The Anime Expo 2026 is scheduled for 2-5 July.
The Anime Expo 2026 is taking place in Los Angeles, USA from 2-5 July, 2026. Ahead of the event, Crunchyroll has announced a horde of exciting anime panels including two with the staff of Gachiakuta and The Apothecary Diaries. Moreover, Crunchyroll will also premiere the inaugural episodes of many new and returning titles at the event. During the Crunchyroll Showcase on 3 July, a set of fresh titles will be announced.
What is the schedule for Crunchyroll at the Anime Expo 2026?
Crunchyroll will hold screenings and premieres across the first three days of the event. Starting with
2 July, 2026 (Thursday)
Early screening of The Exiled Heavy Knight Knows How to Game the System Episodes 1-3
Timing: 10 AM - 10.50 AM
Place: JW Marriott - Platinum Ballroom
Synopsis via Crunchyroll:
On his fifteenth birthday, Elymas undergoes the Ritual of Divine Blessing but is exiled and stripped of his inheritance after receiving the "defective" Heavy Knight class, which is widely mocked for its unbalanced stats and cowardice. However, Elymas secretly recognizes this world as the exact game he played in his past life, where the despised class is actually the most formidable of them all. Armed with this exclusive knowledge, he sets out to utilize his gaming memories and conquer the entire world. Join us for an early screening of The Exiled Heavy Knight Knows How to Game the System.
Release date: 2 July, 2026
Early screening of Hanaori-san Still Wants to Fight in the Next Life Episode 1
Timing: 11.30 AM - 12.20 PM
Place: JW Marriott - Platinum Ballroom
Synopsis via Seven Seas:
Narukami Ryusei is your typical NEET. He spends his days shut in his room playing video games without a care in the world, living a lazy life. But the truth is, Ryusei used to be a powerful demon king in another world! So why not spend this new life doing whatever he wants? Except, he wasn’t the only one reincarnated into this world. The hero who struck him down is here too—and she’s a really cute high school girl?! Can Ryusei survive reuniting with his foe in a new world, or will he find himself fighting even in this life?
Release date: July 2026
Early screening of Skeleton Knight in Another World Season 2, Episode 1
Timing: 11.30 AM - 12.20 PM
Place: JW Marriott - Platinum Ballroom
Synopsis via Seven Seas:
One day Arc wakes up in the world of his favorite MMORPG…and discovers that he’s become exactly like his game character, a heroic knight who just so happens to be a skeleton! The whole skull-for-a-head thing is maybe going to be a problem. Arc resolves to keep a low profile, lest anyone mistake him for a monster, but he can’t quite manage to turn a blind eye to the troubles of his new world. Adventure awaits, and the Skeleton Knight will be there to meet it!
Release date: 4 July, 2026
Exclusive premiere of Mushoku Tensei Season 3, Episode 1-2
Timing: 1 PM - 2 PM
Place: JW Marriott - Platinum Ballroom
Synopsis via Crunchyroll:
When a 34-year-old underachiever gets run over by a truck, his story doesn't end there. Reincarnated in a new world as an infant, Rudy will seize every opportunity to live the life he's always wanted. Armed with new friends, some freshly acquired magical abilities, and the courage to do the things he's always dreamed of, he's embarking on an epic adventure—with all of his past experience intact!
Release date: 5 July, 2026
Early screening of Victoria of Many Faces Episode 1
Timing: 2.30 PM - 3.20 PM
Place: JW Marriott - Platinum Ballroom
Synopsis via Yen Press:
In an age when spies act behind the scenes in every land, Chloe spends her days successfully carrying out even the most difficult missions due to her unparalleled disguise skills and martial arts abilities. However, after the betrayal of her boss, she suddenly disappears-as Chloe plans to redo her life as the ordinary citizen Victoria in the neighboring kingdom of Ashberry, striving for a “normal” life. However, Victoria’s peaceful life is abruptly cut short as she begins to get involved with many people. In this new land, her experiences and abilities from her days as a spy come in far more useful than she ever expected!! On the other hand, the second prince and the pursuer of the organization amongst others take an interest in Victoria’s strength, and many shadows close in on the one with all the cards in her hand...!
