The Anime Expo 2025, held from July 3 to 6 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, has been heralded as the largest and most exciting edition of the convention in its history. Drawing more than 100,000 attendees from around the world, this year’s event broke previous records in both attendance and programming, solidifying its position as one of the premier events for anime fans globally. This year’s Anime Expo was a celebration of Japanese pop culture, bringing together fans, creators, and influencers for an immersive and unforgettable experience.
The Rising Popularity of Anime in Southern California
Anime has long held a special place in Southern California’s cultural fabric, with its influence growing significantly over the past decade. From anime-inspired art exhibitions to the explosion of anime-based fashion, the vibrant subculture has found a permanent home in LA. What once began as a niche interest has evolved into a dominant global force, attracting fans not only in Japan but all over the world, including the United States. The 2025 edition of Anime Expo further underscored this growth, with an impressive increase in international attendance.
For many, Anime Expo serves as a gateway into the broader world of Japanese pop culture. Visitors come to see the latest anime releases, meet voice actors, and participate in various cosplay events. Southern California’s role as a cultural epicenter makes it the perfect location for such an event, with its strong ties to both the entertainment industry and the international fanbase that gathers each year.
Exclusive Premieres and Sneak Peeks
Anime Expo 2025 showcased an impressive lineup of premieres and sneak peeks at upcoming anime series, drawing excitement from fans eager to catch a glimpse of the next big hit. Among the most anticipated events was the world premiere of May I Ask for One Final Thing?, a highly anticipated series adapted from a popular manga. The premiere, which was exclusive to the event, featured a live introduction by the creators and voice cast, creating a buzz among fans eager to learn more about the story.
Additionally, fans of The Rising of the Shield Hero were treated to the first look at Season 4, which has been long awaited by its dedicated following. The trailer for Frieren Season 2 also generated excitement, particularly among viewers who have been following the adaptation since its debut. But perhaps the most anticipated preview of all was the first official announcement of a Cyberpunk anime series, which is expected to expand on the world introduced in the Cyberpunk 2077 video game. The announcement sparked considerable online chatter, as fans speculated about the storyline and connection to the video game’s universe.
Panels, Guests, and Community Engagement
Anime Expo 2025 also featured a wide range of panel discussions that explored topics such as anime production, voice acting, and the evolution of storytelling in Japanese animation. The convention’s schedule was packed with panels on popular series such as My Hero Academia, Chainsaw Man, and Solo Leveling, providing fans with the opportunity to engage directly with the creators and voice actors behind their favorite shows.
Notable guests included some of the most famous voice actors in anime, including One-Punch Man’s Makoto Furukawa, My Hero Academia’s Daiki Yamashita, and Chainsaw Man’s Kikunosuke Toya. These panels provided rare insight into the inner workings of anime production, with the voice actors discussing their roles in beloved series, the challenges of bringing characters to life, and the unique aspects of working in anime. Fans were also able to ask questions and hear behind-the-scenes stories that they would not have had access to otherwise.
Cosplay, another cornerstone of Anime Expo, remained one of the most vibrant and engaging aspects of the event. From elaborate Demon Slayer costumes to intricate renditions of characters from Attack on Titan, the convention floor was a visual feast for cosplay enthusiasts. The cosplay competition, which is always one of the most popular events, saw an influx of creative and professional-quality costumes, with participants striving to outdo one another in terms of detail and authenticity.
The Growth of Anime in the U.S. and Global Streaming Success
The 2025 Anime Expo reflected the ongoing growth of anime not just in Japan, but in the global market. Streaming services like Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Netflix have been instrumental in bringing anime to wider audiences, with series like Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, and Jujutsu Kaisen gaining massive followings in the U.S. The rise of streaming platforms has made it easier for fans to access a diverse range of anime, and conventions like Anime Expo provide a crucial space for fans to connect with one another.
The influence of anime is also visible in Hollywood, where anime-inspired movies, TV shows, and video games are becoming more common. Anime Expo 2025 saw an increasing number of collaborations between major production companies and anime studios, highlighting the growing intersection between Japanese animation and Western media. This collaboration has helped to elevate anime from a niche interest to a mainstream cultural phenomenon.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Anime and Anime Expo
As Anime Expo 2025 concluded, it was clear that the event had only scratched the surface of what’s to come for anime in the U.S. The convention not only served as a testament to the lasting appeal of Japanese pop culture but also demonstrated how the anime industry continues to evolve and expand. With more announcements, sneak peeks, and premieres, the future looks bright for anime fans in Southern California and beyond.
For those who were unable to attend the event in person, highlights and recordings of some panels are expected to be shared online in the coming weeks. The anime community remains as vibrant and engaged as ever, with Anime Expo serving as the focal point for fans to gather, celebrate, and look forward to what’s next in the world of Japanese pop culture.
