ytv animation (YTV) and YTE delivered one of Anime Expo 2026’s most eventful industry presentations by unveiling major announcements across multiple upcoming anime projects. Held on July 4 in Los Angeles, the “Ascendance of a Bookworm, Adopted Daughter of an Archduke’ And Your Next Obsession” panel featured first-look footage, exclusive trailers, creator discussions, live artwork, and several surprise reveals.
Hosted by Gigguk (Garnt Maneetapho), the panel brought together eleven guests representing various productions while offering fans updates on titles arriving later this year and beyond. The biggest announcement centered on The Vermilion Mask, which received its first public footage alongside confirmation of its lead voice actor before beginning an international promotional tour.
The Vermilion Mask Reveals Episode 1 Footage and Lead Voice Actor
The standout announcement of the presentation was The Vermilion Mask, which held the world premiere of the first five minutes of Episode 1 together with its First Main Promotional Video.
The panel also revealed that Taihi Kimura will voice protagonist Peru, surprising attendees during the live event. Speaking about joining the project, Kimura said,
“I was super happy, but at the same time I knew it would be challenging as he is such a complex character. I knew I had a wall to climb.”
According to manga editor Taichi Kimura, the casting team immediately recognized the actor’s suitability after hearing one particular line.
“When we heard him say the line ‘I will destroy every mask my master created,’ we could hear the character and the will he had. We were excited he took the part.”
Following Anime Expo, the production team will launch
“Follow the Mask. To the World. The Vermilion Mask WORLD QUEST,”
taking the series to Washington, New York, France, and Germany ahead of its October 2026 streaming debut.
Multiple Upcoming Anime Receive New Updates
Beyond The Vermilion Mask, attendees also received an extended teaser for The Bugle Call: Song of War, whose anime adaptation remains scheduled for 2027.
Ascendance of a Bookworm: Adopted Daughter of an Archduke, now streaming on Crunchyroll, debuted a special collaboration promotional video with Witch Hat Atelier. Animation producer Keita Yoshinobu explained that the collaboration became possible because the original creators of both series share a close friendship. Fans also enjoyed a live illustration by character designer Aiko Minowa.
The panel also previewed The World’s Strongest Witch, arriving in October 2026. Director Joji Furuta explained why he accepted the project, saying,
“There is gaming involved in this title—of my generation—and lots of surprises from this character. That is why I thought this would be a fun job.”
Meanwhile, Uncle’s Obsession with Cute Things featured mascot Pagtaro in an on-stage dance performance accompanied by a special video from voice actor Miyu Tomita.
The presentation concluded with a watch party showcasing additional upcoming YTV/YTE releases, including Cat and Dragon (July 2026), Heroine? Saint? No, I’m an All-Works Maid (And Proud of It)!, currently streaming on Crunchyroll, and Ramen Akaneko Season 2, scheduled for January 2027. Together, the announcements highlighted YTV animation and YTE’s broad anime lineup extending through 2027.
