I had the opportunity to attend Anime NYC 2026 this year as press. I went to a few panels, took photos of interesting cosplays, and explored what the convention had to offer this past weekend.
Anime NYC 2026 Overview & Initial Impressions
While the crowds later grew throughout each day, it seemed like a lot of exhibitor booths this year had constant lines (and then frequent line caps).
Fan-Favorite Experiential Booths: Friskies, Hazbin Hotel & Persona 4 Junes
A popular booth was Purina Friskies, where attendees could receive pictures of their pet on a trading card, and even allegedly score some pet food for their animals.
The popular animated musical series Hazbin Hotel also had a booth on the show floor selling merch.
The Persona 4-inspired ‘Junes’ was a particularly popular pop-up, with a row of sold-out drinks on their menu.
Publisher Row: Kodansha House, Yen Press, Viz Media & KyoAni
Exhibitors like Viz Media, BookOff, HIDIVE, and Yen Press were in attendance.
Yen Press had hourly blocked events that changed each day, and included a Solo Leveling-themed wheel spin game and even a Solo Leveling Rank Evaluation with Jacki Jing.
Mad Cave Studios and J-Novel Club also had booths.
Kodansha brought a mini-Kodansha House experience to the show floor, sold merch and new releases at the booth, and displayed special artwork for fans.
Kyoto Animation’s new anime Sparks of Tomorrow had a dedicated booth with a character photo op and merchandise like posters and signed shikishi.
You could receive an exclusive ANYC-themed postcard for visiting the booth.
Japanese Culture, Regional Tourism & Cultural Enrichment
Japanese organizations like the Japan Local Government Center, Japan USA Tourism Campaign 2026, and Japan Society were present to promote regional tourism and cultural enrichment programs.
VTubers, Statue Displays & Photo Ops Across the Con Floor
VTubers had a large presence at Anime NYC again this year, and fans could be seen seated on the floor chatting or even holding light sticks and singing along to anisongs at various times during the day.
Numerous photo ops and statues could be found dotted around the show floor to find, including Blue Lock’s Isagi Yoichi, Macross Delta the Movie: Passionate Walküre, and even That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime.
The Japanese Food Court Powered by: Dream Asia had an expanded selection of Japanese food stalls to choose from, but no seats or tables to eat from. Because of this, it seemed like a lot of hungry con goers would simply wait in line, grab their food, and then plop down at the first empty space they could find to eat.
Gaming & Community Hall Experience (Lower Level)
As I walked around, I noticed a heavy trading card game presence, with various tabletop card games taking place at timed intervals throughout each day.
The Gaming & Community Hall Presented by: Misty Mountain Games could be found on the lower level of the convention.
A lot of booths had small crowds gathered and engaged in gaming, and there was a large computer gaming section for “Citi gaming”, “console gaming” and even a section for mahjong.
A performance stage was in the far corner, with chairs and a crowd of people watching a girl group in coordinated outfits sing anisongs when I happened to pass by.
I didn’t stay in this section of the convention for long, because it was quite noisy, crowded, and I encountered a belligerent drunk who kept bumping into me (while continually apologizing), and then shouting in my ear while standing in the Misty Mountain Games booth line for freebies.
(I won a “baby” axolotl and a branded lanyard.)
I also saw the anime poncho vendor on the main floor by the Manga Plus (Shueisha) booth vaping, which, along with the drunkard and the mentally ill individual I encountered later on, are situations I’ve never experienced at Anime NYC before in my six years of attendance.
The arcade and UFO catchers were also present again this year in the Play NYC gaming section. “The Giant Japanese Calligraphy Performance” could also be found down there.
Ito En Tranquili-TEA Lounge: A Welcome Escape
At the Ito En Tranquili-TEA Lounge, packets of tea samples, full bottles, drinks from a pitcher, and even occasional giveaways by spinning a wheel could be found. This room offered a respite from the convention crowds with many tables and chairs.
Anime NYC 2026 Cosplay Photo Gallery: Craftsmanship, ITA Bags & Floor Favorites
Of course, there were a plethora of cosplay and fans who stood on (arguably terrible, with a few relatable) hot takes, across each section of the convention.
