The world premiere of SANDA, the upcoming TV anime based on Paru Itagaki’s manga, drew an enthusiastic crowd during a special panel at Anime Expo in Los Angeles. The event featured the creator herself, Paru Itagaki (BEASTARS), Director Toshinori Shimoyama, and Producer Kohei Sakita. Though lead voice actor Ayumu Murase (Kazushige Sanda) could not attend, he greeted fans with a pre-recorded video message, wishing everyone a “blessed” time at AX.

Tucked away in Little Tokyo was a curious gallery, the Yabai Gallery, presented by JAST and J18. Free to enter, the only cost was somehow making your way to the LA Artcore building during the very busy Anime Expo weekend, a task easier said than done. The gallery ran for all four days of Anime Expo but I only managed to get there on Sunday. Present at the gallery was famed artist Shiwasu no Okina, who also came to Anime Expo in 2023, and San Diego Comic Con in 2024.

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This past weekend’s Beyblade X National Qualifier at Anime Expo wasn’t just a tournament—it was a landmark moment for the 25-year-old franchise. The event marked the first official U.S. competition for the Beyblade X generation, a qualifier for the upcoming World Championship in Japan, and the first time U.S. bladers over the age of 12 were eligible to compete in an officially sanctioned tournament.

Aniplex of America will celebrate its 20th anniversary at Anime Expo 2025 with a lineup of panels, live performances, and guest appearances highlighting its influence on the anime industry over the past two decades.

The event begins July 3 with two industry panels hosted by Aniplex staff in Petree Hall at 2:00 PM and 5:30 PM. On July 4, a Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba 6th Anniversary concert will be held at the Peacock Theater at 10:30 AM, featuring a live music performance and a special appearance by Natsuki Hanae, the Japanese voice of the main protagonist,Tanjiro Kamado.

That afternoon, the A-1 Pictures 20th Anniversary Industry Panel will take place at 3:45 PM in JW Marriott’s Diamond Ballroom, featuring Producer Atsushi Kaneko (Solo Leveling), Shunsuke Sugimoto (Lycoris Recoil), Toshitaka Morioka, Akihisa Shibuya, and Director Seiji Mizushima (Eisen Flügel).

On July 5 at 1:30 PM, the “FGO 8th Anniversary × TYPE-MOON Projects” panel will return to Petree Hall, with appearances by voice actress Ayako Kawasumi (Altria Pendragon, Anne Bonny), Producer Satoshi Tsuruoka (Arash, Gilles de Rais, Spartacus), Toshiyuki Kanazawa (FGO marketing), and Albert Kao (host, Aniplex of America).

Throughout the weekend, attendees can visit the Aniplex of America booth (#1920) for a special exhibition, daily mini-stage events, character mascots, giveaways, and exclusive merchandise.

Full schedule and updates available at: aniplexusa.com/ax2025