It’s Anime Expo time again, and Funimation is ready to heat things up in Los Angeles for the 4th of July weekend! From panels filled with industry experts to parties and an all-new livestream, you won’t want to miss what we’ve got planned.
QUICK NAVIGATION
- Panels, Screenings and Autographs
- Parties
- Fun and Games
- At the Booth
PANELS, SCREENINGS
AND AUTOGRAPHS
Thursday, July 4
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Atsushi Ohkubo Fire Force Autograph Session | Industry Autograph Table 1
Come and get an autograph from the creator of Fire Force and Soul Eater, Atsushi Ohkubo himself! It’ll be a high-profile autograph session for sure, but there will three chances. Be there or (com)bust!
Each Fire Force autograph session will be ticketed. Funimation will provide a unique printed material for the Creator to sign and personalize for each fan, so there will be NO personal items signed during any session. We are limiting 1 autograph per person for the weekend. To receive a ticket, please stop by the Funimation booth (#1800) in the Exhibit Hall at 10:00 AM when the hall opens. Funimation staff will be giving out a limited number of tickets each day for that day’s Fire Force autograph session. For example, you will receive an autograph session ticket for Thursday’s autograph session if you get a ticket on Thursday morning. Remember, there are limited number of tickets each day and 1 autograph per person for the whole weekend!
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Funimation Announcements Panel | LP3 (408 AB)
From Akira to Dragon Ball Z, hear the latest news, info and announcements from North America’s largest anime distributor.
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Fire Force Manga & Live Drawing Panel | LP1 (Petree Hall)
Come see the creator of Soul Eater and Fire Force draw original illustrations—live! This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see one of shonen manga’s top talents work up close. You’ll also have a chance to win prizes and ask questions.
Fans who attend the panel will also receive a special paper Fire Force “helmet,” with a download code for a free digital Fire Force Volume 1 manga on the back!*
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | KINGDOM Sneak Preview Screening | Regal Cinemas L.A. Live
For KINGDOM screening ticket holders only. Be one of the first to see a Sneak Preview of KINGDOM, the epic live-action motion picture based on the hit manga, which comes out in select theaters in U.S. and Canada this Summer.
Set in ancient China during the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), KINGDOM is the epic tale of a war orphan who dreams of becoming a great general, and a young King (later the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty) who aims to unite a country.
10:30 PM – 12:00 AM | Funimation Peep Show (18+) | LP1 (Petree Hall)
Guaranteed to be a good time that’s oh so NSFW. Watch jiggly clips and trailers from some of the hottest Funimation titles. Don’t forget to bring tissues, you know, for the nose bleeds. Audience participation encouraged by tweeting using the hashtag #FunimationPeepShow. You could even win some naughty prizes. (18+ Event. Bring your IDs!)
We’ll also be giving away collectible panty-shaped diecut postcards based on the specially-designed underwear from “Hensuki: Are you willing to fall in love with a pervert, as long as she’s a cutie?” to all attendees.*
Friday, July 5
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Human Lost Sub Premiere Screening | LP2 (JW – Platinum Ballroom)
Come watch the sub premiere of Human Lost, a gripping sci-fi film based on Osamu Dazai’s No Longer Human and from the director of Afro Samurai, the chief director of PSYCHO-PASS, and the studio that brought you Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters. Also, meet the voice of the main character, Miyano Mamoru, director Fuminori Kizaki, and producers who worked on the film, and receive an exclusive giveaway item.*
More info: Funimation Presents Human Lost Sub Premiere Screening
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | BEM – The Essentials of Creating Anime Characters | AMV Theater (511)
Get a sneak peek of the new July anime series BEM with world-class anime character designer Range Murata!
ADK Emotions, the company known for Yu-Gi-Oh! and Kuroko’s Basketball, presents a behind-the-scenes look at BEM and the process of creating captivating character designs. Range Murata will do a live drawing, and the drawing will be presented to a lucky attendee!
In addition, watch a special documentary about anime-making process–we visit the production studio and recording studio to show how BEM is made. Don’t miss the world premiere of the BEM opening movie.
