Official Swiss tournament brackets: Hololive Standard TCG (12:00 PM), One Piece Standard TCG (3:00 PM), and Pokémon Standard TCG (6:00 PM).

Were you met with a terrible fate? Let’s fix that. Let’s take a moment to analyze Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask and find the deeper meaning that helps us overcome our hardest obstacles in life.

This is a family-friendly panel/performance fun for the whole family... The host "dangerous Dan" interact with follow con goers and invites them to the stage to show off what they learned in a safe, healthy, and controlled, environment

The 90's, what a great decade! A strong US economy, peace in the world, and some really notable anime too! Eva, Cowboy Bebop, Nadia, Trigun, Sailor Moon, The Slayers, Ranma 1/2, and Miyazaki films like Princess Mononoke and Porco Rosso. All these and more will be discussed and some clips will be shown too! But it won't be on VHS though.

What? Who's Shigeru Mizuki?! Join me as we learn about the life, work, and lasting influence of one of Japan's most influential mangakas!

Kamen Rider! A masked grasshopper-themed superhero who rides his motorcycle into battle! This panel invites you to journey through the decades of history surrounding this Japanese tokusatsu franchise as we cover the background that built it and the fifty years of shows, toys, and action since!

Welcome to the queer coded world of Persona 4! Join us as we take a trip back to 2007 and talk about the LGBTQ+ community in Japan and the impact this entry has on everyone!

Curious about just what makes gamers so passionate about role playing games from Japan? Or perhaps you're an enthusiast who's already gotten the Platnum trophy in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth!? Justin (JDOmnislash) is back for a discussion about just what makes this genre of gaming so special to us, examples of both popular and underrated titles, and a quick glimpse of what we have to look forward to in the future. Get your swords ready!

In a Decade that gave us so many Iconic anime, there were a lot of diamonds that have sadly been forgotten. Join Otaku Nate as he shows the best that 2000s anime has to offer!

Umamusume: Pretty Derby has taken the world by storm with its lovable cast of characters , but did you know they can cook? Come join an amateur chef as we explore food from Umamusumeshi - the Umamusume cooking manga - and see if we can bring these horse girls’ food to life.

Gather for group photos at Cosplay HQ! My Hero Academia (3:30 PM), Jujutsu Kaisen (4:30 PM), and Resident Evil / Horror Games (5:30 PM).

Ultra Plus Sized is a community-driven platform created by cosplayers, for cosplayers of all styles and sizes. Our mission is to inspire, connect, and empower plus-size creators by sharing tips, insights, and real experiences navigating the cosplay world. We amplify voices within our community, address common challenges, and foster a more inclusive and positive culture where every cosplayer is celebrated—no matter their body. We represent the will to cosplay without limits!

Think you know your friend's/partner's anime history, interests, and hot takes? Based on the hit gameshow, enter to win, find out who knows each other best, and win prizes! Want to just attend but not play? That's ok...audience prizes will be given as well!

Supplementary ingredients: spooky mysticism, lovable characters, intricate worldbuilding, and the pain of loss. Wildly popular in China, Lord of Mysteries has passed beyond the Great Firewall to become an international cult classic. Its deeper mysteries, mingled with intense action and flair for the dramatic, is an alchemical creation uniquely suited for audiences around the world.

Join the AnimeNJ++ executive staff and our special guests as we officially kick off the convention weekend! Get key announcements, tips, and high energy for the three days ahead.

Naoki Urasawa is one of the most highly acclaimed mangaka to ever exist. Renowned for the likes of Monster, 20th Century Boys, Pluto, Billy Bat, and so much more, he has seemingly written masterpiece after masterpiece. How did he create such incredible narratives? This panel serves as a deep dive into Urasawa's career and bibliography, followed by an open discussion on the recurring themes that characterize his stories.

Relax and catch a curated block of retro anime classics, OVAs, and nostalgic series screening in Panels 4.

In 2008, the US Anime industry was on the brink of near collapse, and near fell into complete oblivion. Join Otaku Nate as he looks back on the American Anime Bubble, what lead to the inflation of the bubble, what happened when it burst, how the Anime Industry came back from the wreckage, and whether or not it can happen again.

Summoning all Atlus Faithful: Do you think you learned enough from balancing your academic and dungeon crawling lives? Or do you want to show that you've played a "real Shin Megoomi Tensay game"? Either way, come show your Persona/Shin Megami Tensei franchise trivia expertise in this bout of MegaTen Mania!

