Animation destination hosting more than 20 panels and premieres runs July 4-7 with early looks at the next wave of anime.
Crunchyroll has announced its Anime Expo lineup, which includes 20+ panels and premieres, as well as early looks at the next wave of anime. The company also revealed a slew of new film and series acquisitions. Anime Expo runs July 4-7.
The Crunchyroll lineup includes BOCCHI THE ROCK! Recap Films Part 1 and Part 2 coming to theaters. Plus, new episodes, series and seasons set to stream on Crunchyroll include: After-school Hanako-kun, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian, Arifureta Season 3, MF GHOST Season 2, Narenare -Cheer for You!-, No Longer Allowed in Another World, and Witch Hat Atelier.
The 2024 Anime Award-winning slice of life music series BOCCHI THE ROCK! is coming to North American theaters as a two-part recap film (dates to be announced). The film, acquired by Crunchyroll and to be distributed by Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment, follows Hitori “Bocchi” (“Loner”) Goto, a lonely high school girl who does nothing except strum a guitar by herself at home. However, she happens to meet Nijika Ijichi, who is looking for a guitarist for her group “Kessoku Band.” In anticipation of the theatrical release, a special BOCCHI THE ROCK! Panel at Anime Expo featuring Director Keiichiro Saito and voice actor Yoshino Aoyama will bring fans behind-the-scenes.
Anime Expo attendees can trade their typical 4th of July BBQ for a one-day celebration of the best in anime when
The Crunchyroll Stage at the JW Marriott returns with the creative minds behind TRIGUN STAMPEDE, giving a look back at the first season and an exciting sneak peek at what’s in store for the future. Sharing center stage will be the highly anticipated Witch Hat Atelier, and the spotlight will also be on new premieres, including Senpai is an Otokonoko, To Be Hero X, and more.
Grammy-nominated rapper Logic will appear during the “Crunchyroll X Logic” panel on how the medium inspires his music. The “Revenge of the BLERDS: Black Love of Anime” panel brings NFL superstar and viral anime fan Jamaal Williams to Anime Expo to discuss the special relationship between African American culture and the medium.
Crunchyroll is also bringing a 90-minute premiere of the highly anticipated Re:ZERO Season 3 with voice actor Yusuke Kobayashi and key series staff. Elsewhere, fans can catch a sneak peek at OVERLORD: The Sacred Kingdom before it arrives in theaters, and the English Dub premiere of the One Piece Egghead Island Arc.
Rounding out the premieres from the Summer and Fall seasons are Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest Season 3, After-school Hanako-kun, MF GHOST Season 2, Tower of God Season 2, Quality Assurance in Another World, and more.
Crunchyroll and Aniplex will take fans behind the scenes of fan-favorite anime, including the Black Butler panel with Producer Yoshito Ito, Director Kenjiro Okada, and the renowned Japanese voice of the titular character Sebastian Michaelis, Daisuke Ono. Taito Ban and Aleks Le, the respective Japanese and English voices of Sung Jinwoo, will discuss the global hit Solo Leveling with A-1 Pictures Producer Atsushi Kaneko.
On the show floor, Crunchyroll’s largest booth ever [#2526] will activate with scenes and sounds from hit anime, whisking fans away into beloved worlds. If you can’t find it…look for the 60ft screen!
The Solo Leveling Experience will allow fans to immerse themselves in moments from this year’s hit series. Need your merch itch scratched? The Crunchyroll Store is setting up shop with more than 70 items, including never-before-seen Crunchyroll Exclusive Merch.
Here’s the program lineup:
Senpai Is an Otokonoko: Early Premiere
Thursday, July 4 | 10:00 AM PT JW Marriott – Crunchyroll Stage
An exclusive early premiere of the romantic comedy of the summer, Senpai is an Otokonoko! When Saki confesses to her crush, Makoto, he rejects her after revealing his secret to her. While unbothered by the secret, Saki perseveres and consults Makoto’s childhood friend Ryuji for advice, only for Ryuji to discover he might also have some feelings for his old friend…
Revenge Of the Blerds: Black Love of Anime
Thursday, July 4 | 11:30 AM PT JW Marriott – Crunchyroll Stage
This panel brings together a wide range of Black anime superfans to talk about how the medium has influenced the culture at large and why the affinity is so strong and the love so deep. Hosted by Kimberly Adams, co-host of the Marketplace podcast “Make Me Smart.”