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Fire Force Anime Panel & Premiere | LP3 (408 AB)
Fire Force is here! Come meet the original creator of Soul Eater and Fire Force, Atsushi Ohkubo, and Fire Force manga editor Megumu Tsuchiya as they discuss the new anime adaptation. Also, experience the SimulDub premiere and receive and exclusive giveaway item!*
More info: Funimation Hosts Creator of Fire Force and Soul Eater Atsushi Ohkubo
3:10 PM – 4:10 PM | Atsushi Ohkubo Fire Force Autograph Session | Industry Autograph Table 5
Come and get an autograph from the creator of Fire Force and Soul Eater, Atsushi Ohkubo himself! It’ll be a high-profile autograph session for sure, but there will three chances. Be there or (com)bust!
Each Fire Force autograph session will be ticketed. Funimation will provide a unique printed material for the Creator to sign and personalize for each fan, so there will be NO personal items signed during any session. We are limiting 1 autograph per person for the weekend. To receive a ticket, please stop by the Funimation booth (#1800) in the Exhibit Hall at 10:00 AM when the hall opens. Funimation staff will be giving out a limited number of tickets each day for that day’s Fire Force autograph session. For example, you will receive an autograph session ticket for Thursday’s autograph session if you get a ticket on Thursday morning. Remember, there are limited number of tickets each day and 1 autograph per person for the whole weekend!
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Human Lost Autograph Session | Industry Autograph Table 1
Come and get an autograph from the Director, Marketing Producer, and Character Designer of Human Lost! This will be the only opportunity for you to meet the production staff and get an autograph, so don’t miss out! Also, we are going to be giving away an exclusive giveaway item at this autograph session only!*
7:00 PM | LOVE LIVE! SUNSHINE!! Aqours World LoveLive! in LA ～BRAND NEW WAVE～ | The Novo (Doors open: VIP 5:00 PM/GA 5:30 PM)
For concert ticket holders only. Idol group Aqours from LOVE LIVE! SUNSHINE!! will take over The Novo in downtown Los Angeles for two performances on July 5th and 6th! With their show titled LOVE LIVE! SUNSHINE!! Aqours World LoveLive! in LA ～BRAND NEW WAVE～
9:00 PM – 10:30 PM | Hensuki – New Fanservice Anime Premiere Screening | Video 1 (JW – Diamond Ballroom)
It’s a Cinderella story… with panties?! Get a special sneak peek of the new July fanservice romantic comedy anime Hansuki: Are you willing to fall in love with a pervert, as long as she’s a cutie? (Kawaikereba Hentai demo Suki ni Natte Kuremasu ka?) before its Japanese broadcast debut! High schooler Keiki Kiryu has never had a girlfriend, but he’s ecstatic when he finally receives his first love letter – with a pair of panties attached? When he suddenly finds himself surrounded by all kinds of cute girls, how will he identify his mysterious panty Cinderella?
We’ll be giving away collectible panty-shaped diecut postcards based on the specially-designed underwear from “Hensuki: Are you willing to fall in love with a pervert, as long as she’s a cutie?” to all attendees.* You won’t want to miss it!
Saturday, July 6
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | My Hero Academia Hero Panel & Season 4 Premiere | Main Events (Hall B)
Learn how to be a real hero as we discuss this hit anime series with Kaori Nazuka, the Japanese voice of Toru, and English voice actors David Matranga (Todoroki), Ricco Fajardo (Mirio), Patrick Seitz (Endeavor), Kellen Goff (Overhaul), Jason Liebrecht (Dabi), and Justin Cook (Kirishima). Prepare to go Plus Ultra! as we premiere new episodes for Season 4, have Q&A with guests, offer giveaways and more.
All attendees will receive one of five exclusive, never-before-seen buttons!*
More info: Funimation Presents My Hero Academia Season 4 Premiere
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Atsushi Ohkubo Fire Force Autograph Session | Industry Autograph Table 4
Come and get an autograph from the creator of Fire Force and Soul Eater, Atsushi Ohkubo himself! It’ll be a high-profile autograph session for sure, but there will three chances. Be there or (com)bust!
