[Ultimate Guide] AX2026 (Anime Expo 2026), Which Panels are MUST SEE‼️ DAY 1 & 2

AX is packed with attractive panels again this year‼️ AX (Anime Expo) is a huge event, or rather a festival, for anime and manga held every July in LA. It's absolutely fantastic, with nearly 400,000 people participating from all over the world✨

North American anime fans come here to get information on the next season's anime, engage in fan activities with others who love the same IP, and buy merchandise from their favorite works🎁

And the defining feature of AX is, without a doubt, the panels. Anime studios, distributors, rights holders, and anime fan communities hold sessions in meeting rooms where they screen new anime, have talks with anime directors and voice actors, and host live drawing sessions with illustrators.

Anime fans, academics, event exhibitors, and industry professionals all have different goals for which panels to attend, but this entry introduces the MUST SEE panels that I thought, 'I have to go to this‼️', as well as some that aren't necessarily the talk of the town but that I absolutely want to see (reflecting my own massive bias). For panels happening on the same day at the same time, I'm still torn between which one to choose😩

※The information in this entry is based on the official AX2026 schedule, so if you want to see information on all the panels, check the link below‼️

https://www.anime-expo.org/ax/schedule-2026/

Now, let's get started with Day 1 right away‼️ (Though there are so many, please just look at the ones you're interested in via the table of contents😆 It's a long list, though...)

Day 1 - July 2

Resistance, Resilience, Cosplay, and Beauty in Anime (The Impact of Anime Imagery on Mental Health)

Panel Room:411 START:10:00 AM END:10:50 AM
An academic panel. This is a JAMS academic symposium discussing the impact of anime imagery in protest movements, anime aesthetics, and cosplay on mental health. It's a low-key panel aimed at the industry, but I attend quite often because it's useful for my work and offers many interesting perspectives.

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Special Creator Session: Yunyun Syndrome!? Rhythm Psychosis & Drunken Goddess Reflux

Panel Room:408AB START:10:00 AM END:10:50 AM
Game creator Fushou Hayashi and illustrator/animator odyk will be on stage. They will delve into the core concepts of their work, the production process, their unique visual direction, and the creative philosophy that supports their distinct worldview, all while incorporating live demonstrations🍷

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“Goodbye, Lara” Ep 1 Screening & Behind the Scenes Talk with Director Takushi Koide (Supported by Crunchyroll)

Panel Room:403AB START:10:30 AM END:11:20 AM
I have to go to this one✨ It's a special screening of the first episode of Kinema Citrus's 'Goodbye, Lara.' 200 years after turning into foam following an unrequited love, the mermaid princess Lara wakes up in Lake Biwa. I really want to see how a modern version of a story loved around the world, like The Little Mermaid, is perceived by the US audience! There will also be a behind-the-scenes talk with director Takushi Koide after the screening‼️

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From Japan to the US: How Manga is Acquired and What Breaks Through

Panel Room:408AB START:11:30 AM END:12:20 PM
Join Ben Applegate (Kodansha), Hope Donovan (VIZ), Leyla Aker (Square Enix), Rebecca Taylor (Inklore), and Whitney Leopard (Ink Pop) for a behind-the-scenes talk with the people driving the acquisition of Japanese manga. This panel covers why series become hits, current trends, and how works break through, all from an editor's perspective. As someone who works on bringing Japanese manga to the world, this is an essential panel for me.

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Crunchyroll Presents: Hanaori-san Still Wants to Fight in the Next Life and Skeleton Knight in Another World Season 2 Early Screenings

Panel Room:JW Platinum START:11:30 AM END:12:20 PM
This is a screening of the first episode of 'Hanaori-san Still Wants to Fight in the Next Life' and the first episode of Season 2 of 'Skeleton Knight in Another World.' 'Hanaori-san Still Wants to Fight in the Next Life' is a romantic comedy about a Demon King who reincarnates as a high school teacher and a Hero who reincarnates as one of his students. I kind of want to watch this lol

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Let's Dance! ParaPara 101

Panel Room: Concourse Hall E START: 12:00 PM END: 12:50 PM
A look at the history of 'ParaPara,' which spread among gals in the 2000s, along with a participatory demonstration. Retro trends are in, and I want to go to see what kind of energy the US crowd has for this panel. Plus, dancing ParaPara with everyone sounds like fun!

