Panel Description: Join scholars at the JAMS@AX Academic symposium to discuss anime imagery in protest movements, ornamentation, cosplay, and mental health!

Panel Description: After waiting an entire year for Anime Expo, our hosts reunite with attendees to introduce guests, present exclusive music performances, and give a taste of the interactive experiences you can only get at Anime Expo. Our hosts will take attendees behind-the-scenes, sharing a variety of stories highlighting the many AX experiences. Previous Welcome Ceremonies have featured performances from MIREI, ASTERISM, and ZERO-UCHI Restart.

Panel Description: Escape from reality and step into a world full of moe! Inspired by the maid cafes of Akihabara, Anime Expo’s Maid Café has been one of our most popular events. Our cute and courteous maids are ready to entertain you, whether they break out in song and dance or facilitate an activity. Enjoy a drink and an interactive show, and don’t forget to thank the maids on your way out!

Panel Description: Meiji to Doujinshi! Join the scholars of the JAMS@AX Academic Symposium as they discuss anti-war messaging, the history of doujinshi, Ainu narratvies, and histocial characters.

Panel Description: AX Fashion Show is one of Anime Expo’s must-see highlights. Experience cutting-edge Japanese fashion straight from the runway where anime, street style, and high fashion collide.

Panel Description: Asian Standard Time is a high-energy rock group delivering powerful J-Rock hits and anime favorites from "JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure", "Fullmetal Alchemist", "Erased", "Naruto", and more! Get ready to sing along, jump in, and rock out to the sounds you love!

Panel Description: Escape from reality and step into a world full of moe! Inspired by the maid cafes of Akihabara, Anime Expo’s Maid Café has been one of our most popular events. Our cute and courteous maids are ready to entertain you, whether they break out in song and dance or facilitate an activity. Enjoy a drink and an interactive show, and don’t forget to thank the maids on your way out!

Panel Description: FirahFabe is a Filipino-American VGM musician & composer. From the island of Oahu, Hawai'i now relocated to the Bay Area. As a multi-instrumentalist, he mains the Laud, a mandolin-like instrument from the Filipino Rondalla traditional ensemble family. He arranges and plays video game and anime music in a mix of acoustic traditional folk rock fusion style.

Panel Description: From Mixed Nuts to Kura Kura! Close out Day 1 of the JASM@AX Symposium with professors David F. Lopez, Elliott Jones, and John Marr, in their all new panel, as they look at this amazing, and moving music!

Panel Description: Escape from reality and step into a world full of moe! Inspired by the maid cafes of Akihabara, Anime Expo’s Maid Café has been one of our most popular events. Our cute and courteous maids are ready to entertain you, whether they break out in song and dance or facilitate an activity. Enjoy a drink and an interactive show, and don’t forget to thank the maids on your way out!

Panel Description: Escape from reality and step into a world full of moe! Inspired by the maid cafes of Akihabara, Anime Expo’s Maid Café has been one of our most popular events. Our cute and courteous maids are ready to entertain you, whether they break out in song and dance or facilitate an activity. Enjoy a drink and an interactive show, and don’t forget to thank the maids on your way out!

Panel Description: Ever seen people dancing with lightsticks and wondered what it is? That’s wotagei—a high-energy Japanese glowstick performance art. SanFlare, a California-based wotagei team, is known for electrifying live performances across anime, gaming, and VTuber events. Through their work, they introduce wotagei to new audiences while bringing fans together through a vibrant and inclusive community.

Panel Description: Imagine your favorite anime theme songs remixed into the hottest EDM beats with a high-energy, captivating rap about that anime for one incredible, interactive concert experience!

Panel Description: Escape from reality and step into a world full of moe! Inspired by the maid cafes of Akihabara, Anime Expo’s Maid Café has been one of our most popular events. Our cute and courteous maids are ready to entertain you, whether they break out in song and dance or facilitate an activity. Enjoy a drink and an interactive show, and don’t forget to thank the maids on your way out!

Panel Description: Dolly Ave earned airplay on major stations like 103.5 KISS FM in Chicago, the tastemaking KEXP, and Los Angeles' ALT 98.7. Dolly has graced stages at major music festivals and received coverage from Rolling Stone, Billboard, and Harper’s Bazaar. In 2024, she was named to the Recording Academy’s prestigious NEXT Class. She is currently apart of the Converse All Star Class of 2025. Her music has been featured across editorial playlists on Spotify, YouTube, Vevo, and Amazon Music, and her most recent independently produced showcase earned support from both Coca-Cola and Live Nation.