Master all four elements! Competitive bracket tournament featuring Avatar on PS5 consoles.

Meet iconic Japanese animator and character designer Cindy Yamauchi! Discover her creative process, storied career in Japanese animation studios, and behind-the-scenes stories on her major projects.

Have you ever heard of the term, 'Tokusatsu'? Perhaps you know who Kamen Rider or Ultraman are already. This is the perfect panel for both beginners and seasoned fans as we go through the history and artistry behind Tokusatsu! Join us for an examination of an art form that has dominated Japanese cinema and television over the past 70 yeare!

Could you survive flying through the air on ODM Gear? Can breathing techniques really make Tanjiro a better swordsman? And just how much food would Goku actually need to fuel a Saiyan body? Join an Anatomy & Physiology teacher and anime enthusiast as we put some of anime’s most ridiculous abilities under the scientific microscope. Through hilarious character case studies, we’ll explore the real biomechanics, metabolism, muscles, respiration, and human limits hiding behind your favorite anime moments. No science degree required, just bring your curiosity and prepare to discover what happens when anime meets anatomy!

Every form of science fiction and fantasy has compelled it's fans to heights of creativity and anime fandom is no exception; cosplay, fanzines, re-dubbed parodies, podcasts and an endless supply of anime music videos. From inspiration and innovation to the finished product, we will discuss these labors of love with their creators.

From 2012 to 2019, Studio Satellight's Senki Zesshou Symphogear went from being a small cult hit, to a nationwide phenomenon in Japan! Join Otaku Nate as he goes through the history of Symphogear, how it became an overnight sensation in Japan, what makes it so great, and ultimately why you should "Watch Symphogear!"

Arise! Korean web media is taking over! From dungeons to villainesses, Korean web comics and webnovels are continuing to increase in popularity in the western fandom space. Come learn about the originals behind the anime adaptation, from Solo Leveling to Raeliana and everything in between. We’ll discuss some South Korean history, learn a little Korean, review common tropes, and you might even leave with a reading list!

Flarecore from New Jersey embraces Pokémon, anime, and Japanese pop culture! Powered by pop punk, EDM, live music, collectibles, and nonstop fan energy, we bring the Squad together to celebrate the fandoms we love. Catch the vibe, join the adventure, and power up with us!

Have you ever been watching a AMV mix, trying to catch which anime clips are flashing by? AMVs with what seem like hundreds of different anime titles and characters all perfectly stitched together in epic fashion, your brain quickly trying to compile them all? No? Well, today is the day that all changes in this fun and exciting new game show! Contestants will have their knowledge of anime as well as their quick recall tested in The AMV Mix Guessing Game!

We all remember when cartoons were nice and safe for kids...or were they? Sift through the subtext and you can see how shocking and tradition-defying they were, and still are to this day.

Anime spans over a century—and it’s releasing faster than ever. Even if you never touch grass, you’ll never watch it all. So where should you spend your time? Backed by years of research, we present the definitive must-watch anime every well-rounded weeb needs to see.

Mecha Musume have been around for decades, but are a relatively new take on the "anthropomorphism" genre as a whole. Within it's time, the genre has proven it's broad, cross-media appeal through games, light novels, manga, anime and so much more. (re: Azur Lane, KanColle, Arpeggio of Blue Steel, etc...) Our panelists, one avid gamer and one history teacher, will discuss the impact and appeal of this mashup of "moe" and "military hardware".

Thinking about starting cosplay but worried about the expenses? Worry not! Fever Dream is here to teach you useful ways to make the cosplay of your dreams without dropping thousands on it! From thrifting and upcycling to smart budgeting and getting the best deals, she’ll show you how to bring your favorite characters to life without breaking the bank. Learn how to craft stunning costumes using affordable materials, discover hidden gems at secondhand stores, and master the art of affordable cosplay!

I am thou; thou art Jojo!? We all know how similar Persona and Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure are. Let’s have fun with it!

Do you like Anime Openings and Closings? Then you will love this panel! Come see the origins of the Opening theme, how it progressed through history, and see where Openings and Closings stand in recent years. The themes span from Astro Boy (aka “Mighty Atom”) to recent anime.

Masquerade Pre-Judging (10:30 AM – 1:30 PM), followed by official fandom cosplay meetups: Devil May Cry (1:30 PM), One Piece (2:30 PM), and Naruto (3:30 PM).