Each Fire Force autograph session will be ticketed. Funimation will provide a unique printed material for the Creator to sign and personalize for each fan, so there will be NO personal items signed during any session. We are limiting 1 autograph per person for the weekend. To receive a ticket, please stop by the Funimation booth (#1800) in the Exhibit Hall at 10:00 AM when the hall opens. Funimation staff will be giving out a limited number of tickets each day for that day’s Fire Force autograph session. For example, you will receive an autograph session ticket for Thursday’s autograph session if you get a ticket on Thursday morning. Remember, there are limited number of tickets each day and 1 autograph per person for the whole weekend!
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM |Kanako Ito Steins;Gate Autograph Session| Industry Autograph Table 1
Meet special guest Japanese artist Kanako Ito, who sang many of the major songs for not only the Steins;Gate game and anime, but also the other installments of the Science Adventure series. Her haunting melodies have long been a staple in this series, setting the tone for the dark and futuristic franchise.
This autograph session will be ticketed. Initially this session was only open to Steins;GateCrash VIP ticket holders, but some additional slots have opened up. Funimation staff will be giving out a limited number of tickets for the Steins;Gate autograph session to fans who purchase Steins;Gate 0 Parts 1 and 2 at the Funimation booth. To receive a ticket, please stop by the Funimation booth (#1800) in the Exhibit Hall at 10:00 AM when the hall opens, and purchase Steins;Gate 0 Parts 1 and 2. Remember, there are only a limited number of tickets, first-come, first-served, and 1 autograph per person! Only official Steins;Gate/Steins;Gate 0 items are eligible to be signed.
1:00 PM | LOVE LIVE! SUNSHINE!! Aqours World LoveLive! in LA ～BRAND NEW WAVE～ | The Novo (Doors open: VIP 11:00 AM/GA 11:30 AM)
For concert ticket holders only. Idol group Aqours from LOVE LIVE! SUNSHINE!! will take over The Novo in downtown Los Angeles for two performances on July 5th and 6th! With their show titled LOVE LIVE! SUNSHINE!! Aqours World LoveLive! in LA ～BRAND NEW WAVE～
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | ANEMONE: EUREKA SEVEN HI-EVOLUTION Screening & Talk | LP2 (JW – Platinum Ballroom)
The second film of the trilogy with Anemone as the main character. Join us as we discuss this hit anime series & film with Kaori Nazuka, the Japanese voice of Eureka, followed by a subtitled screening of the movie, plus giveaways.
All attendees will get an exclusive theatrical booklet from Japan. Don’t miss out!*
9:30 PM – 12:00 AM | Tokyo Ghoul ‘S’ | LP 2 (JW – Platinum Ballroom)
Catch the US premiere of the newest Tokyo Ghoul live-action movie, sequel to the previous actually-faithful live-action adaptation of the original supernatural action manga! This premiere comes to you months before its nationwide theatrical release. Now a member of Antiku, Ken Kaneki grows closer to the ghouls around him. Determined to protect his new home against anti-ghoul forces, he trains his powers in secret. But when the infamous gourmet, Shu Tsukiyama, wishes to savor some half-ghoul flavor, Kaneki’s training is put to the test.
Sunday, July 7
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | One Piece 20th Anniversary Panel | LP2 (JW – Platinum Ballroom)
Set sail with One Piece as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the anime. Join us as we discuss this epic anime with voice actor Patrick Seitz (voice of Franky), VIZ Media, Bandai Namco and other special guests. Plus, we’ll show never-before-seen videos, have Q&A with guests, giveaways and more!
All attendees will receive a special 20th Anniversary button. Can’t make it? Don’t worry! They’ll also be available at the FunimationNow Booth!*
*All giveaway items available while supplies last
PARTIES
Destination Funimation
Need a break from the crowds? Visit our lounge at Lucky Strike Bowling from 12 PM – 5 PM on Friday and Saturday. Enjoy clips of what’s up and coming from Funimation, free bowling and tasty refreshments.