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Bandai Namco Presents: Echoes from Aincrad and Unanswered//butterfly U.S. First Look Preview

Panel Room: JW Diamond START: 12:30 PM END: 1:20 PM
A panel for the latest entry in the 'Sword Art Online' series, 'Echoes of Aincrad,' which is a must for fans. Producer Yousuke Futami will be on stage. The teaser video for the new anime 'Unanswered//butterfly' will also be unveiled at this time😍

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Chance to switch on with cosmosy (Participatory dance workshop by cosmosy)

Panel Room: AX Crossing START: 1:15 PM END: 2:15 PM
A participatory dance workshop by cosmosy—how awesome is that❗️ It looks like the members will be teaching the choreography for their hit songs directly. You can learn the signature moves step-by-step and dance along with everyone. I love things like this, they're so fun‼️

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Mushoku Tensei Season 3 Exclusive Premiere

Panel Room: JW Platinum START: 1:00 PM END: 1:50 PM
An exclusive premiere screening of Mushoku Tensei Season 3. This is one I definitely have to go to!

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MAG MAG from Japan: Yuriyan Retriever (Director) in Person — Film Screening + Q&A

Panel Room: The Novo START: 2:00 PM END: 4:20 PM
A screening of Yuriyan Retriever's live-action directorial debut, 'MAG MAG.' After the screening, there will be an in-person Q&A session, a live comedy segment, and stories about the path she has taken‼️

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Crunchyroll Presents: Victoria of Many Faces and Sasaki and Peeps Season 2 Early Screenings

Panel Room: JW Platinum START: 2:30 PM END: 3:20 PM
This is an early screening of episode 1 of 'Victoria of Many Faces' and episode 1 of 'Sasaki and Peeps' Season 2. I liked the manga adaptation of Victoria, so if I have time, I want to go watch it!

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Collaborating with Indie Manga Creators: Inside Manga Mavericks Books!

Panel Room: 411 START: 3:15 PM END: 4:05 PM
This is a panel for the rapidly growing indie manga publisher Manga Mavericks Books. While the number of independent companies is exploding in Japan too, I'm super curious about what the indie manga publishing scene is like in the US, so I'm planning to check it out.

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Crunchyroll Presents: Overgeared and Saga of Tanya the Evil Season 2 Early Screenings

Panel Room: JW Platinum START: 4:00 PM END: 4:50 PM
An early screening of the first episode of 'Overgeared' and the first episode of 'Saga of Tanya the Evil' Season 2! 'Overgeared' is a popular fantasy work from Korea (English title) that feels similar to Solo Leveling; it's a story set in a VR game world where a bottom-tier player gains a legendary class and the strongest equipment to rise to the top. It's one of those shows you watch even if you already know the plot lol

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Animate Presents: ALIEN STAGE - Live Talk & Special Announcement!

Panel Room: JW Diamond START: 4:00 PM END: 5:20 PM
This is the one I couldn't get into last year because it was capped‼️ I'm so happy there's an 'ALIEN STAGE' panel again this year❤️ And since it's in the JW Diamond room, it should hold about 1,800 people, so I'll definitely be able to see it this year! Chief directors VIVINOS and KANG PD will be appearing. It looks like there will be a special announcement too😍

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Square Enix Manga Presents: The (Psychic) Power of BL with Cherry Magic! Creator Yuu Toyota

Panel Room: 408AB START: 4:45 PM END: 5:35 PM
Yuu Toyota-sensei from Cherry Magic is going to be there❤️ I definitely want to see this‼️ It looks like there will be a live drawing too. But the English title is 'Cherry Magic!', which is just so spot on lol

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BluPetal Industry Panel

Panel Room: 404AB START: 5:15 PM END: 6:05 PM
A panel by BluPetal, which is overflowing with love for BL, GL, shojo manga, and manga for women. It's a friend's panel, so of course I'm going💙

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Cosmic Horror: Games, Anime, and Manga at the Edge of Reality

Panel Room: 409AB START: 5:15 PM END: 6:05 PM
A panel exploring the origins of the term 'cosmic horror,' which has been trending over the last few years, and discussing its true meaning. They'll be discussing the characteristics, origins, effects, and prevalence of this term in Japan and media influenced by it. I'm curious what examples they'll bring up, so I want to go if I have time‼️

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Crunchyroll Presents: The World's Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in Another World as an Aristocrat Season 2 Early Screening and Smoking Behind the Super Market With You Screening

Panel Room: JW Platinum START: 5:30 PM END: 6:20 PM
An early screening of the first episode of 'The World's Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in Another World as an Aristocrat' Season 2 and 'Smoking Behind the Super Market With You'. For me personally, the 'Smoking Behind the Super Market' manga is a work that gets a bit stressful to read, so I'm curious what the reaction from the US crowd will be. Below is a recap video for the Assassin series, but it's amazing how they fit the whole first season into 1 minute and 50 seconds‼️

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First Look | Star Wars: Visions Presents - The Ninth Jedi

Panel Room: JW Diamond START: 6:00 PM END: 7:20 PM
A joint panel hosted by Production I.G and Lucasfilm. A screening of the first episode of the new 'Star Wars: Visions' project. Produced by Production I.G, featuring Supervising Director Kenji Kamiyama, Director Shunsuke Tada, Producer Hitoshi Ito, and Lucasfilm Executive Producers James Waugh and Josh Rimes.

