Kodansha is gearing up for a major presence at Anime Expo 2025, and fans have plenty to look forward to. The iconic publisher is bringing not one but two major titles to the Los Angeles Convention Center from July 3 to July 6. Attendees can expect immersive experiences centered around the upcoming anime adaptation of Gachiakuta and an all new Ghost in the Shell project that is already creating serious buzz ahead of its 2026 release.
At the heart of Kodansha’s booth will be a full showcase of both franchises. Life sized photo panels featuring Gachiakuta protagonist Rudo and a fearsome Trash Beast, along with the iconic Major Motoko Kusanagi from Ghost in the Shell, will be available for fans to snap pictures with. But that is just the start of the action.
Interactive features like a Gacha Gacha capsule toy machine and a giant claw machine will be available, where visitors can win exclusive merchandise by participating in social media activities. A massive LED screen inside the booth will broadcast a special collaboration video combining both titles, along with exclusive trailers and new promotional content. Attendees can also dive into curated displays that offer a behind the scenes look at the creative development of these series, with original artwork and in depth design insights.
Every Anime Expo guest will receive an attendee bag featuring one of four original Kodansha artworks, making for a collectible souvenir.
The event will also feature a lineup of engaging panels and live experiences. On July 3, manga artist Kei Urana and graffiti designer Hideyoshi Andou will hold a live painting session inspired by Gachiakuta’s theme of turning discarded materials into art. Later the same day, the two creators will appear in a live panel to discuss their creative journey and interact with fans.
For those eager to know more about the upcoming Ghost in the Shell project, the team from Science SARU will host a dedicated panel to reveal fresh details about the anime’s creative direction and production timeline. Given the legacy of the franchise and the innovative work of Science SARU, expectations are already high.
One of the biggest highlights of the weekend will be the global premiere of the first two episodes of Gachiakuta. Scheduled for July 4 in the Platinum Ballroom, the screening will be followed by a Q&A with the creators and producer Naoki Amano from studio Bones. This is the first time the world will get to see the anime in motion, and fans attending Anime Expo will be the first to experience it.
Kodansha’s return to Anime Expo with two genre defining projects is set to make a significant impact. Whether you are a fan of dystopian thrillers or futuristic cyberpunk legends, this year’s showcase has something unforgettable for everyone.
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