Craftsmanship & Group Photos
Funny & Relatable Cosplay Fits
The Rise of ITA Bags?
Anime NYC 2026 Panel Recaps & Screening Breakdown
I made quite a few panel reservations for the Main Stage that I ultimately could not keep, but I did attend:
- 10th Anniversary Celebration: Legacy of Bungo Stray Dogs with Yuto Uemura and Chiaki Kurakane
- HAIKYU!! panel: The Next Match Hosted by TOHO Animation
- REMOW Presents: Summer Anime & Surprise Announcements
- Kagurabachi Anime World Tour – Premiere Screening at Anime NYC
Since ¾ of these panels and/or screenings did not allow photography or video recording, I instead took notes during the panels to bring you some of the best bits of the convo from those days.
Bungo Stray Dogs 10th Anniversary Panel: Yuto Uemura & Chiaki Kurakane
10th Anniversary Celebration: Legacy of Bungo Stray Dogs with Yuto Uemura and Chiaki Kurakane
This panel featured Yuto Uemura, the voice of Atsushi Nakajima, alongside Producer Chiaki Kurakane. The panel was moderated by Crunchyroll’s Tim Lyu.
When asked about how they felt about the series reaching its 10th anniversary, Uemura stated that it was a “great accomplishment to have a series run 10 years” and that it was thanks to the fans. “I spent the last 10 years with Atsushi,” said Uemura, and that the character was “very important to me, he changed my life”.
Uemura was “very glad to see so many people who love Bungo Stray Dogs.”
Producer Kurakane remarked that “seeing you all gathered here today is a reminder of how much love and support the series has received, I am deeply grateful.”
When asked how the anime came about, and if they had a message to themselves from 10 years ago, Producer Kurakane reflected on how she read the script, thought it was fun, and wanted to adapt the story. Kurakane reached out to Studio Bones, and they decided to create the anime adaptation.
As for the message to herself 10 years earlier, “Bungo Stray Dogs is still around 10 years later, so you’d better work hard!”
When Uemura was asked how he felt after finding out he was cast for the role of Atsushi, Uemura retold the story of how he was in his fourth year of college, and at the time, relatively inexperienced with anime but thought “it would be nice” if he got the role.
Uemura admitted that he didn’t think the audition went well, and when he turned around he saw staff laughing, and due to this laughter he thought he didn’t get the role of Atsushi. Well, the laughter turned out to be that of the director, and it was laughter because they had finally found their Atsushi.
The voice actor admitted that he looks for similarities between himself and the character when asked if his approach to playing Atsushi has changed over the past decade. “The more time I spend with him [Atsushi], the more I understand him.” Uemura views Atsushi as “family, friend, partner…” and that he tries to be true to himself, and “that foundation hasn’t changed for the past 10 years I’ve played the role.”
Producer Kurakane remarked that because the series is based on real-life authors, it’s great to see how fans express their interest. In Japan, Bungo Stray Dogs has done collaborations with a number of museums, and Kurakane recalled reading an article that stated because of the anime, people in America had started reading “No Longer Human” by Osamu Dazai.
Kurakane then urged the audience to read, stating “If you haven’t read any books yet, pick up a copy and start reading!”
The moderator then asked Uemura to recount two of his favorite Atsushi scenes, which included the voice actor recalling the energy he brought to Atsushi’s first battle scene. Producer Kurakane recounted particularly memorable scenes from the production side, retelling how the staff expertly gathered location references on their visit to Yokohama.
Both Uemura and Kurakane greatly enjoyed seeing the cosplayers and ITA bag merchandise, commenting that some items are rarely seen outside of Japan.
Before the panel ended, Uemura did two live scene readings for Atsushi, and there were various mentions to promote the chibi spin-off series Bungo Stray Dogs WAN! Season Two, which premiered on Crunchyroll this past July.
New English edition releases for the manga of Bungo Stray Dogs and Bungo Stray Dogs WAN! were also announced. Cosplayers within the audience were given a chance to win a signed shikishi and volume one of the manga, depending on how energetic they were.