Release date: July, 2026
Early screening of Sasaki and Peeps Season 2, Episode 1
Timing: 2.30 PM - 3.20 PM
Place: JW Marriott - Platinum Ballroom
Synopsis via Crunchyroll:
Sasaki is a middle-aged office worker living in Japan. Feeling drained by the vapid corporate world, he heads to the pet shop in search of a new companion. There he finds an adorable bird named Peeps and takes him home. But Sasaki quickly learns that Peeps isn’t your average bird…he’s a powerful mage from another world! Together, they embark on a magical adventure filled with swords and sorcery.
Release date: 2026
Early screening of Overgeared (Tempal ~Item no Chikara~) Episode 1
Timing: 4 PM - 4.50 PM
Place: JW Marriott - Platinum Ballroom
Synopsis via Yen Press:
Youngwoo Shin is a deadbeat in real life, working odd jobs to barely pay off his loans. Even his family has written him off as a hopeless video game addict. But when he logs in to the massively popular VR game Satisfy, Youngwoo becomes Grid the Warrior…who is also painfully mediocre. Everything changes when he stumbles across a tome containing the lost knowledge of a legendary blacksmith. The catch is, using it resets all his levels! In order to survive after being forced back to square one, Grid will need to hone his skills and gather reliable allies…or not! Who needs all that when you're decked out in god-tier items?!
Release date: October 2026
Early screening of Saga of Tanya the Evil Season 2, Episode 1
Timing: 4 PM - 4.50 PM
Place: JW Marriott - Platinum Ballroom
Synopsis via Crunchyroll:
It is June of the year CE 1923. A young girl with blond hair and blue eyes, Tanya Degurechaff, has entered the final curriculum of the Imperial Military Academy and is training at the third patrol line in the northern military district, the Norden Theater, as part of her service to the force. Her training, the first step toward a brilliant career as an aviation mage, should have gone off without a hitch... but things took an unexpected turn.
Release date: July 2026
Early screening of The World's Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in Another World as an Aristocrat Season 2, Episode 1
Timing: 5.30 PM - 6.20 PM
Place: JW Marriott - Platinum Ballroom
Synopsis via Crunchyroll:
The world's number one assassin has been reincarnated as the eldest son of a family of aristocrat assassins. In exchange for being reincarnated in another world, a goddess has imposed upon him one condition.
"Kill the Hero who is prophesied to destroy the world."
This was to be the mission in his new life. The synergistic effect of the vast knowledge and experience he gained that made all manner of assassinations possible in the modern world, and the secret techniques and magic of the fantasy world's most powerful family of assassins turn him into the greatest assassin of all time.
Release date: 2027
Screening of Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You Episode 1
Timing: 5.30 PM - 6.20 PM
Place: JW Marriott - Platinum Ballroom
Synopsis via Square Enix:
At age forty-five, office worker Sasaki has had enough of the corporate grind. His only solace is smoking-and the friendly smile of supermarket cashier Yamada. When Sasaki can't find Yamada after a particularly trying day, a striking woman invites him to smoke with her. The despondent man thinks he's made a new smoking buddy in the cool, teasing Tayama, but Sasaki doesn't realize he already knows her!
Release date: July 2026
3 July, 2026 (Friday)
“Gachiakuta - Return to the Pit!” Exclusive first look at season 2 featuring cast and staff
Timing: 10 AM - 11 AM
Place: Peacock Theater
Synopsis via Crunchyroll:
In a floating city where the rich discard their waste—and people—Rudo is framed for murder and thrown into the Pit, where a hellscape of mutated trash beasts dwell. To survive, he must wield a new power and join the rogue Cleaners. Rudo doesn’t just aim to battle monsters, but the corrupt who cast him into Hell.