What would happen if Sailor Moon and Mario went to the mall? Or if a group of friends got lost on their way to the convention? Let’s find out! In this panel improv games will be taught and played, but with a twist of all things pop culture. The best part of all though is that anything goes! So come and be a part of some hilarious and ridiculous scenes of your own creation! The only rule is to just say YES!

The annual Anime Music Video Contest showcasing phenomenal video editors! Watch finalists across Action, Drama, Comedy, Dance, and Romance and cast your vote for Audience Choice.

What does a virtual pet have to do with making IRL friends? From Tamagotchi and Digimon to Pokémon GO, and Neopets, digital pets have created communities through shared hobbies, online spaces, trading, meetups, and play. Explore how a love of virtual creatures can become a gateway to real-world friendships and community.

Constructed card tournaments: Pokémon Standard (11:30 AM), One Piece & Magic: The Gathering Standard (3:00 PM), and Hololive Standard TCG (6:30 PM).

For a period of time, the OVA Format became a revolutionary force in the medium of anime for animators to pursue passion projects, to promote popular manga at the time, or to just be an avenue for original, artsy stories! Join Otaku Nate as he takes you through the history of the OVA from its dynamic birth in the 80s, to its decline and death in the 2000s, and how it "Might" have made a comeback in recent years.

In live-action SFX films (aka "Tokusatsu"), there are few faces more recognizable than Machiko Soga. Whether it's Queen Hedrian ("Denjiman" - 1980), Pandora ("Spielban Dimension Warrior" - 1986) or Witch Queen Bandora ("Zyuu Rangers" - 1992), no one is more recognizable than the eternally-popular Rita Repulsa. However, as colossal as she is, she is just one facet in a much broader medium we will be discussing...one that encompasses such gargantuan franchises as "Ultraman", "Kamen Rider" and, of course, "Godzilla".

Saturday fighting game brackets: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (12:00 PM), Street Fighter 6 (3:30 PM), and Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls (6:30 PM).

One of the reasons for going to conventions is to take care of one’s mental health. Going to cons could also be overwhelming. On top of that, there is also bullying at conventions, which could be subtle or overt. We will discuss what mental health is & its importance, as well as how to avoid getting bullied.

Nothing is more fun than debating with your friends about tier lists in anime so we thought why not make a panel about it. What could go wrong, right? Come join us to put the arguments to bed once and for all and create the only anime tier lists you'll ever need!

In a world where humanity’s saviors are high school students with special powers comes an intrinsic story of looping and 100 endings! Join us for an ambitious gameshow where select audience members battle aliens while their fates are decided by the audience!

Step into the action with iconic Kamen Rider suit actor and stunt coordinator Jun Watanabe! Discover what it takes to perform physical hero feats, choreograph high-octane battles, and direct tokusatsu legends.

Do you love going to conventions but find it difficult because of your disability?? Then this is the panel for you! This panel will discuss tips for attending a convention if you have a disability! Ally.art3, is an autistic and chronically ill cosplayer and advocate for disabled individuals. She will share tips about attending a convention, accessibility information, making cosplays that won’t cause sensory issues, dealing with loud noises at cons, and much more!

What makes a truly epic JRPG franchise? From a humble developer in Tachikawa, Tokyo, Falcom's Trails series has remained beloved across twenty-two years and fourteen unique entries. By staying true to its roots and history, the franchise has been labor of love that avoids trend chasing in order to deliver what its audiences truly wants.

Stage walk-through, lighting check, and audio tech rehearsal for all registered Cosplay Masquerade contestants.

Welcome to the wild wonky world of weird, gonzo, crazy and just plain WTF commercial from around the globe including live action commercials with a higher budget than the entire run of the classic cartoons they were based upon, a gazillion Godzilla knockoffs and Jim Henson's early coffee ads with a cheerfully murderous proto-Kermit.

Did you know pinball was previously banned? Are you still trying to figure out what a Skill Shot is? From history, to gameplay, to even what it’s like to maintain a pinball machine, come join Children Driving Robots where we'll talk everything pinball. 

Steins;Gate is one of the most popular visual novels and anime of all time. Did you know it was just the second part of a longer series? This panel serves as a beginner's guide to the wider Science Adventure series, outlining the recommended viewing order, side material, development history, and much more!

Thieves, spies, saboteurs, assassins. Whether it's for Queen and Country, or good ol' "enlightened self-interest", these animated ne'er-do-wells have the tools, talents and tenacity to get the job done.

