Kodansha announced that it will participate in Anime Expo 2025, scheduled from July 3 to July 6 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, and feature two titles at its booth—the upcoming anime adaptation of Gachiakuta, set to premiere in July 2025, and the new GHOST IN THE SHELL project, slated for release in 2026.
Booth Activities and Exhibits
Kodansha’s booth will offer various interactive experiences:
- Photo Panels: Life-sized panels of characters from Gachiakuta, including protagonist Rudo and a Trash Beast, alongside Major Motoko Kusanagi from GHOST IN THE SHELL, will be available for photo opportunities.
- Gacha Gacha Capsule Toy Machine: Attendees engaging with Kodansha’s social media accounts related to the featured titles will be able to access a capsule toy machine containing limited character and logo badges.
- “Drop the Claw” Giant Claw Machine: Visitors who post booth-related photos or videos and tag Kodansha’s relevant social media handles will be eligible to participate in a claw machine activity featuring event-exclusive prizes.
- Large-Scale LED Monitor: A special collaboration video featuring both Gachiakuta and GHOST IN THE SHELL, along with exclusive trailers and promotional footage, will be displayed on a large-format screen within the booth.
- Curated Displays: Exhibits will showcase the creative development of both series, including video presentations, reproductions of original manga artwork, and additional materials to be unveiled at the event.
- Attendee Bag Distribution: All Anime Expo attendees will receive an event bag upon entry, featuring one of four original Kodansha designs.
Kodansha Anime Expo 2025 Panel Events & Programming
Kodansha and its partners will host several panels during the convention. Some events require advance registration; attendees are advised to consult the official Anime Expo website and social media channels for schedule updates.
- Live Painting: Gachiakuta Production Committee Presents
- Date: July 3, 2025
- Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (tentative)
- Location: South Lobby
- Details: Manga artist Kei Urana and graffiti designer Hideyoshi Andou will conduct a live painting session using scrap materials, reflecting Gachiakuta’s central theme of discarded materials. This activity is open to all attendees and does not require registration.
- Panel: Gachiakuta Creators Kei Urana & Hideyoshi Andou
- Date: July 3, 2025
- Time: 4:15 PM – 5:05 PM
- Location: Room 403AB
- Details: A discussion and Q&A session with the creators of Gachiakuta, featuring live illustration painting on a shikishi board.
- Panel: THE GHOST IN THE SHELL x Science SARU — New Animation Project
- Date: July 3, 2025
- Time: 5:15 PM – 6:05 PM
- Location: Room 408AB
- Details: Production staff from Science SARU will provide updates on the upcoming GHOST IN THE SHELL project, including details on the creative direction and production timeline.
- Global Premiere: Gachiakuta and Q&A (Presented by Crunchyroll)
- Date: July 4, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 11:20 AM
- Location: Platinum Ballroom
- Details: An early screening of the first two episodes of Gachiakuta will be followed by a Q&A session featuring Kei Urana, Hideyoshi Andou, and Naoki Amano (Bones Film producer).
Source: Press Release
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