Panel Description: The Anime Music Video (AMV) Competition is a visual rhapsody of music and anime featuring a wild assortment of music videos created by fans just like you. Out of hundreds of submissions received every year, we meticulously curate an electrifying selection of Drama, Action, Sentimental, Fun, Rhythm, and Comedy videos in a professionally presented three-hour event where you pick the winner!

Panel Description: StarCrusaders is a high-energy tribute band celebrating BEAT CRUSADERS and the broader Japanese rock/anime-rock vibe. We bring the singalong hooks, crunchy guitars, and dancey punk energy to the stage—mixing faithful renditions with a live-show punch that feels like a festival set.

Panel Description: J-POP SOUND CAPSULE Returns to Anime Expo 2026-Bigger, Louder, and Unmissable. Get ready to turn the volume all the way up J-POP SOUND CAPSULE is BACK at Anime Expo 2026, bringing an electrifying night of music, energy, and amazing performances to fans from around the world. This year’s event kicks off with an incredible first wave of artists, featuring the powerful sounds of Roselia, the high-energy rock of SPYAIR , and the iconic voice of Yoko Takahashi. Each artist brings their own unique style and stage presence, promising a night packed with excitement for every J-pop and anime music fan. And this is just the beginning, more artists will be announced soon, so be sure to stay tuned for what’s shaping up to be one of the biggest music events at Anime Expo 2026.

Panel Description: Join scholars at the JAMS@AX Academic Symposium as they discuss black anime fandom and character identity!

Panel Description: Escape from reality and step into a world full of moe! Inspired by the maid cafes of Akihabara, Anime Expo’s Maid Café has been one of our most popular events. Our cute and courteous maids are ready to entertain you, whether they break out in song and dance or facilitate an activity. Enjoy a drink and an interactive show, and don’t forget to thank the maids on your way out!

Panel Description: Join scholars at the JAMS@AX Academic symposium to discuss horsegirls, dungeons and dragons, and women in sports anime!

Panel Description: Asian Standard Time is a high-energy rock group delivering powerful J-Rock hits and anime favorites from "JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure", "Fullmetal Alchemist", "Erased", "Naruto", and more! Get ready to sing along, jump in, and rock out to the sounds you love!

Panel Description: Escape from reality and step into a world full of moe! Inspired by the maid cafes of Akihabara, Anime Expo’s Maid Café has been one of our most popular events. Our cute and courteous maids are ready to entertain you, whether they break out in song and dance or facilitate an activity. Enjoy a drink and an interactive show, and don’t forget to thank the maids on your way out!

Panel Description: JAMS' Keynote Speaker, Daniel Ambord, delivers an academic lecture about anime, ecology, and eco-criticis

Panel Description: Imagine your favorite anime theme songs remixed into the hottest EDM beats with a high-energy, captivating rap about that anime for one incredible, interactive concert experience!

Panel Description: Escape from reality and step into a world full of moe! Inspired by the maid cafes of Akihabara, Anime Expo’s Maid Café has been one of our most popular events. Our cute and courteous maids are ready to entertain you, whether they break out in song and dance or facilitate an activity. Enjoy a drink and an interactive show, and don’t forget to thank the maids on your way out!

Panel Description: Escape from reality and step into a world full of moe! Inspired by the maid cafes of Akihabara, Anime Expo’s Maid Café has been one of our most popular events. Our cute and courteous maids are ready to entertain you, whether they break out in song and dance or facilitate an activity. Enjoy a drink and an interactive show, and don’t forget to thank the maids on your way out!

Panel Description: Escape from reality and step into a world full of moe! Inspired by the maid cafes of Akihabara, Anime Expo’s Maid Café has been one of our most popular events. Our cute and courteous maids are ready to entertain you, whether they break out in song and dance or facilitate an activity. Enjoy a drink and an interactive show, and don’t forget to thank the maids on your way out!

Panel Description: NYC-based jazz band, Catbus Collective performs unique covers of anime, Ghibli, and City Pop classics. Ranging from Sailor Moon to Jujutsu Kaisen, the audience will hear their favorite anime openers, closers, and soundtracks in an exciting musical presentation with plenty of burning instrumental solos.

