer Motoi Okamoto, writer Ryukishi07, and composer Akira Yamaoka for an exclusive reveal of SILENT HILL f, with never-before-seen footage.

The Official Persona 5: The Phantom X Panel – Featuring Lyn’s Live Performance

SEGA and ATLUS present the making of P5X, global release highlights, free merch, and a live concert by Lyn Inaizumi performing music from Persona 5.

DAN DA DAN Panel with Director & Voice Cast
Celebrate DAN DA DAN Season 2 with director Fuga Yamashiro and voice actors Abby Trott (Momo), A.J. Beckles (Okarun), and Aleks Le (Jiji).

Leveling Up: How Anime, Manga, & RPGs Inspired Naoki Yoshida and Final Fantasy!

Join Naoki Yoshida and Square Enix for a special Guest of Honor panel exploring the roots of Final Fantasy and its creative inspirations.

GeeXPlus Presents – Pushing Content Creation in Japan

GeeXPlus gathers top creators like Gigguk, CDawgVA, TheAn1meMan, Daidus, Emirichu, and Onigiri to unveil new projects and share exclusive updates from Japan’s content creation scene.

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