VIZ Media Brings Bleach Voice Actors to Anime Expo 2026

VIZ Media has confirmed a dedicated showcase at Anime Expo 2026, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, featuring Johnny Yong Bosch, the English voice actor of Ichigo Kurosaki in Bleach:Thousand-Year Blood War. The panel is scheduled for July 2-5, and will also bring Anime Expo official guest Masakazu Morita, Japanese voice actor of Ichigo.

As per VIZ, the panel will showcase “behind-the-scenes stories” and “exciting exclusive announcements” tied to Bleach: TYBW. As per Anime Expo’s talent lists, Bosch will appear in the event’s ‘industry appearance’ category, with twelve other guests that include Chris Harada, Hiroyuki Watanabe, and Jimmie Yamaguchi.

Morita, on the other hand, joins as Anime Expo’s official guest with mangaka Muneyuki Kaneshiro, director Ryosuke Takahashi, animator Toru Yoshida, and ten more animation industry professionals and creators. VIZ will also present a dedicated Manga Lounge with around 8K manga and art book volumes, running all four days from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm (exc. July 5, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm).

More Japanese Events at Anime Expo 2026 Apart From VIZ's Bleach Panel

Anime Expo is one of the largest anime industry events, spanning anime showcases, Music Video Competition, panels, cosplay, table-top gaming, workshops, and many more activities. As per the official page, the 2026 edition has a planned program schedule of over 1000 hours.

Apart from VIZ, manga publisher Kodansha is also bringing Kodansha House with Anime Expo tie-in. The event brings Blue Lock creators Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura, and Witch Hat Atelier author Kamome Shirahama to both Kodansha House and the main convention floor for panels and autograph sessions.

On the music side, Dwango will present JAPAN MUSIC VOCALOID at Anime Expo 2026 on July 4 at The Novo, featuring producers SatapanP, kz (livetune), Hachiōji-P, picco, and a special appearance by TeddyLoid. The event will also have a separate J-POP Sound Capsule, featuring Roselia, SPYAIR, and Yoko Takahashi, on July 2.

For VIZ, the showcase fits a pattern the publisher has developed at recent Anime Expo editions. At AX 2025, the company used its main panel to confirm The Calamity for 2026, reveal the English dub cast for Yaiba: Samurai Legend, and premiere footage from Rooster Fighter. Anime Expo’s slate highlights how anime conventions are evolving into marketing hubs as Japanese media companies increase investment in international audiences. [