Release date: yet to be announced
You and I Are Polar Opposites cast panel
Timing: 11.45 AM - 12.45 PM
Place: Peacock Theater
Comment from Crunchyroll:
Suzuki and Tani are calling, are you ready to go? Join Sayumi Suzushiro and Shogo Sakata for one final hangout before class is back in session as they treat us to the first episode premiere of Season 2, live dub some of your favorite scenes, reminisce about their favorite memories from the series and share some behind-the-scenes stories.
Synopsis via Crunchyroll:
Suzuki’s a high school girl in love, but the guy she’s fallen for is nothing like her! While she’s cheerful, outgoing, and always trying to fit in, her classmate Yusuke Tani is stoic, quiet, and doesn’t seem to care what people think of him. Will Suzuki be able to overcome her anxieties and ask him out, or will she discover that opposites really don’t attract?
Crunchyroll Showcase
Timing: 1.30 PM - 2.30 PM
Place: Peacock Theater
Comment from Crunchyroll:
Whether you’re a lifelong anime fan or just getting started, Crunchyroll brings you closer to the action with sneak peeks, studio spotlights, announcements, and surprises along the way.
A magical panel with the cast and creator of Witch Hat Atelier
Timing: 3.15 PM - 4.15 PM
Place: Peacock Theater
Comment from Crunchyroll:
Step into the atelier! Let's take a magical look at Witch Hat Atelier behind-the-scenes with special guests: Kamome Shirahama (Manga Creator), Rena Motomura (Voice of Coco), and Natsuki Hanae (Voice of Qifrey). Learn what it takes to become a master witch in this exciting discussion!
Synopsis via Kodansha:
In a world where everyone takes wonders like magic spells and dragons for granted, Coco is a girl with a simple dream: She wants to be a witch. But everybody knows magicians are born, not made, and Coco was not born with a gift for magic. Resigned to her un-magical life, Coco is about to give up on her dream to become a witch…until the day she meets Qifrey, a mysterious, traveling magician. After secretly seeing Qifrey perform magic in a way she’s never seen before, Coco soon learns what everybody “knows” might not be the truth, and discovers that her magical dream may not be as far away as it may seem…
Celebration of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle
Timing: 5 PM - 6 PM
Place: Peacock Theater
Comment from Crunchyroll:
Celebrate the world of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle at Anime Expo 2026 on July 3 at the Peacock Theater! Join us for a special event looking back on the theatrical release of Infinity Castle, featuring guests Natsuki Hanae (Japanese voice of Tanjiro Kamado), Takahiro Sakurai (Japanese voice of Giyu Tomioka), and making her Anime Expo debut, Saori Hayami (Japanese voice of Shinobu Kocho). Fans of studio Ufotable won’t want to miss a special video of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle! Also, fans won't want to miss seeing the latest footage from Ufotable’s newest film project!
Daemons of the Shadow Realm special panel
Timing: 6.45 PM - 7.45 PM
Place: Peacock Theater
Comment from Crunchyroll:
Join the Japanese voices of Yuru (Kensho Ono) and Asa (Yume Miyamoto), as they talk about their experiences with Daemons of the Shadow Realm, the latest anime based on the original story by the creator of Fullmetal Alchemist, Hiromu Arakawa. Don't miss the chance to hear their thoughts behind the recent season, and participate in an exclusive live dubbing for the Anime Expo audience!
Synopsis via Crunchyroll:
Yuru, a young hunter who lives in a small village deep in the mountains, hunts wild game and leads a humble life with Asa, his younger twin sister. Their peaceful lives are torn apart when a dragon’s roar echoes across the sky. What secrets lurk within their village? What fate awaits them? Enter a breathtaking mystical fantasy as exciting Daemon battles intertwine the mysterious and supernatural.