HAIKYU!! The Next Match Panel: Yuki Kaji & TOHO Animation
HAIKYU!! panel: The Next Match Hosted by TOHO Animation
The Haikyu!! panel featured the one and only, Yuki Kaji, who voices Kenma Kozume in Haikyu!! alongside TOHO Animation Producer Hibiki Saito.
The panel began with a preview of the upcoming 2027 film, Haikyu!! vs. The Little Giant, along with various mentions of the 2024 film, Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle.
When asked about their experience seeing the fan excitement for Haikyu!! and the upcoming movie, Kaji replied that he was “…very happy to see the energy and impact Haikyu!! has for fans all over the world.” Producer Saito replied that for TOHO Animation, the project has been very successful, stating “It’s been a hit for a decade because of the team [behind it] and the fan support…”.
Kaji stated that since the voice dubbing process is so long, the production became like a school, and they collectively treated the experience as a camp. Producer Saito retold a story about visiting during Kaji’s last dubbing scene as Kenma, and hearing weeping from the staff. Kaji then replied that it was the music producer crying, and Kaji said that he was “glad my performance was being delivered the way it should.”
The panel featured a special live dubbing session with Yuki Kaji, and I wrote in my notes “I wish it were for Eren” after hearing a monologue that sounded straight out of Attack on Titan! ☺︎
A new concept visual was then released for Haikyu!! vs. The Little Giant featuring Shoyo Hinata and Korai Hoshiumi facing off. Hinata looks very determined after beating Kenma, and when asked how that made Kaji feel, he replied that “As Kenma, I wanted to be the one competing at a higher level. As for a competitive spirit…” Kaji hoped the team would win because they beat them.
Another teaser visual was revealed alongside preview teaser footage from the upcoming anime film, before the panel moved to a Fan Q&A.
In the Q&A, one fan asked if viewers should learn the rules of volleyball before watching Haikyu!!, and Producer Saito replied that the anime series was created in a way that fans of volleyball and novices alike could still understand, and find it fun. Saito remarked, “I didn’t know the rules before I became a producer of Haikyu!!”.
When asked which Haikyu!! character he would be friends with in real life, Kaji replied “Kenma’s vibe is really similar to mine, so we could spend a lot of time together.” Kaji continued to explain that if he had someone like Kuro (Tetsuro Kuroo), “I could go beyond”, and that “I would consider someone like Kuro to be important,” in his life.
The panel ended with two special giveaways, where Haikyu!! cosplayers were invited to approach the stage and play “Jan-Ken-Pon”, or Japanese Rock, Paper, Scissors for two figures and a signed poster from Yuki Kaji. After that concluded, three HAIKYU!! Vobaca!! Break TCG sets from Producer Saito entered the Janken game.
REMOW Summer Anime & Surprise Announcements
REMOW Presents: Summer Anime & Surprise Announcements
Hosted by Kwok and Nari, the REMOW panel gave attendees a poster and ‘instacard’ that resembled an Instagram overlay to promote Liar Game. On the projector screen, there were QR codes that advertised the ‘It’s Anime FAST Channel’ to watch anime on a Smart TV, and their “It’s Anime powered by REMOW” YouTube Channel.
Titles you can currently stream include:
- Liar Game (Available on Crunchyroll)
- A Livid Lady’s Guide to Getting Even: How I Crushed My Homeland with My Mighty Grimoires (Available on Crunchyroll)
- Iron Wok Jan! (Available on Crunchyroll)
- My Stepmother and Stepsisters Aren’t Wicked (Available on the It’s Anime channel powered by REMOW on YouTube)
Future Anime Lineup Titles Include:
- Chitose Is in the Ramune Bottle (Part 2) – returns to Crunchyroll in October
- PSYREN – premieres in October on Crunchyroll
Note: PSYREN Episodes 1-2 will premiere at Global Stage Hollywood (Oct 2-4) at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, CA.
- Tougen Anki: Nikko Kegon Falls Arc – premieres in October
There was a video message from the voice cast for Anime NYC fans (shot at Otakon), and an announcement of new Funko merch for Tougen Anki characters.
