Anime Expo 2026 is less than a week away, and the organizers just dropped a guest list so stacked it reads like an all-star roster for anime fans. But the real shocker? A surprise U.S. premiere that absolutely nobody predicted and it is coming from one of the most creative studios working in animation today.
If you are planning to attend AX this year or just follow the announcements from home, here is everything you need to know about the biggest anime convention in North America, returning July 2-5, 2026 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
The Headliner Nobody Expected: Jaadugar U.S. Premiere
Science SARU the studio behind the viral opening animation for DAN DA DAN and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off is bringing a brand-new original project to Anime Expo for its very first U.S. screening. The film is called Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia and it is the directorial debut of Takushi Koide.
For those who do not know the name, Koide previously worked at Kinema Citrus and is now stepping into the director’s chair for his first fully original animated film. The title itself blending Mongolian and South Asian naming conventions with a fantasy witch narrative signals something completely unlike the typical anime fare we see at conventions.
The creative team behind Jaadugar includes:
- Abel Gongora Director at Science SARU known for the legendary DAN DA DAN opening sequence and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. His presence alone tells you the visual quality will be off the charts.
- Kai Ikarashi Key staff member on the project part of the core creative vision.
- Fuyuki Hayashi Contributing to the production bringing years of industry experience.
This is not just another convention screening. This is a world premiere at one of the largest anime events on the planet. Science SARU choosing AX for the U.S. debut is a massive vote of confidence in the North American anime market.
The Guest List Is Absolutely Ridiculous
Here is where things get wild. Anime Expo 2026 has assembled a lineup that bridges Japanese creators industry heavyweights and the English dub talent that fans actually know and love.
On the Japanese side:
- Naoko Yamada Yes THAT Naoko Yamada. Director of A Silent Voice Liz and the Blue Bird and The Heike Story. Her attendance alone is worth the trip.
- Junya Enoki Legendary voice actor known for countless iconic roles across anime and games.
- Hana Hishikawa Rising star in the Japanese voice acting scene.
- Makoto Furukawa Popular voice actor with a massive fan following.
- Akira Shimizu President and representative director of A-1 Pictures the studio behind Kaguya-sama Solo Leveling and Sword Art Online.
And then the English dub talent that will have fans losing their minds:
- Abby Trott Voice of Nezuko in Demon Slayer Momo in DAN DA DAN and Spiral in X-Men 97. One of the most recognizable names in English dub anime.
- Adam McArthur The English voice of Yuji Itadori in Jujutsu Kaisen. Need I say more?
- AJ Beckles Voice of Ken Okarun in DAN DA DAN Takemichi in Tokyo Revengers and Sugilite in Honkai Star Rail. This person carries entire fanbases on their shoulders.
- Alejandro Saab Voice of Gabimaru in Hell’s Paradise and Kaigaku in Demon Slayer plus an incredible content creator presence online.
- Alexis Tipton Nearly 500 projects as of 2026. Half a century of voicing characters across anime and games.
Live Drawing Fashion and Creative Chaos
It is not all about panels and premieres. Acky Bright the world-renowned artist who has collaborated with DC Comics Marvel Netflix Red Bull and Meta will be doing his legendary live-drawing sessions at AX. If you have never seen Acky Bright work in real time you are missing one of the most electrifying experiences at any anime convention.
On the fashion side ACRO TOKYO is bringing Harajuku street fashion to the convention floor. The group behind brands like REFLEM TRAVAS TOKYO and FUGA is turning AX into a runway show.
And creator Tadatoshi Fujimaki the mind behind Kill Blue will be making an appearance for fans of his work.
What Makes This Year Different
Anime Expo 2026 feels like a tipping point. The convention has always been big but this year’s lineup suggests something deeper: the boundary between Japanese anime production and Western fandom is dissolving faster than anyone expected.
When a studio like Science SARU chooses AX over a Japanese premiere for a U.S. debut when presidents of major studios like A-1 Pictures fly in personally when the guest list spans from legendary directors to rising voice actors you are watching an industry that treats its Western audience as equals not afterthoughts.
The DAN DA DAN connection alone is fascinating. Abel Gongora directed the opening that went viral worldwide. Abby Trott voices the lead Momo in English. AJ Beckles voices Ken Okarun. And now the same studio is premiering a completely different project at the same convention where DAN DA DAN’s English cast will appear. That is not a coincidence that is a statement.
For more context on what is happening in anime right now check out our coverage of the Netflix Summer 2026 anime lineup and our deep dive into Witch Hat Atelier.
What Do You Think?
Is Anime Expo 2026 shaping up to be the biggest one yet or are you saving your energy for whatever happens next? Which guest are you most excited to see? Are you hyped for the Jaadugar premiere or is seeing Naoko Yamada in person the real draw?
Drop your thoughts below and let us know which panel you would camp out hours for.