Panelists include The Anime Effect podcast’s LeAlec Murray, NFL Athlete Jamaal Williams from the New Orleans Saints, and more TBA.
That Time There Was a Lot of Isekai Anime on Crunchyroll
Thursday, July 4 | 1:00 PM PT - JW Marriott – Crunchyroll Stage
For all the isekai lovers, join the discussion with staff from both the manga and anime production of some of the hottest isekai titles this year — including That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability, and Wistoria: Wand and Sword. Dive into the creative process behind creating exciting adventures in other worlds!
Crunchyroll X Logic at Anime Expo Panel
Thursday, July 4 | 2:45 PM PT - JW Marriott – Crunchyroll Stage
Join Crunchyroll’s fireside chat with host Curt Richy and Grammy-nominated rapper and songwriter Logic about his love of anime and how the medium has inspired his music.
Trigun Stampede Panel, Presented by Crunchyroll And Orange
Thursday, July 4 | 4:00 PM PT JW Marriott – Crunchyroll Stage
The panel features the creative minds behind Trigun Stampede. Producers Yoshihiro Watanabe and Katsuhiro Takei will give an in-depth look at the thrilling first season and an exciting sneak peek at what’s in store for the future. Attendees are encouraged to come in their best Trigun Stampede cosplay for a chance to win merchandise. Hosted by Crunchyroll’s Tim Lyu.
Witch Hat Atelier Panel
Thursday, July 4 | 5:30 PM PT - JW Marriott – Crunchyroll Stage
A journey into the world of Witch Hat Atelier with manga author Kamome Shirahama and special guests from the anime production staff. They will unveil the latest information about the upcoming anime adaptation, as well as behind-the-scenes creations. Hosted by Crunchyroll’s Tim Lyu.
To Be Hero X Special Premiere
Thursday, July 4 | 6:45 PM PT - JW Marriott – Crunchyroll Stage
Get an early sneak peek at Aniplex and bilibili’s upcoming project featuring director Li Haolin. Hosted by Crunchyroll’s Tim Lyu.
Webtoons To Anime
Thursday, July 4 | 6:45 PM PT - LA Convention Center – 404AB
With the success of Solo Leveling, webtoons are being adapted into anime more than ever. See what’s hot and what’s next with Takaya Yamaguchi (Crunchyroll head of anime production), Ernest Woo (Tappytoon chief strategy officer), Won Young Seo (Ize Press editor), and Deb Aoki (Mangasplaining).
Crunchyroll X Kadokawa Present Special Screenings
Thursday, July 4 | 7:15 PM PT - JW Marriott – Crunchyroll Stage
Crunchyroll and Kadokawa team up to present simulcast titles Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian - Season 1, Episode 1 and No Longer Allowed in Another World Season 1, Episode 1.
Exclusive Premieres with Crunchyroll
Thursday, July 4 | 8:30 PM PT JW Marriott – Crunchyroll Stage
Catch a sneak peek at Crunchyroll’s upcoming simulcasts, including the Episode 5 World Premiere of After-school Hanako-kun, Season 2, Episode 1 of MF Ghost, Season 1, Episode 1 of Narenare -Cheer for You!-, and Season 1, Episode 1 of Quality Assurance in Another World.
Arifureta Season 3 Premiere + Voice Cast Talk
Friday, July 5 | 10:00 AM PT - JW Marriott – Platinum Ballroom
Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest Season 3 premieres ahead of its Fall 2024 simulcast. Join special guest voice actors Toshinari Fukamachi (Hajime) and Yuuki Kuwahara (Yue) for an exclusive Q&A and early previews of Episodes 2-4. Hosted by Crunchyroll’s Lauren Moore.