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Why Japanese Content, Why Now? — Academic Symposium Presented by PopPowerProject

Panel Room: 411 START: 6:15 PM END: 7:05 PM
It seems to be a panel exploring why Japanese content is gaining momentum right now. I have a feeling the audience will be mostly Japanese... I'm thinking of going to see it since Mr. Utsumi from SEGA will be speaking.

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X-men Versus My Hero Academia

Panel Room: 511ABC START: 6:15 PM END: 7:05 PM
A fan-led debate battle panel. An audience-participation event where the crowd splits into two teams to compete over which is better❗️ It seems both teams will answer various questions to win the audience's support. It'll probably be super fun, so I want to watch it😄

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The World Is Dancing Ep 1 Encore & Ep 2 World Premiere

Panel Room: 403AB START: 6:45 PM END: 7:35 PM
This is an encore screening of episode 1 and the world premiere of episode 2 of 'The World Is Dancing'. It's a story about Noh theater.

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TBS Anime Special Panel: Takopi's Original Sin Producer Talk & Upcoming Anime Showcase

Panel Room: 404AB START: 6:45 PM END: 7:35 PM
A panel where the producers of 'Takopi's Original Sin', a work that became a huge topic of conversation, talk about the behind-the-scenes episodes, secret stories of creation, and their passion for bringing this work to the world. While the creators' thoughts were covered in articles to some extent in Japan, I'm interested in what they'll talk about at a place like AX.

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Guilty or Not Guilty (18+)

Panel Room: 408AB START: 8:15 PM END: 9:35 PM
Participate in a courtroom-style panel discussion where you argue to defend or prosecute the actions of (usually problematic) characters, and the audience decides if they are 'Guilty' or 'Not Guilty' in a battle panel‼️ I have a feeling 'morally grey men' will be discussed this year😍

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Could you really survive dating your ultimate anime crush? (18+)

Panel Room: 403AB START: 8:45 PM END: 9:35 PM
If you had the chance to date the character you're in love with, could you really survive even a single date❓ Let alone become their partner❓ A panel where anime experts and comedians share their wildest fantasies and analyze whether the relationship would last. This is way too funny lol

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Texas Waifu Wars 3: 5th Anniversary Celebration (18+)

Panel Room: JW Diamond START: 10:15 PM END: 11:35 PM
A panel where you defend your 'one and only love' character in battle to decide who the 'best waifu' is. It's a super fun event that happens almost every year. And believe it or not, it's the 5th anniversary! 😄

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Yaoi & Bara Tropes & Trends 2.0 (18+)

Panel Room: 402A START: 10:15 PM END: 11:35 PM
A panel that digs into the common tropes and trends seen in many Yaoi and Bara manga, anime, and dating simulation games. It might be a bit messy, but that's what makes it interesting, so I want to see it‼️

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Day 2 - July 3

Black Fandom and Anime: How We “Adopt” Our Characters

Panel Room: 411 START: 10:00 AM END: 10:50 AM
JAMS AX Academic Symposium. A discussion on Black anime fandom and character identity.

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Gachiakuta - Return to the Pit! Exclusive First Look at Season 2 featuring Cast and Staff

Panel Room: Peacock Theater START: 10:00 AM END: 11:00 AM
Looking back at Season 1 of 'Gachiakuta' with special guests Aoi Ichikawa (voice of Rudo), Director Fumihiko Suganuma, and Producer Naoki Amano, plus an exclusive first look at new footage from Season 2‼️

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Kyoto Animation's New Frontier: Sparks of Tomorrow U.S. Premiere & Director Minoru Ota Q&A

Panel Room: JW Platinum START: 10:00 AM END: 11:20 AM
The U.S. premiere of episodes 1 and 2 of 'Nijusseiki Denki Mokuroku' ahead of its Netflix release, featuring a talk session with Director Minoru Ota and Producer Riri Senami💡

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After Class Hijinks with Suzuki and Tani of You and I Are Polar Opposites

Panel Room: Peacock Theater START: 11:45 AM END: 12:45 PM
I really, really, really love this‼️ Featuring a premiere screening of episode 1 of Season 2, live dubbing of favorite scenes by Sayumi Suzushiro (voice of Suzuki) and Shogo Sakata (voice of Tani), stories about the series, and behind-the-scenes episodes❤️ I have to go to this‼️

