Memories: Mangas and anime at Japan Expo 2025!
Japan Expo 2025 was the must-attend festival to discover the latest manga and anime releases, explore new works and meet your favorite artists!
ANIme & manga
In 2025, Japan Expo rolled out a blood-red carpet for the maestro of horror manga: Junji Ito!
Visitors were plunged into the heart of darkness with the Junji Ito Exhibition, an immersive experience retracing the legendary artist’s career.
Despite the chilling nature of his work, the man himself proved to be far more welcoming than the nightmarish creatures he brings to life!
Fans had the chance to meet him during talks, live drawing sessions, a special collaboration with Celio on an exclusive new fashion line, and autograph signings!
The second Guest of Honor from the world of animation was none other than Kazuya Tsurumaki, renowned director from Studio khara, accompanied by two longtime collaborators: Mahiro Maeda and Yoji Enokido. Together, they came to present two major projects on which they worked hand in hand:
- The Evangelion film tetralogy — a powerful and cathartic conclusion to 25 years of intense emotion
- And the newest iteration in the Gundam saga: Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX
The grand finale of this celebration took place Saturday night on the Yuzu Stage, during a breathtaking event where the audience sang along to the iconic songs of Neon Genesis Evangelion, led by the enchanting and unforgettable voice of Yoko Takahashi.
A deeply emotional moment — it felt as if the Human Instrumentality Project had truly begun: for a brief instant, everyone became one.
To all adventurers in search of Dragon Balls — your wish has been granted!
Japan Expo 2025 delivered an exceptional lineup filled with nostalgia for all Dragon Ball fans.
Attendees had the rare opportunity to meet some of the most iconic figures behind the legendary saga:
- Kazuhiko Torishima, the legendary editor of Dragon Ball and Dr. Slump, and Akira Toriyama’s mentor and friend, the man who launched his career into the stratosphere.
- Toyotaro, writer and illustrator of the official sequel Dragon Ball Super, carrying on the legacy of the beloved franchise.
- Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru, animator on Dragon Ball Z and director of the highly anticipated Dragon Ball Daima.
- Brigitte Lecordier, the iconic French voice of young Son Goku, as well as C-18 and Son Gohan.
- Patrick Borg, the French voice of adult Son Goku.
Present throughout the event for multiple panels, these distinguished guests shared insights into their respective fields — from Japanese publishing (tantô) to animation and voice acting. They also reflected on their connection to the Dragon Ball universe — a franchise that has forever shaped their careers… and their lives.
Japan Expo is the place to meet your favorite mangakas directly on the publishers' booths!
This 2025 edition welcomed:
- Oh!great (Pika)
Known for Air Gear, Tenjou Tenge, Bakemonogatari et Kaijin Fugeki. - Tohru Kuramori (Kurokawa)
Known for Centuria. - Oreco Tachibana (Glénat)
Known for Promise Cinderella & Firefly Wedding. - Anji Matono (Feux Inc.)
Known for 100 Ghost Stories That Will Lead to My Own Death.
Anime fans were treated to a standout event with a special panel dedicated to LUPIN THE IIIRD, featuring none other than visionary director Takeshi Koike.
Throughout the event, screenings and activities kept the energy high — especially thanks to Crunchyroll, which brought several major highlights:
- Premieres of Gachiakuta, To Your Eternity – Season 3, and With You in the Rain
- A Demon Slayer panel with special guest Takahiro Sakurai (voice of Giyû Tomioka)
- An exclusive screening of Dr. STONE SCIENCE FUTURE, with Ryota Suzuki (voice of Ryusui Nanami) in attendance
- The Crunchyroll Special, featuring screenings of Solo Camping for Two, Dekin no Mogura, The Rising of the Shield Hero, and Clevatess
- The Crunchyroll panel, with a surprise guest: Orelsan!
