Anime Expo is about to get a major side quest.
Kodansha is reviving its immersive pop-up fan event Kodansha House this summer, making its West Coast debut in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo neighborhood from July 2-12—coinciding with Anime Expo, which runs July 2-5 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
This year’s lineup features guest appearances from the creators of two of the biggest manga hits running right now:
- Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura – the creative team behind Blue Lock, the ego-driven soccer manga that’s become a global phenomenon.
- Kamome Shirahama – author and artist of Witch Hat Atelier, the magical fantasy manga currently being adapted into a highly anticipated anime.
All three creators will also appear as official guests of Anime Expo, holding separate panels and signing events. More details on how to attend both the Kodansha House and AX appearances are forthcoming.
Kodansha House describes itself as “a vibrant meeting place where the world of manga crosses over into the real world.” Fans enter a portal into an interactive space featuring a manga gallery, cafe, lounge, and library. Daily programming includes creator appearances, anime screenings, panel discussions, and more.
Kodansha is once again partnering with Kinokuniya USA as its official retail partner, with exclusive merchandise available only at Kodansha House and Kinokuniya bookstores.
Anime Expo attendees can unlock special benefits at Kodansha House just by showing their AX badges. More details on those perks are coming soon.
For fans in Southern California—or those already heading to AX—Kodansha House offers a rare chance to see Blue Lock and Witch Hat Atelier creators in person without competing for convention center floor space. The extended July 2-12 run also means you don’t need an AX badge to attend, though badge holders get extra perks.
Source: Kodansha