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Shonen Jump Anime "KILL BLUE" -Special Homeroom-

Panel Room: JW Platinum START: 12:00 PM END: 12:50 PM
With 'KILL BLUE' at the timing of its Season 1 finale, a special homeroom will be held with author Tadatoshi Fujimaki and the production team. There will be behind-the-scenes secrets, live drawing, a 'KILL BLUE' quiz, and exclusive gifts. I want to see this too—it's one of the anime I enjoyed this season‼️

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Yoshitaka Amano: Art & Entertainment — A New Creative Challenge

Panel Room: Petree Hall START: 12:00 PM END: 12:50 PM
A panel delivering the latest information on Yoshitaka Amano's new anime project 'ZAN'. Includes an exclusive trailer screening and introductions of the legendary production team.

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Sound! Euphonium The Final Movie Part 1 & Part 2 – Kyoto Animation Chief Director Tatsuya Ishihara Special Panel & Exclusive Premiere Footage

Panel Room: JW Diamond START: 12:30 PM END: 1:20 PM
A special panel discussion on 'Sound! Euphonium' with Kyoto Animation Chief Director Tatsuya Ishihara and Producer Riri Senami. Includes never-before-seen footage.

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STEEL BALL RUN JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Special Panel featuring Yugo Kanno

Panel Room: Main Events (Crypto.com Arena) START: 12:30 PM END: 1:50 PM
A panel commemorating 'STEEL BALL RUN' featuring special guests including composer Yugo Kanno🐴 Naturally, there will be a special live performance🎵 I'm super excited—this will surely be the most popular panel at this year's AX🎠🐎

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Kodansha Presents: Blue Lock Creators Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura

Panel Room: 408AB START: 1:00 PM END: 1:50 PM
A talk session with 'Blue Lock' creators Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura⚽️⚽️⚽️

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What's New From Inklore

Panel Room: 404AB START: 2:45 PM END: 3:35 PM
A panel introducing new Inklore releases and upcoming titles to watch. Since this is related to my work, I'm definitely going to this one📚

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[U.S. PREMIERE] The Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia with Science SARU

Panel Room: JW Diamond START: 2:45 PM END: 4:05 PM
A U.S. premiere event panel for episodes 1 and 2. Executive Director Naoko Yamada and Director Abel Gongora (Science SARU) will be appearing! I'm looking forward to exclusive behind-the-scenes stories about the world-building, themes, and unique setting!

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HATSUNE MIKU: COLORFUL STAGE! Fan Meeting at Anime Expo 2026

Panel Room: Main Events (Crypto.com Arena) START: 3:00 PM END: 4:20 PM
A special fan meeting for "Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage!". Featuring guests Daisuke Hirose (voice of Tsukasa Tenma) and Machico (voice of Nene Kusanagi). It's packed with talk shows, music, and more🎤

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Witch Hat Atelier: A Magical Chat with the Cast and Creator

Panel Room: Peacock Theater START: 3:15 PM END: 4:15 PM
A panel introducing the behind-the-scenes of the currently airing "Witch Hat Atelier" with special guests Kamome Shirahama (manga artist), Rena Motomura (voice of Coco), and Natsuki Hanae (voice of Qifrey). This one looks like it will fill up the Peacock too🧙

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Studio KAI Anime “Sentenced to Be a Hero” Creator Talk Show

Panel Room: 403AB START: 4:15 PM END: 5:05 PM
A special talk event by Studio KAI, the production team for "Sentenced to Be a Hero". I think 403AB is way too small for this😩 This is one that will get capped immediately if you don't go early😭

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To You in the Beyond: World Premiere & Special Guest Panel featuring Anna Nagase

Panel Room: 408AB START: 4:30 PM END: 7:00 PM
The world premiere of the anime film "To You in the Beyond," based on the novel by Akiko Abe, author of "Cafune." After the screening, there will be a talk session with director Junichi Wada, voice actress Anna Nagase, and producer Koichiro Mukai. I really want to see it, but it's tough to spare two and a half hours during AX, so I'll probably end up watching it after it's released...😭

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"Kagurabachi" Anime World Tour – World Premiere Screening at Anime Expo

Panel Room: JW Diamond START: 4:45 PM END: 6:05 PM
A world premiere of the first 20 minutes of episode 1, followed by a special talk show with the staff and cast.This is going to be a full house at JW Diamond⚔️

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KADOKAWA Anime 10th Anniversary Panel: Re:ZERO, KONOSUBA, and Bungo Stray Dogs Producers Roundtable & Re:ZERO S4 The Recapture Arc Ep 1 Premiere!