In addition to these events, anime lovers were also treated to exclusive previews and highly anticipated premieres:
- Umamusume The Movie – The Beginning of a New Era
- Pony Canyon Matsuri, with The Last Blossom and This Monster Wants to Eat Me
- Tougen Anki, presented with members of the production team
- Make A Girl, followed by a discussion with director Gensho Yasuda
Time for a nostalgic trip!
It was impossible to miss the towering figure of Grendizer, proudly standing at the heart of an exhibition entirely dedicated to the legendary robot from outerspace. A true journey through time and space, the experience thrilled fans of all ages.
And no — it wasn’t a trick of the ears: Enriqué, the iconic performer of the very first French opening theme, was really there!
Fifty years later, he took to the stage to revive the legend of Duke Fleed in song — with just as much passion as ever.
Voice acting lovers — or voxophiles — were swept away by the energy of live performances from some of France’s most iconic dub actors!
The ancestral face-off between Yugi and Kaiba came to life on stage, thanks to the talents of Laurent Sao and Nessym Guetat, to the delight of duelists in the audience.
Fans also had the chance to recognize their favorite voices during a live dubbing workshop on the Yuzu Stage, featuring Nessym Guetat, Arnaud Laurent (voice of Natsu), and the inimitable Brigitte Lecordier.
Brigitte, always outspoken and passionate, took a moment to share her concerns about the future of the profession — particularly the risks posed by artificial intelligence in the world of voice acting.
Over on the Nezumi Stage, the Kanimy association paid tribute to anime dubbing by inviting key figures from the field. Martial Le Minoux, Hervé Grull, and Alexandre Nguyen gave an impressive live dubbing performance of Jujutsu Kaisen, reprising their respective roles to the crowd’s amazement.
Meanwhile, in Hall 4, Studio Abysse — known for its official French dubs of online animated series like Hazbin Hotel and The Amazing Digital Circus — hosted several panels. These sessions explored the evolving line between amateur and professional dubbing, in a time when independent creators are gaining more recognition and legitimacy than ever.
A New Breath of Life for the Talents of Tomorrow
In partnership with Shueisha, the publisher of the iconic Weekly Shonen Jump, a groundbreaking contest was launched to give young French creators an extraordinary opportunity: to be published on the JUMP+ platform (Manga PLUS in France).
Out of more than 90 participants, 10 finalists were selected for their creativity and strong command of the manga format. The winners were honored during a special ceremony on the Kuri Stage, and their works were featured in a dedicated exhibition outside Hall 4.
Looking to the future, Nao Hirasawa (producer at ARCH Inc.), alongside two pioneers of hybrid "French anime" — Balak (Lastman) and Savin Yeatman-Eiffel (Oban Star-Racers) — shared their insights on the evolving landscape of animation and the transformations yet to come.
Independent fan groups brought a unique energy to the convention floor!
Kanimy, a passionate collective formed by online creators like Kawzzen, Yoyanis, LKR, Tero, CrazyBombWorld, and Manga Trash, offered a packed program of activities for attendees — from quizzes and cosplay hunts to autograph sessions. They also curated a parallel lineup featuring high-profile guests from the world of voice acting and animation.
Among the featured guests were Vincent Chansard, Dorian Coulon, Julien Cortey, Martial Le Minoux, Hervé Grull, Alexandre Nguyen, Mélanie Anne Paille, and many more.
Meanwhile, the unstoppable crew at Animaniak went zany to the max with daily karaoke sessions and anime-themed blind tests, where fans could let loose and sing their hearts out in a wildly fun and electric atmosphere!
A NOT SO DISTANT NEIBHBORHOOD : THE MANGA VILLAGE!
A full manga immersion in Hall 5A
Wandering through Hall 5A, it was impossible to miss the twenty publisher booths — each more striking than the last — adorned with the colors and icons of their flagship series. Towering murals, iconic characters, and immersive displays transported visitors straight into the worlds of their favorite manga.
With exclusive signing sessions from guest authors and collector goodies offered with manga purchases, fans enjoyed an experience that was as emotional as it was visual — a celebration of both passion and collection.