OVER 100,000 ATTENDEES
Anime NYC, the East Coast’s largest anime convention, returns to the Javits Center August 21–24, 2025 for its biggest celebration yet of Japanese pop culture. Now a four-day event, Anime NYC brings together fans from around the world for an unforgettable experience filled with the best in anime, manga, cosplay, gaming, and more. From blockbuster premieres to spectacular showcases and once-in-a-lifetime guest appearances, Anime NYC continues to be one of the major places to celebrate all things anime in the US..
Fans can look forward to a sold-out show floor featuring hundreds of top exhibitors, a curated fan-favorite Artist Alley, an entire area devoted to Cosplay (dubbed Destination Cosplay), and Play NYC. The convention includes the beloved Japanese Food Court, now presented by Dream Asia, along with numerous exciting talent-filled panels, including premieres from both Netflix and GKIDS Music is also becoming an even bigger part of the mix with concerts and special performances celebrating major anime milestones, as well as hololive performing at the convention as a part of their hololive STAGE World Tour ’25 -Synchronize!. The event also features its second annual American Manga Awards, the launch of the cosplay parade Ani Mode and a star-studded guest roster from top anime, manga, and entertainment franchises. Participating companies include Aniplex, ADK Emotions Inc., Bandai Namco, Crunchyroll, LucasFilm, Netflix, GKIDS, HIDIVE, Inklore, Kodansha, TBS Television (Japan), Sony, Qubic Pictures, Studio Trigger, Shueisha, TOHO, VIZ Media, Yen Press, and more.
“Anime NYC has always been about bringing fans together, and this year we’re taking that to the next level,” said MK Goodwin, Event Director, Anime NYC. “Expanding from three to four days means even more time to celebrate everything we love, from anime and manga to gaming, cosplay, and live entertainment. With Netflix, Lucasfilm, hololive, and so much more, no matter what you love, you’ll find a home here.”
Anime NYC 2025 brings an impressive world-renowned guest lineup, with appearances that span the spectrum of anime fandom including Guests of Honor: Hiroyuki Imaishi (director), Yoko Takahashi (vocalist), JAM Project (anisong band), Yuma Uchida (Wind Breaker), Kenjiro Tsuda (Yu-Gi-Oh!); Voice Actors: Abby Trott, Alejandro Saab, Christopher Sabat, Maile Flanagan, Kaiji Tang; Vtubers: Mori Calliope, IRyS, Kureiji Ollie, Akai Haato, Natsuiro Matsuri, Momosuzu Nene; Mangaka: Takeu Hokazono (Kaburabachi), Shu Sakuratani (Rooster Fighter), and so many more.
Additional programming highlights include industry panels from Aniplex, Bang Zoom! Studios, and Netflix; an Anime Music Video Contest, Movement Room with Cosplay Yoga & K‑Pop fitness, and a Gaming & Community Hall featuring tabletop, video gaming, and Play NYC developers; an Educator & Librarian Track (with select CTLE-credited panels), focusing on integrating manga into education; Artist Alley & Vendor Market: Shop unique art, collectibles, and exclusives from over 540 vendors and independent creators; After-Hours Events: Themed afterparties, karaoke battles, and late-night screenings all weekend long
Showcasing an unprecedented lineup that brings together global entertainment giants, this year’s highlights include:
Thursday (August 21, 2025):
Netflix Spotlight: SAKAMOTO DAYS, SPLINTER CELL, BLUE EYE SAMURAI and more! Netflix will host a special screening and panel with Derek Kolstad, Jane Wu, Michael Green and Vinnie Hacker. From fan-fave anime SAKAMOTO DAYS and RECORD OF RAGNAROK III, popular video game adaptations Tom Clancy’s SPLINTER CELL: DEATHWATCH and DEVIL MAY CRY to cultural phenom BLUE EYE SAMURAI, immerse yourself in the thrill of animation at Netflix with exclusive debuts, sneak peeks, special guests and giveaways. – Main Stage – 7:00PM
Friday (August 22, 2025):
NEW PANTY & STOCKING screening and talk panel with Studio TRIGGER (18+): Join Studio TRIGGER for an exclusive screening of the new Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, followed by a special talk show with TRIGGER staff. – Main Stage – 12:00PM
Lucasfilm & Disney+ Premiere: Star Wars: VISIONS Volume 3: Attendees get an exclusive world premiere of new anime short BLACK in the acclaimed anthology, produced by Lucasfilm and distributed via Disney+. Learn more about Star Wars: Visions’ anticipated return to anime from Executive Producer James Waugh (Lucasfilm SVP, Franchise Content and Strategy) A prerecorded Q+A with BLACK Writer, Director, Character Designer, and Key Animator Shinya Ohira will follow the screening. Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 releases on Disney+ on October 29, 2025. – Main Stage – 1:30PM
