Anime Expo 2026 is shaping up to be massive.
The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) has unveiled exciting programming updates for this year’s convention, running July 2–5 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. From world premieres to long-awaited sequels, here’s what you need to know.
World Premieres
- Black Torch – VIZ and Crunchyroll present the subbed premiere of this supernatural action series, featuring voice actors AJ Beckles (Jiro) and Keith Silverstein (Rago) for behind-the-scenes insights and giveaways.
- Magic Knight Rayearth – The world premiere of the new anime adaptation includes special guest Rie Takahashi plus the first reveal of exciting updates.
- Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Final Part – Voice actors Masakazu Morita (Japanese Ichigo) and Johnny Yong Bosch (English Ichigo) join VIZ for a discussion, giveaways, and an advanced screening of the subbed Episode 1.
- Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 – Netflix, CD PROJEKT RED, and Studio TRIGGER return to AX to give fans the first real look at the highly anticipated sequel. Welcome back to Night City.
Can’t-Miss Panels
- Jujutsu Kaisen: Celebrating 5 Years of Curses – TOHO animation hosts a look back at major story moments from Season 3, plus behind-the-scenes stories.
- Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Special Event – Director Tomoya Kitagawa, Supporting Director Keiichiro Saito, and Animation Producer Yuichiro Fukushi discuss Season 2, preview Season 3, and host a live drawing by Character Designer Keisuke Kojima.
- JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run Special Panel – Acclaimed composer Yugo Kanno joins a can’t-miss conversation, complete with a special live performance.
- Cherry Magic! Creator Yuu Toyota – Square Enix Manga presents a live drawing panel and career retrospective with the creator of the BL smash hit.
- Hatsune Miku Exclusive Showcase 2026 – Good Smile Company unveils an all-new special Miku project, plus figure updates and Racing Miku.
Ticketed Events
- J-POP Sound Capsule – An electrifying night featuring ALI, Roselia, SPYAIR, Yoko Kanno, and Yoko Takahashi.
- Sukeban World Championship Fight – Japanese female pro-wrestling league Sukeban returns, blending wrestling, anime, fashion, and music into a one-of-a-kind spectacle.
This is one of the most stacked Anime Expo lineups in recent memory. Between the Edgerunners sequel, Rayearth revival, Steel Ball Run celebration, and a J-Pop lineup that includes both Yoko Kanno and Yoko Takahashi, AX 2026 is shaping up to be essential.
Badges are still available at anime-expo.org. Start planning your schedule now.
Source: Anime Expo