If you’re 21 or over, then come back from 9 PM – midnight both nights for a party you won’t want to miss. We’ll also be hosting a fashion show with our friends from Bioworld on Saturday at 9:30 PM.
The lounge is open to everyone and is absolutely free. No badge required!
Live from Destination Funimation
Be sure to join us Saturday as Emma Fyffe, Cheyenne Ewulu and Matt Acevedo sit down with tons of amazing guests and influencers for a five-hour livestream live from Destination Funimation.
For more details, see our schedule here.
4th Annual Sonicboombox After Party
FRIDAY, JULY 5 (9:00PM – 2:00 AM)
Globe Theater (21+ Event)
This is a 21+ event. Sonicboombox returns to the historic Globe Theater for our 4th annual LA party, and this year we’re taking over the whole venue — main floor, balcony, and the basement club!
Two floors of electro, trap, dubstep, house, hip hop, cosplay, streetwear, giveaways and more! FREE SWAG for the first 200 fans including official My Hero Academia or Bananya Mochibi plushies!
Admission: $10 online in advance, $20 at door.
More info: Official Facebook Event
Steins;GateCrash
SATURDAY, JULY 6 (8:00PM – 2:00 AM)
Lounge 21 (21+ venue)
For Steins;GateCrash ticket holders and VIPs only. This is a 21+ event. Get ready for North America’s biggest Steins;Gate festival ever! Funimation will be presenting a night full of Steins;Gate 0 activities, including a live concert by special guest Japanese artist Kanako Ito. Japanese marketing publicist for the Steins;Gate franchise Rintaro Murata will also give a special presentation on the promotion and success of the series in Japan, along with highlights from the new Steins;Gate 0 installment. Both guests will be available for a Q&A section.
More info: Steins;GateCrash at Anime Expo
FUN & GAMES
Fruits Basket Photo Booth w/ Kotobukiya
Our friends at Kotobukiya have a special Fruits Basket photo op FRIDAY ONLY at booth #4911–get a pic with your some of your favorite characters and you’ll receive a free Fruits Basket pin and bookmark!
My Hero Academia – Entertainment Hall
Wed 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Thur, Fri, Sat 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Sun 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Be a hero at the My Hero Academia activation in the Entertainment Hall. You can test your strength at the punching machines or get a photo with the 7 foot All Might. Go beyond!
Photo Op: Take a selfie with our 7-foot tall All Might statue! Share it on Twitter or Instagram using #MyHeroAX and win a prize (while supplies last).
Punching Machines: Test your strength at the punching machines. Give it your best SMASH and share the proof on social using #MyHeroAX. The top scores for each day will win a PLUS ULTRA prize!
Fire Force – Entertainment Hall
Wed 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Thur, Fri, Sat 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Sun 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Join the Fire Force Company at the Entertainment Hall! You can take a photo with the character and the amazing inflatable fire truck called Matchbox from the show!
Photo Op: Take a photo with the Matchbox! Share it on Twitter or Instagram using #FireForceAX and receive an exclusive character button!
AT THE BOOTH
You’ll find nothing but great deals at the big Funimation booth in the Exhibit Hall (#1800). Pick up some classic and new titles to add to your collection, stock up on the latest merch, and more! We’ll even have some extra-special items at the booth like:
Kotobukiya Zero Two Scale Figure
FunimationNow Booth
Visit the FunimationNow lobby booth on your way into the Expo Hall to pick up a lanyard and other booth giveaways.
FunimationNow members can check in daily to take a turn on the giant gachapon machine full of fantastic prizes. You can win hats, t-shirts, plushies, mini figpins, FunimationNow swag, and so much more. Some lucky members will even walk away with their very own Roku Streaming Stick!
Don’t forget to download the FunimationNow app for your iOS or Android device before you head to the con! Your in-app membership card is what allows you to play the gachapon machine. And while you’re at it, download your favorite shows and take them with you on your trek to the LA Convention Center.
We hope to see you there!