Evangelion 30th Anniversary Concert & Signing: Vocalist Yoko Takahashi returns for a milestone performance and autograph signing in celebration of Neon Genesis Evangelion. – Main Stage – 6:00PM
hololive STAGE World Tour ’25 – “Synchronize!”: Featuring VTuber luminaries Mori Calliope, IRyS, Kureiji Ollie, Momosuzu Nene, Akai Haato, Natsuiro Matsuri, and Nerissa Ravencroft. The concert sold out instantly; waitlist is open. – Main Stage – 8:00PM
Saturday (August 23, 2025):
Yu-Gi-Oh! 25th Anniversary Panel Voice actor Kenjiro Tsuda (VA of Seto Kaiba) and producer Teruaki Jitsumatsu in attendance. Hear exclusive behind-the-scenes stories about the original Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters TV series and the movie The Dark Side of Dimensions. Hosted by voice actress Lexi Nieto. – Main Stage – 12:30PM
DAN DA DAN Season Two: Abby Trott (Momo), A.J. Beckles (Okarun), Aleks Le (Jiji), and Lisa Reimold (Aira) from the English voice cast, along with the production team from Science SARU in attendance. Get a special behind-the-scenes look as DAN DA DAN continues its second season! – Main Stage – 2:15PM
One Punch Man Special Live Experience: Celebrate the series’ explosive return with JAM Project performing iconic themes, and cast & crew Q&As and signings. A rare opportunity to hear behind-the-scenes stories from the music artists and producer of the anime series One-Punch Man with a talk show and live performance by JAM Project! Main Stage 4:00PM
Ani Mode Presented by Anime NYC Anime NYC debuts Ani Mode, a curated celebration of the most inventive, fashion-forward, and visually stunning cosplay at this year’s show. Featuring a curated lineup of standout cosplayers selected for their artistry, craftsmanship, and bold design, Ani Mode is a one-of-a-kind runway experience unlike any other.
Anime NYC Cosplay Masquerade This year’s event is hosted by Stella Chuu and features cosplay judges Hoku Props, Plexi Cosplay, and Raisin Cosplay. It will feature music provided by DJ Taylor Senpai, with a halftime performance by the fabulous Baby Bottle Boys. This year, our Best in Show trophy is a masterpiece being designed by Hoku Props. – Main Stage – 7:45PM
Sunday (August 24, 2025):
Let’s Play Starlight Re:Volver with Ironmouse and CDawgVA (Pahdo Labs): Join the dynamic duo Ironmouse and CDawgVA on stream for a special Let’s Play of the highly anticipated upcoming game Starlight Re:Volver! This event features live audience participation, where the audience will get to vote on the choices Ironmouse and CDawgVA pick in the game. Main Stage 11:30AM
Become The Hokage – Meet The English Voice of Naruto, Mailie Flanagan: Ninja run to this spotlight panel for the English Voice of Naruto, MAILE FLANAGAN. Not sure of your Ninja way? No worries, bring your questions and get ready for stories with fellow fans of this shonen classic series. Sakura Stage 2:00PM
Obey Me! Virtual Concert – “Dawn’s Embrace”: Dive into the immersive virtual concert featuring the seven demon brothers, closing out Sunday’s premium lineup. Main Stage 3:00PM
Adventures With Voice Actors Chris Sabat & Colleen Clinkbeard: Voice actor icons Colleen Clinkenbeard and Chris Sabat team up for a panel full of big energy, behind-the-scenes stories, and plenty of laughs. Whether you’ve followed their long-running adventures or are just getting to know their legendary work, this is a rare chance to join two of anime’s most beloved voices on stage together. Sakura Stage 3:30PM
All headline events and screenings require both a convention badge and a separate ticket or reservation. Badge options range from single-day to Anime NYC+ —select badges still available now at animenyc.com
About Anime NYC
Anime NYC is the East Coast’s largest anime convention and a must-stop destination for anime fans from around the world. Celebrating Japanese pop culture, manga, and animation, Anime NYC has been honored with the Consul General Award from the Japanese Ambassador for its role in promoting Japanese culture. Now expanded to four days, Anime NYC brings fans and publishers together for an unforgettable experience featuring unique exhibits, exclusive screenings, extensive panels, and appearances by some of the biggest creators from Japan. The next event takes place August 21 – 24, 2025, at New York’s Javits Center. For more, visit www.AnimeNYC.com.