Panel Room: JW Platinum START: 5:00 PM END: 6:50 PM
An exclusive premiere screening of episode 1 of "Re:ZERO" Season 4 "The Recapture Arc" & a panel celebrating KADOKAWA Anime's 10th anniversary with producers from "Re:ZERO," "KONOSUBA," and "Bungo Stray Dogs." They say there will be behind-the-scenes stories and announcements for the next 10 years.

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Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle Celebration

Panel Room: Peacock Theater START: 5:00 PM END: 6:00 PM
A special event looking back at the theatrical release of "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" Infinity Castle Arc. Guests include Natsuki Hanae (Tanjiro Kamado), Takahiro Sakurai (Giyu Tomioka), and Saori Hayami (Shinobu Kocho). The guest lineup is way too amazing lol. Demon Slayer is always really well-produced as a show, so I'm looking forward to watching it 👹

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BL Comics Label "GUSH COMICS" Industry Panel

Panel Room: 409AB START: 5:15 PM END: 6:05 PM
A panel by Kaiohsha, the publisher behind the BL comic label "GUSH COMICS." This is one I definitely want to go to if I have the time‼️

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BLACK TORCH Anime Premiere Panel

Panel Room: JW Diamond START: 6:45 PM END: 7:35 PM
Subtitled premiere screening of the first episode of "BLACK TORCH." The English voice actors will be appearing on stage‼️

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GO-GO Jojo! A Jojo Game Show

Panel Room: 402A START: 6:45 PM END: 7:35 PM
A fan panel for "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure." We'll be talking about JoJo, doing JoJo character poses, and answering JoJo trivia. This is one I'm de-fi-nite-ly going to‼️

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Junji Ito Masterpiece Collection presented by Global Stage Hollywood & TV Tokyo
Panel Room: 411 START: 6:45 PM END: 8:05 PM
A screening of the Junji Ito horror anthology series produced by TV Tokyo, starting in July 2026. It looks incredibly scary... 😱

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Daemons of the Shadow Realm Presented by Crunchyroll

Panel Room: Peacock Theater START: 6:45 PM END: 7:45 PM
The Japanese voice actors for Yuru (Kensho Ono) and Asa (Yume Miyamoto) from "Daemons of the Shadow Realm" will talk about their thoughts on the series. Featuring behind-the-scenes stories from this season and a special live dubbing event exclusive to AX attendees ❤️ Of course I'm goingーーーーーーーー☺️

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Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 — Welcome Back to Night City! (18+)

Panel Room: Main Events (Crypto.com Arena) START: 7:30 PM END: 8:50 PM
The creators of "Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2" will be on stage. Details below‼️

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Kizuna AI Special Live at AX 2026

Panel Room: Petree Hall START: 8:30 PM END: 9:00 PM
A special live performance by Kizuna AI. She will showcase a DJ set weaving in her original EDM tracks and remixes of popular songs.

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The Apothecary Diaries Presented by Crunchyroll & NTV

Panel Room: Peacock Theater START: 8:30 PM END: 9:30 PM
A panel for 'The Apothecary Diaries.' It seems Aoi Yuki, the voice of Maomao (the one who isn't a cat), and Takeo Otsuka, the voice of Jinshi, will be appearing on stage🐈

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You Laugh You Leave: Live On Stage in Anime Expo!

Panel Room: Petree Hall START: 9:30 PM END: 10:50 PM
An interactive anime comedy show starring Jimmy Here🎤 Voice actors and creators will show off cosplay on stage, and performers will dress up as iconic shonen manga heroes, villains, and magical girls to make the audience laugh. You can't miss this, right‼️

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Ship It Or Skip It (18+)

Panel Room: 402A START: 10:15 PM END: 11:35 PM
A fan panel where we debate whether your favorite couple is 'true love' or just a fantasy‼️ I'm looking forward to seeing which couples are loved and which ones come up, so I'm definitely going💪

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BL Bingo! (18+)

Panel Room: 406AB START: 11:00 PM END: 11:50 PM
Naturally, this is a fan panel. Featuring BL-themed bingo, recommendations for BL works, quizzes, and more💙 I'm looking forward to seeing what IPs show up for this one too, so I want to stop by‼️

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Those are the panels I'm interested in for Day 1 and Day 2, but there were so many😅 There are significantly more than last year, and I feel like there's been a huge increase in screenings for new anime starting up.

Click here for Day 3 and Day 4↓↓↓

I hope this helps everyone going to AX❤️

※Since some panels will be announced later, I will add and revise this information as needed.