Anime EXPO 2025

From Thursday, July 3 to Sunday, July 6, the 34th Anime Expo was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Anime Expo is North America’s largest Japanese anime event, organized by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation.

The venue was packed with anime fans exploring more than 1,000 exhibitor booths, where they could find exclusive merchandise, rare collectibles, and information on upcoming anime titles. Fans also enjoyed various interactive attractions offered at the booths.

Cosplayers dressed as favorite characters posed for photos and mingled with others from the same series, adding to the festive atmosphere.

In addition to anime, the event featured a wide range of Japanese subculture content, including video games and art.
There were areas where fans could compete in gaming battles and take part in hands-on workshops.

A food area called “AX Crossing” was also set up, featuring around 40 Japanese food booths and food trucks.
The stage in this area hosted mini concerts and other events, showcasing the richness of Japanese culture.

JETRO, the Japan External Trade Organization, returned this year with its “Geek Street” pavilion, bringing together 12 companies specializing in pop culture-related products to support the overseas expansion of Japanese content.

During Anime Expo, many programs were held, including panels by special guests and announcements of new anime titles.

One studio working on a feature-length anime titled “Mfinda,” inspired by traditional Congolese folklore, hosted a special panel with the producer and director in attendance.　

“Mfinda” is a fantasy story about a girl who grows stronger as she battles dark forces under the guidance of forest spirits.
This ambitious project blends African storytelling with the hand-drawn 2D animation techniques of Japanese studios. It is the world’s first Afro-anime project.

“Mfinda” is slated for release at the end of 2028.
This year’s Anime Expo welcomed a total of 410,000 attendees over the four days.

The 83rd Nisei Week Opening Ceremony

On Sunday, July 13, the opening ceremony for the 83rd Nisei Week took place at the Daniel Inouye Democracy Center in Little Tokyo.

Nisei Week is one of the largest Japanese American summer festivals in the U.S., held each year in Little Tokyo.

This year’s theme is “Gratitude.” At the ceremony, Helen Ota, the chairperson of the organizing committee, shared her enthusiasm for the event.

Following that, donations were presented by the sponsors of the ceremony, JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles and the Japanese Business Association of Southern California.

The festival program for this year was then announced. The theme songs for the Grand Parade on August 10 will be “Kawasaki Odori” and “Sore ga Daiji.”
The Bando school of Japanese traditional dance is responsible for the choreography.

The Grand Marshal of the parade is Thomas Iino, former chairperson of the U.S.-Japan Council.
The Parade Marshal will be the Asian American theater group East West Players.
In addition, recipients of the Inspiration Award and other honorees will participate in the parade

The candidates for this year’s Nisei Week Queen were also announced.

They are Mia Miyoko Takatsuka,
Samantha Kimiyo Cirelli,
Megan Ayumi Miyamoto,
Casey Mariko Kuramoto,
Kimi Look,
Emma Yasuko Shojinaga Fukunaga,
and Mika Fumiyo Megumi Dyo

The seven candidates will compete at the Coronation Ball on August 9, the night before the Grand Parade, where this year’s queen will be chosen.

The 83rd Nisei Week, packed with many other events, will be held from August 9 through 17.
For more details, please visit the Nisei Week website.