The Apothecary Diaries Presented by Crunchyroll & NTV
Timing: 8.30 PM - 9.30 PM
Place: Peacock Theater
Comment from Crunchyroll:
Join Crunchyroll and NTV as they bring out some special guests from Japan to talk about the hit anime series, The Apothecary Diaries! Hear directly from the talent and more!
4 July, 2026 (Saturday)
Early screening of I Became a Legend after My 10 Year-Long Last Stand Episode 1-2
Timing: 10 AM - 10.50 AM
Place: JW Marriott - Platinum Ballroom
Synopsis via MangaUP!:
With no other options, Luck makes the choice to hold the line against the unending demonic hordes alone, to make sure his comrades can escape with their lives. However, through a combination of fortune, skill, and ingenuity, he holds that line for ten straight years, eventually coming out on top singlehandedly. Now he has to tackle the dilemma of how to occupy himself in a world where he holds a myriad of roles: that of a legend, that of a veteran, and that of a brand new face.
Release date: 6 July, 2026
A Returner's Magic Should Be Special Season 2 premiere ft. Sayumi Suzushiro
Timing: 10 AM - 11 AM
Place: Peacock Theater
Comment from Crunchyroll:
Get ready to return to the Shadow World with Crunchyroll at the Anime Expo two-episode premiere screening of A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special Season 2. Featuring a special guest appearance by Sayumi Suzushiro, this screening offers fans an early look at the next chapter of the fantasy adventure.
Synopsis via Crunchyroll:
In a land dominated by the formidable Shadow Worlds, most of humanity has been destroyed. To rescue their planet from impending doom, six brave heroes fight a perilous battle…and fail. But there’s a glimpse of hope when Desir, one of the last mages, is suddenly sent back in time 13 years! Now armed with knowledge of the grim future, can he alter the course of history and save the world?
Release date: 2026
Mob Psycho 100 10th anniversary celebration
Timing: 11.45 AM - 12.45 PM
Place: Peacock Theater
Comment from Crunchyroll:
Go 100% with Crunchyroll, Setsu Ito (Mob), Takahiro Sakurai (Reigen) and Yuzuru Tachikawa (Mob Psycho 100 Director) and celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Mob Psycho 100!
Early screening of The Villager of Level 999 Episode 1-2
Timing: 12 PM - 12.50 PM
Place: JW Marriott - Platinum Ballroom
Synopsis via Crunchyroll:
Monsters did not always exist in the island country of Hexaldoria, once known as Japan. With their arrival, eighty percent of the world is now too dangerous for people to live in. With the monsters' arrival, the world bestowed "Classes" upon its people. Despite being the weakest class, Kouji Kagami is determined to make money and soon becomes LEVEL 999. With his enormous strength, things are about to change!
Clevatess Season 2 behind the scenes with staff
Timing: 3.15 PM - 4.15 PM
Place: Peacock Theater
Comment from Crunchyroll:
The Japanese creative staff will provide insight into the creation and technical animation behind Clevatess paired with an early premiere of Episode 1 exclusively for our Anime Expo audience. Stay until the end for an extra special surprise ahead of Season 2!
Synopsis via Crunchyroll:
One of the Lords of Dark Beasts, Clevatess’s reign shatters when he revives a hero he personally slayed and adopts an orphaned humanoid baby—the last hope to save a dying world. Now bound together, what fate awaits this unlikely trio?
Release date: July 2026
Hana-Kimi panel with special guests
Timing: 5 PM - 6 PM
Place: Peacock Theater
Comment from Crunchyroll:
Step into the beloved world of Hana-Kimi, where romance and outrageous school antics take center stage! Join special guests Aya Yamane, Japanese voice of Mizuki, and Kikunosuke Toya, Japanese voice of Nakatsu, for a lively discussion celebrating this iconic story of disguise, friendship, and first love. Hear behind-the-scenes insights, explore what makes the characters so enduring, and even see iconic scenes performed live!