One Piece - Egghead Arc English Dub Premiere
Friday, July 5 | 11:30 AM PT - LA Convention Center – Main Events
Toei Animation and Crunchyroll present the English Dub premiere of Episodes 1090 and 1091 of One Piece. Be among the first to catch the Straw Hats’ arrival at the futuristic and mysterious Egghead Island.
Solo Leveling Panel
Friday, July 5 | 4:00 PM PT - JW Marriott – Diamond Ballroom
A behind-the-scenes Solo Leveling panel with Taito Ban and Aleks Le, the Japanese and English voice actors for Sung Jinwoo, along with Atsushi Kaneko (A-1 Pictures Producer). Hosted by Crunchyroll’s Chris Han.
Excl. World Premiere of Re: Zero Season 3 Ft. Yusuke Kobayashi
Friday, July 5 | 5:00 PM PT - LA Convention Center – Main Events
Join Yusuke Kobayashi and staff members to watch the first full-length (90 minutes) episode of Re: Zero Season 3 ahead of its simulcast and exclusively on Crunchyroll in 2024. Hosted by Crunchyroll’s Lauren Moore. Guests include the Japanese voice of Natsuki Subaru, Yusuke Kobayashi; the Japanese voice of Garfield Tinsel, Nobuhiko Okamoto; director Masahiro Shinohara; character designer Haruka Sagawa; and Kadokawa Producer Sho Tanaka.
Bocchi The Rock! Panel With Director Keiichiro Saito and Yoshino Aoyama
Friday, July 5 | 8:00 PM PT - JW Marriott – Diamond Ballroom
The panel features director Keiichiro Saito and Yoshino Aoyama, and Hitori Gotoh’s voice actor share exclusive behind-the-scenes content from the award-winning music anime. Hosted by “The Anime Effect” podcast’s Nicholas Friedman and LeAlec Murray.
Crunchyroll Presents Kadokawa Anime
Saturday, July 6 | 10:30 AM PT - JW Marriott – Diamond Ballroom
Join Crunchyroll and Kadokawa for an exclusive and in-depth look behind some of Kadokawa’s hottest anime of the year! Including a sneak peek of Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom and featuring notable Japanese guests. Hosted by “The Anime Effect” podcast’s Nicholas Friedman and LeAlec Murray. The panel features voice actor Yusuke Kobayashi and various special guests.
Black Butler -Public School Arc- Panel
Saturday, July 6 | 2:00 PM PT - JW Marriott – Diamond Ballroom
The behind-the-scenes Black Butler panel with Producer Yoshito Ito, director Kenjiro Okada, and voice of Sebastian Michaelis, Daisuke Ono, and hosted by CDawgVA, features exclusive behind-the-scenes content and free poster giveaways.
Crunchyroll Industry Panel
Saturday, July 6 | 5:00 PM PT - LA Convention Center – Petree Hall
Hear about all the latest and greatest anime and manga coming out of Crunchyroll straight from the source. Hosted by Crunchyroll’s Tim Lyu and Lauren Moore.
Tower Of God 2nd Season Special Premiere
Saturday, July 6 | 5:45 PM PT - JW Marriott – Diamond Ballroom
The long-awaited second season of hit Webtoon-turned-anime Tower of God has finally arrived! The treacherous journey to the top of the tower continues in this exclusive premiere of episodes 1 & 2.
Jujutsu Kaisen Panel, Powered by Crunchyroll
Sunday, July 7 | 10:00 AM PT - LA Convention Center – Main Events
Crunchyroll and special guests Junya Enoki (Japanese voice of Yuji Itadori), Shota Goshozono (Director of Season 2), and Keisuke Seshimo (Animation Lead Producer, MAPPA) celebrate of the popular series. Hosted by Crunchyroll’s Tim Lyu.
More information and updates are available on the Crunchyroll website.
Source: Crunchyroll
