Anime Expo 2026 has officially revealed its complete programming schedule, giving fans a detailed look at what to expect during North America’s biggest celebration of Japanese pop culture. Organized by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA), the event will run from July 2 to July 5, 2026, at the Los Angeles Convention Center while expanding across multiple venues throughout downtown Los Angeles.
This year’s convention is one of the largest in Anime Expo’s history, featuring world premieres, exclusive anime previews, gaming showcases, live concerts, creator panels, anniversary celebrations, and appearances from renowned industry figures. Major companies participating include Aniplex of America, Bandai Namco, Arc System Works, CD PROJEKT RED, HoYoverse, KADOKAWA, Lucasfilm, MAPPA, NEXON Korea, SEGA, Square Enix, TOHO animation, VIZ Media, and many others. Fans attending the four-day event can expect nonstop programming spanning anime, manga, games, music, and Japanese pop culture.
Anime Expo 2026 expands across multiple downtown Los Angeles venues
Anime Expo 2026 is no longer limited to the Los Angeles Convention Center. Alongside the convention center and L.A. LIVE, programming will take place across several major downtown venues, making this the convention’s largest campus to date.
Crypto.com Arena will host marquee attractions such as J-POP SOUND CAPSULE, the AX Masquerade, and select Main Events. The Novo will welcome SUKEBAN’s World Championship Fight alongside the JAPAN MUSIC VOCALOID Concert, while Peacock Theater will become the destination for major premieres, exclusive industry presentations, and special events. Additional gaming and entertainment experiences will also be available throughout the weekend at the Entertainment Arena located on the L.A. LIVE Event Deck.
Kagurabachi, Black Clover Season 2, and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 headline major premieres
One of the biggest attractions at Anime Expo 2026 is its impressive lineup of exclusive premieres. The convention will host the world premiere of the Kagurabachi anime, one of the most anticipated manga adaptations in recent years.
Other major highlights include the world premiere of Magic Knight Rayearth featuring special guest Rie Takahashi, the Episode 1 premiere of Black Torch presented by VIZ Media and Crunchyroll, and the long-awaited Black Clover Season 2 premiere. Fans of gaming-inspired animation will also get an exclusive first look at Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2, which introduces a brand-new standalone story set in Night City.
Additional first-look screenings, announcements, and surprise reveals are expected throughout the four-day convention.
Legendary creators, voice actors, and special anniversary panels join the lineup
Anime Expo 2026 will welcome an extensive roster of creators from across the anime, manga, and gaming industries.
Notable guests include Kazuhisa Wada, Kazutaka Kodaka, Ryosuke Takahashi, Takashi Iizuka, Yoshiyuki Asai, Shigenori Soejima, Yoshitaka Amano, Kamome Shirahama, Tadatoshi Fujimaki, Muneyuki Kaneshiro, Yusuke Nomura, Yu Toyota, acclaimed illustrator Acky Bright, and BLEACH voice actor Masakazu Morita. WBO World Champion boxer Mizuki Hiruta will also make an appearance during the convention.
English voice actors, including Adam McArthur, Anjali Kunapaneni, and Suzie Yeung, will participate in various panels, autograph sessions, and special presentations.
The event will also feature numerous franchise celebrations, including the BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity Stage with Masakazu Morita and Johnny Yong Bosch, the My Hero Academia 10th Anniversary Panel featuring Daiki Yamashita and Koki Uchiyama, a JUJUTSU KAISEN five-year anniversary event, a STEEL BALL RUN: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure special featuring Yugo Kanno, a Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle celebration, a Blue Lock creator panel, and SEGA’s Sonic the Hedgehog 35th Anniversary retrospective.
Fans can also attend presentations dedicated to Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi, Disney+’s Dragon Striker, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Zenless Zone Zero, Echoes from Aincrad, and Unanswered//butterfly.
Ticketed entertainment includes J-POP SOUND CAPSULE, showcasing anime music performances, along with the return of SUKEBAN’s World Championship Fight, which combines professional wrestling with fashion, music, and live entertainment. Additional DWANGO-presented performances and other special ticketed events will also be available throughout the weekend.
Anime Expo has also encouraged attendees to use the official schedule and AX Mobile App for the latest updates, as additional guests, screenings, and programming may be announced before the event begins.