Panel Description: Sukeban, the Japanese female pro-wrestling league, will make its triumphant return to Anime Expo with a World Championship Fight on July 3rd, 2026. Blending wrestling, anime, fashion, and music into a one-of-a-kind experience, Sukeban brings together the toughest wrestlers and girl gangs from Tokyo to fight for world domination, in an event that will also feature special appearances and surprise cameos. Split into rival stables including the Harajuku Stars, Cherry Bomb Girls, Dangerous Liaisons, Vandals, and Tokyo Toys, members will compete at Anime Expo to be crowned the Sukeban Champion.

Panel Description: (18+) Join Mangagamer, the largest localizer of Visual Novels, as we discuss the newest games we're bringing to fans worldwide and showcase the steamy appeal of this growing medium. Our staff will also be presenting our newest license announcements, and if time permits, answering all kinds of questions from the audience.

Panel Description: NYC-based jazz band, Catbus Collective performs unique covers of anime, Ghibli, and City Pop classics. Ranging from Sailor Moon to Jujutsu Kaisen, the audience will hear their favorite anime openers, closers, and soundtracks in an exciting musical presentation with plenty of burning instrumental solos.

Panel Description: Join scholars at the JAMS@AX Academic symposium to discuss ai, elves, monstrosity, and shoujo manga!

Panel Description: Escape from reality and step into a world full of moe! Inspired by the maid cafes of Akihabara, Anime Expo’s Maid Café has been one of our most popular events. Our cute and courteous maids are ready to entertain you, whether they break out in song and dance or facilitate an activity. Enjoy a drink and an interactive show, and don’t forget to thank the maids on your way out!

Panel Description: Touzan Taiko, founded in 2009 at Cal Poly Pomona is a student-run taiko drumming group dedicated to sharing Japanese cultural music through dynamic performance, exciting collaboration, and community events while training new generations of collegiate taiko players.

Panel Description: Join scholars at the JAMS@AX Academic sympsoium as they discuss manga in museum, geogrphaic evolutions, social media, and survelience in anime!

Panel Description: Escape from reality and step into a world full of moe! Inspired by the maid cafes of Akihabara, Anime Expo’s Maid Café has been one of our most popular events. Our cute and courteous maids are ready to entertain you, whether they break out in song and dance or facilitate an activity. Enjoy a drink and an interactive show, and don’t forget to thank the maids on your way out!

Panel Description: REMOW returns to Anime Expo 2026—welcome to the game. Step into LIAR GAME with special guests, exclusive reveals, and a live game experience. Plus, sneak peeks of upcoming anime, including Livid Lady’s Guide to Getting Even. Free giveaways for all attendees!

Panel Description: Experience the dynamic sound of Touzan Taiko, Cal Poly Pomona’s Japanese drumming group, as they present a live performance followed by an introductory taiko workshop! Through powerful rhythms, synchronized movement, and spirited performance, Touzan Taiko showcases the energy, discipline, and sense of community at the heart of taiko drumming.

Panel Description: Join 3 NASA scientists for one-part physics lecture, and one-part geek-out session. For the Closing Seminar of the JAMS@AX symposium, math, science, and anime will combine to reveal the Physic of Anime! Thanks for another INCREDIBLE JAMS@AX!

Panel Description: Escape from reality and step into a world full of moe! Inspired by the maid cafes of Akihabara, Anime Expo’s Maid Café has been one of our most popular events. Our cute and courteous maids are ready to entertain you, whether they break out in song and dance or facilitate an activity. Enjoy a drink and an interactive show, and don’t forget to thank the maids on your way out!

Panel Description: Step into the dazzling world of idols from around the globe in this exclusive, up-close experience! Enjoy live performances and immerse yourself in the excitement of wotagei. Don’t miss the rare chance to meet and connect with the idols, browse exclusive merch, and snap some adorable chekkis to remember the evening!

Panel Description: Escape from reality and step into a world full of moe! Inspired by the maid cafes of Akihabara, Anime Expo’s Maid Café has been one of our most popular events. Our cute and courteous maids are ready to entertain you, whether they break out in song and dance or facilitate an activity. Enjoy a drink and an interactive show, and don’t forget to thank the maids on your way out!

Panel Description: Escape from reality and step into a world full of moe! Inspired by the maid cafes of Akihabara, Anime Expo’s Maid Café has been one of our most popular events. Our cute and courteous maids are ready to entertain you, whether they break out in song and dance or facilitate an activity. Enjoy a drink and an interactive show, and don’t forget to thank the maids on your way out!

