If you thought summer 2026 could not get any hotter for anime fans, Toho International just proved you wrong. The entertainment giant announced its return to Anime Expo 2026 in Los Angeles this July, and the lineup is absolutely stacked with the biggest names in anime right now.
Here is what makes this announcement so massive, and why you need to clear your schedule for July 3 through 6.
My Hero Academia Celebrates 10 Years, Jujutsu Kaisen Hits 5
Toho International will be marking two major milestones at this year convention. My Hero Academia is celebrating its 10-year anniversary, and Jujutsu Kaisen just hit the 5-year mark. Both series have fundamentally shaped the shonen anime landscape, and Toho is pulling out all the stops to commemorate these achievements.
The booth itself will feature a massive archway inspired by the iconic TOHO animation circle logo, serving as a visual gateway into displays dedicated to each franchise. This is not your typical convention booth, it is a full immersive experience.
Four Panels That Will Define Anime Expo 2026
Toho is not just showing up with merchandise. They have four franchise panels scheduled across the July 3 to 5 weekend, and the guest list reads like an anime fan dream roster.
The Apothecary Diaries – Friday, July 3
Hosted by Crunchyroll and NTV, this panel kicks off Toho programming. The Apothecary Diaries has been one of the breakout hits of the past two years, and this panel will likely include updates on the series future.
Though I Am an Inept Villainess – Saturday
This panel features Japanese voice actors Hishikawa Hana and Furukawa Makoto, who bring the main characters to life. The series has been gaining serious traction, and seeing the seiyuu live in LA is a rare treat for Western fans.
My Hero Academia – Saturday
This is the one everyone has been waiting for. Yamashita Daiki, the Japanese voice of Deku, and Uchiyama Koki, the Japanese voice of Shigaraki, will both be on stage. With My Hero Academia Final Season recently sweeping the Crunchyroll Anime Awards, this panel could include major reveals about the series direction.
Frieren: Beyond Journey End – Saturday Evening
The Frieren panel brings serious creative talent. Director Kitagawa Tomoya, supporting director Saito Keiichiro, character designer Kojima Keisuke, and animation producer Fukushi Yuichiro will all be present. This suggests that Toho has something substantial to share about Frieren Season 3, which has already been confirmed for a new first look in July.
Jujutsu Kaisen – Sunday
Enoki Junya and English voice actor Adam McArthur, both of whom voice Yuji Itadori, will close out the weekend. With Jujutsu Kaisen Season 4 also set for new reveals this summer, this panel could be the biggest moment of the entire convention.
Exclusive Merchandise and Free Giveaways
The Toho booth will offer convention-exclusive merchandise and limited-edition collectibles that you will not find anywhere else. But here is the deal everyone should know about: complimentary badge clip-ons will be handed out at the entrance, featuring characters from series including Spy x Family and Kaiju No. 8.
There are also giveaway blind bags, which are mini clip-on shoppers containing an eco-bag with chibi artwork from one of four series. They will be distributed throughout the weekend, limited to one per guest. Separate social media giveaways for exclusive merchandise and signed shikishi boards are open to U.S. residents 18 and over, even if you are not attending the convention.
Why This Matters for Anime Fans in 2026
Anime Expo 2026 runs from July 3 to 6 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, and Toho presence this year is arguably their strongest yet. Between My Hero Academia decade-long legacy, Jujutsu Kaisen continued dominance, Frieren meteoric rise, and The Apothecary Diaries becoming a cultural phenomenon, this is the kind of lineup that makes people book flights months in advance.
The fact that all four panels are happening within a three-day window means you cannot miss a single one without feeling the FOMO. If you are going to AX this year, Toho schedule should be your first priority.
What Do You Think?
Which Toho panel are you most hyped for at Anime Expo 2026? Are you going for the My Hero Academia 10-year celebration, the Frieren creative team deep-dive, or the Jujutsu Kaisen Season 4 reveals? Let us know in the comments, and tell us whether you think Toho has any surprise announcements up their sleeve for this year convention.
If you want to read more about the biggest anime moments of 2026, check out these related articles:
- Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2026: Complete Winners List – See how My Hero Academia Final Season dominated the awards
- Crunchyroll Just Dropped 24 Manga Titles in June 2026 – The streaming giant keeps expanding its catalog
- 8 Summer 2026 Anime Stealing the Spotlight from Bleach Final Season – What else to watch this summer
