Los Angeles is about to get a heavy dose of Soul Society—and it’s not just for Anime Expo attendees.
VIZ Media has partnered with World Wide Walls, Merchlabs, Static Medium, and Thinkspace Gallery to launch “BLEACH LA: The Artist Collective,” a first-of-its-kind artist gallery experience running July 1-5 at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center in Little Tokyo . The exhibition arrives timed to both Anime Expo and the upcoming premiere of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity.
The exhibition features never-before-seen original works from more than 20 internationally acclaimed artists across fine art, street culture, illustration, and contemporary design. Highlights include:
- Audrey Kawasaki – A striking original portrait inspired by Captain Shunsui Kyoraku
- Simone Legno (Tokidoki founder) – A signature kawaii interpretation of fan-favorite characters
- Yoskay Yamamoto – An ethereal take on Rukia
- Jasper Wong – Original portraits of Soi Fon and Captain Unohana
- Greg Mike – A vibrant abstract reimagining of Grimmjow and Nel
- McFlyy – A streetwear-inspired tribute to the series’ iconic heroes
- Jack Soren – Three custom BLEACH-inspired blades (high-performance surfboards)
The full artist roster includes 123Klan, Aaron Woes Martin, Andrew Hem, Askew, Brendan Monroe, Brolga, Gian Galang, Jason Raish, Jose Mertz, kaNO, Lauren YS, Michael Reeder, Persue, Tatiana Suarez, Tracie Ching, and more.
For decades, BLEACH has inspired fans worldwide with its unforgettable characters, striking visual style, and powerful storytelling . Originally one of Weekly Shonen Jump‘s “Big Three” alongside NARUTO and One Piece, the franchise helped define a generation of anime fandom during its 366-episode run. Its return with Thousand-Year Blood War has sparked a global resurgence—in 2025 alone, VIZ Media’s BLEACH content generated more than 25 million video views, 105 million social impressions, and over 100,000 online mentions worldwide.
Event Details
- Dates: July 1–5, 2026
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (July 1–4), 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (July 5)
- Location: Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, George J. Doizaki Gallery, 244 San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Exclusive art prints and merchandise will be available for purchase, and a digital gallery experience with online shop will be accessible at BLEACH-LA.COM for fans unable to attend in person.
BLEACH LA: The Artist Collective is a landmark moment for the franchise. Artists from across creative disciplines are honoring the series’ legacy by bringing their own perspectives to the Soul Society, transforming one of anime’s most enduring franchises into a must-see Los Angeles art experience.
Anime Expo runs July 2–5 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The gallery opens July 1 in Little Tokyo—make it your first stop.
Source: VIZ