- Necromancer Isekai: How I Went from Abandoned Villager to the Emperor’s Favorite by Studio Lunchbox is coming in 2027
A new Yuri anime titled The Moon on a Rainy Night is coming in 2027, but there is no voice cast announcement yet.
Convention Security, Staffing & Event Operations
I would like to note that there was a mentally ill individual who was quite disruptive during the panel. He would get up in front of the projection screen and dance, go into fits of profanity, and shout out the answers to the poster giveaways.
The moderators did their best to mitigate the situation, but no Anime NYC or Javits Staff were present to remove the man from the panel. I did witness another panel attendee reporting the man’s behavior during the panel to ANYC staff when I was leaving, but the damage had already been done by then, and the atmosphere surrounding the anime reveals had soured for the audience.
I don’t understand the “show of force” that is highly passive-aggressive by staff for Main Stage panels and the Kagurabachi Anime World Tour screening to deter recording and even phone usage, but when situations arise like that of the REMOW panel where everybody seemed visibly uncomfortable, nobody is present to help.
To be completely honest, during the Bungo Stray Dogs panel, ANYC Staff (‘Anime NYC Crew Members’ or the ‘Red Shirts’) were patrolling the aisles for phone use and recording devices, but when people actually were recording (which prompted the moderator to politely remind people to please not record or upload the panel online), the staff members on patrol never actually addressed the situation.
When a cell phone went off for an extended period of time to the point that people were staring at the individual, and about a quarter of panel attendees near their vicinity (including myself) and even the moderator were watching the person, the ANYC crew member who had previously been hawkish, suddenly couldn’t make it up the aisle in time to ask the individual to simply silence their device until the noise had finally stopped.
I guess the goal was to try and deter recording attempts aggressively, but when something actually did happen, to ignore the issue until it simply “went away” and resolved itself?
The whole ordeal kind of made no sense to me as a con attendee, and as somebody simply wanting to sit and enjoy the panel.
Final Verdict: Is Anime NYC Still Worth It?
Overall, as I stated in my last article regarding Anime NYC, this convention simply may no longer be for me. I am confused (and disheartened) by some of the changes I have personally witnessed regarding this con, but if you are new to anime conventions, or simply enjoy walking around to enjoy the vibes or eat at Japanese food booths, wish to purchase overpriced anime-adjacent plushies with potential origins from a Japanese UFO catcher, enjoy hanging out with like-minded individuals or engaging in fandom, or making TikTok videos dancing in cosplay and interacting with cosplayers, you may really enjoy your time there.
The best analogy I can give would be if Anime NYC were a video game; before this year, it would be Animal Crossing: New Leaf, while Anime NYC 2026 would be Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
If you are familiar with the series and have come to expect certain features and interactions, you may find yourself disappointed in the experience.
If you are new to the franchise, and just picked up the game during the pandemic or when you had some extended downtime, you won’t really understand the fuss other players mentioned about their playthrough experience declining, and may find the present features adequate enough.
Either way, tell me your thoughts: Did you attend Anime NYC this year? Which voice actor or industry guest would you love to see at the convention’s 10th anniversary next year?
🏮 Read More In Asian Spaces
- The Best of Anime NYC 2025: Panels, Cosplay, and Is It Worth the Ticket? – Revisit last year’s comprehensive breakdown of panel reservations, show floor attractions, and ticket value to see how the convention has evolved.
- Anime NYC 2026 Review: A Candid Press Reflection on the Convention’s Shift – An in-depth editorial reflection on crowd shifts, staffing changes, and the changing atmosphere at the Javits Center from a long-time attendee.
- Anime NYC 2024: An Ephemeral Day – Look back at the single-day highlights, rapid panel runs, and quick floor tours from the 2024 NYC anime celebration.
- Anime Fest @ NYCC 2018: Anime NYC Responds to NYCC x Anime Expo Collab – Trace the historical roots of East Coast anime conventions and how Anime NYC built its identity amid major rival events.
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☆ In Asian Spaces ☆ Ephesians 6:12 ☆
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