Synopsis via Crunchyroll:
Mizuki Ashiya is on a mission: disguise herself as a boy and enroll in a male boarding school to meet her idol, high jump star Izumi Sano. But after successfully infiltrating the school, she discovers he’s suddenly quit the sport! Now Mizuki must dodge suspicion, protect her cover, and somehow reach the boy she came all this way for—all while surviving the chaos of an all-boys dorm!
Early screening of Firefly Wedding
Timing: 6.30 PM - 7.20 PM
Place: JW Marriott - Platinum Ballroom
Synopsis via Crunchyroll:
Firefly Wedding: On the surface, Satoko has it all—she’s beautiful, the daughter of a nobleman, and at a prime age for marriage. Unfortunately, she is also quite ill and only has a short time left to live. Before she can secure a marriage that will redeem her worth in her family’s eyes, she finds herself the target of the mysterious assassin Shinpei, and her plans are put in jeopardy. In order to save herself, she makes a desperate proposal—of marriage! When it comes to love, however, Shinpei takes “until death do we part” seriously.
Release date: October 2026
Early screening of The Ogre’s Bride
Timing: 6.30 PM - 7.20 PM
Place: JW Marriott - Platinum Ballroom
Synopsis via Crunchyroll:
The Ogre’s Bride: The ayakashi and humans coexist in harmony. The ayakashi, having superior abilities and beautiful appearances, sometimes find their partner among human women, making them their "bride". The bride, in exchange for bringing prosperity, receives absolute love from the ayakashi. Yuzu is constantly compared to her sister, a bride of a demon fox, and is resented by her family every day. One day, when Yuzu just couldn't take things anymore, a man appeared before her on a bridge. This man is the most beautiful man Yuzu has ever seen... and he's calling her his wife?! The most powerful, "cold-hearted" ayakashi is pouring his heart out for Yuzu?!
Release date: July 2026
Special premiere of The Oblivious Saint Can't Contain Her Power
Timing: 6.45 PM - 7.45 PM
Place: Peacock Theater
Comment via Crunchyroll:
Don't miss your chance to be among the first to watch the first two episodes of The Oblivious Saint Can't Contain Her Power! Featuring special guests from Japan, cast members Rie Takahashi and Makoto Furukawa share their thoughts on the new anime series and invite you to enjoy the premiere!
Synopsis via J-Novel Club:
Lady Carolina, the overlooked daughter of a powerful duke, has always believed herself to be the black sheep amid her illustrious kin. Her father is the distinguished prime minister; her elder sister, a prodigious mage destined to become their nation’s next Saint. In comparison, Carolina resigns herself to a quiet existence in their shadows until a sudden and unexpected royal decree alters her destiny, thrusting her into a political marriage with the formidable “Bloodthirsty Prince” of the neighboring Empire of Malcosias. Determined to prove her worth, Carolina takes a bold step into a world fraught with both political and mortal peril. As royal obligations intertwine with hints of true love and the stirrings of her own latent power, Carolina moves ever closer to understanding what it truly means to be exceptional.
Release date: July 2026
Premiere screening of Reborn as a Space Mercenary: I Woke Up Piloting the Strongest Starship! ft. Makoto Furukawa
Timing: 8.30 PM - 9.30 PM
Place: Peacock Theater
Comment from Crunchyroll:
When Satou Takahiro is swept away from his ordinary life into the world of his favorite video game, a universe of space battles and danger awaits. Don’t miss Crunchyroll’s Anime Expo two-episode premiere of Reborn as a Space Mercenary: I Woke Up Piloting the Strongest Starship!, featuring a special guest appearance by Makoto Furukawa (Voice of Hiro / Satou Takahiro).
Release date: October 2026
Crunchyroll has also arranged for special experiences for Daemons of the Shadow Realm and Witch Hat Atelier in their booth #2526.