Panel Description: JAPAN MUSIC VOCALOID Powered by Dwango at Anime Expo 2026! Get ready for an electrifying night celebrating the sound of Vocaloid with an incredible line-up of legendary DJs straight from Japan! This one-of-a-kind event brings together some of the most influential producers in the Vocaloid scene for an unforgettable live experience. Get ready for an electrifying night of beats, visuals, and pure Vocaloid energy with: Hachioji-P, kz(livetune), picco, SatapanP, and TeddyLoid (Special Appearance). Entry is included with your Anime Expo credential. No separate tickets required!

Panel Description: Kazuki Tokaji is a Japanese guitarist based between Los Angeles and Tokyo, blending dynamic 7-string guitar with anime and video game-inspired melodies and modern metal intensity. An official ESP Guitars artist, he delivers high-energy performances that connect with fans worldwide.

Panel Description: Experience Late Comedy Showdown at Anime Expo 2026! (18+ Content) When the clock strikes late-night, the jokes get bolder. Watch comedians go head-to-head delivering their funniest (and most unfiltered) anime jokes all competing for the ultimate prize: your laughter. 🔥🎤

Panel Description: We are a Japanese-American melodic metal band inspired by anime culture, creating original songs and powerful anime covers in our signature high-energy, fast-paced style. Our music feels like an epic anime opening cinematic, emotional, and full of spirit. Through our sound, we aim to spread the passion, positivity, and strength of anime culture to a wider audience.

Panel Description: Learn more about the gaming and voice acting industry! Voice actor Jimmie Yamaguchi (Zenless Zone Zero, 2XKO, Star Wars) is joined by game industry veteran Chris Harada (Square Enix, Gearbox, and more) and Audrey, CEO of Japan-based Aitai Japan, to discuss how voices, games, and IP come together—from performance and production to global releases.

Panel Description: Escape from reality and step into a world full of moe! Inspired by the maid cafes of Akihabara, Anime Expo’s Maid Café has been one of our most popular events. Our cute and courteous maids are ready to entertain you, whether they break out in song and dance or facilitate an activity. Enjoy a drink and an interactive show, and don’t forget to thank the maids on your way out!

Panel Description: Escape from reality and step into a world full of moe! Inspired by the maid cafes of Akihabara, Anime Expo’s Maid Café has been one of our most popular events. Our cute and courteous maids are ready to entertain you, whether they break out in song and dance or facilitate an activity. Enjoy a drink and an interactive show, and don’t forget to thank the maids on your way out!

Panel Description: Turn your love of anime into support for charitable causes Guests and sponsors generously donate artwork, memorabilia, and other items all for a charitable cause. Anime Expo works with our special guests from the industry to provide one-of-a-kind items for the annual Charity Auction.  By bidding on original sketches, autographed scripts, limited edition swag, and other signed items, you can do your part to support charitable causes.

Panel Description: Escape from reality and step into a world full of moe! Inspired by the maid cafes of Akihabara, Anime Expo’s Maid Café has been one of our most popular events. Our cute and courteous maids are ready to entertain you, whether they break out in song and dance or facilitate an activity. Enjoy a drink and an interactive show, and don’t forget to thank the maids on your way out!

Panel Description: Los Angeles based saxophone quartet who specializes in performing covers of popular anime and video game music. S4X has played numerous Anime Expo and AX Chibi events and even participated in the closing ceremony of Anime Expo 2019.

Panel Description: Join in on this panel by game developer NextNinja to learn about the latest and upcoming news for the hit Anime RPG Grand Summoners! All participants will receive a free original gift as well as have a chance to receive exclusive merch!

Panel Description: Escape from reality and step into a world full of moe! Inspired by the maid cafes of Akihabara, Anime Expo’s Maid Café has been one of our most popular events. Our cute and courteous maids are ready to entertain you, whether they break out in song and dance or facilitate an activity. Enjoy a drink and an interactive show, and don’t forget to thank the maids on your way out!

Panel Description: After an exhausting weekend of running around the con, the Closing Ceremony is the very last event at Anime Expo. It's a heartwarming, yet bittersweet time, where we breathe a collective sigh of relief that AX is over and we can go home and rest, but then we have to make our final goodbyes and wait a whole year for AX to return.