An overview of Japan's long fascination with zombie movies, from early imports through the domestic boom of the 2000s and beyond, plus how it overlaps with the manga and video game industries.

Are you new to conventions (cons)? Do you want to gain more con skills? We’ll discuss how to plan on attending them, including managing your money, time, & health.

Experience genuine Japanese idol energy live! Featured Japanese musical guest Aoi Matsuyama takes the Main Events (Sky Ballroom) stage for an unforgettable performance filled with fan chants and original songs.

Join voice actress Emma Breezy for an inside look into studio mic etiquette, audition reels, character vocal range exercises, and building your presence in voiceover.

Ever heard 'Bad Apple!' or wondered who that anime girl was in all those 2010s YouTube nightcore thumbnails? Surprise: It’s Touhou Project and you might have already seen it! You Just didn’t know it! If you’ve spent any time on the internet, you’ve definitely seen its memes, heard its music, seen its characters and felt its influence in the media. From classic bullet-hell origins to massive pop-culture takeovers and inspiration, Touhou Project’s DNA is everywhere. Join us as we show you just how deep this rabbit hole of connections and hijacks really goes, sample legendary fan creations, and even show how you can get to learn more on your own, no matter what you’re into. Whether you're a complete newcomer or a seasoned spell-card dodger, Girls are Now Praying! Welcome to Gensokyo!

Without doubt, "Anime" has become a part of the mainstream, but have you ever wondered how it all started here in America? How anime-themed fan organization, publications and conventions were born and somehow thrived back in the Long-Long-Ago of the pre-internet years? We've assembled a crew of old-school fans (re: "geezers") to tell their tales of how humble beginnings led to the entertainment behemoth we all enjoy today.

Test your knowledge of all things anime in this fun, crowd participation game show! With only 5 words at your disposal, can you prove your otaku privilege and describe that anime in 5 words or less? Join us for the fun and comradery, wordsmiths (and everyone else)!

Witness New Jersey's finest craftsmanship and stage performances! Cosplayers showcase intricate costumes and skits across Novice, Journeyman, and Master divisions.

Oh, dear God, the pain!! Do you think sanity is overrated? Do you want utter oblivion to be your best friend? Strap yourselves in for the worst the animation industry has to offer! We take no responsibility for any psychological damage or spontaneous combustion during this presentation.

Now approaching its forty-fifth year, The Legend of the Galactic Heroes is a cultural foundation stone in its Japan that spans video games, board games, two or three manga adaptations, the longest (and longest-running) OVA in anime history, and even a cafe. With the OVA considered one of (if not THE) greatest sci-fi epics in anime worldwide, an in-depth exploration of its themes and their subsequent influence on Japan and the world will take us on a journey from the 1980s to the modern day.

How accurate are the Egyptian God Stands in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders? In this interactive trivia panel, we’ll guess which details come from real Egyptian mythology and which came from Araki’s imagination, then compare the series to the original myths.

Studio Ghibli has created a library of beautifully animated, highly acclaimed classics. Their 1995 feature, "Whisper of the Heart" is one of them. It was the first (and only) feature directed by Yoshifumi Kondo, who served as animation director on some of the studio's earliest classics. It's also modeled after a certain popular song made famous by John Denver. Celebrate this masterpiece with behind-the-scenes relics about its creation, its creators, and learn why it is considered a favorite with both Ghibli and animation fans.

Steins;Gate is one of the most popular visual novels and anime ever made. Yet the vast majority of its audience has no idea that it's just the second part of a longer story. How did this even happen? This is a story about how a series of bizarre creative, marketing, and business decisions made Steins;Gate popular at the expense of the series it was part of. This is the paradox of Steins;Gate's rise to popularity.

How well do you know your favorite anime characters? Pretty well? Come test yourself in this fun and lighthearted gameshow where contestants will be assigned a character unknowingly and will have to gather information to guess "Who am I?"

What would Death Note taste like? What spirit best captures the energy of My Hero Academia? And can a cocktail somehow make you emotionally relive Violet Evergarden without requiring another box of tissues? Join the Senpai & Sake crew for a journey through anime-inspired mixology, where flavor, aroma, color, glassware, presentation, and a little bartender theatrics turn beloved series into cocktails and mocktails. Along the way, we’ll explore the five spirit archetypes, travel through the stages of an anime fan’s journey, and show you how to build drinks that tell a story instead of simply looking pretty. No bartending experience or alcohol required, just bring your favorite anime and an adventurous palate, because the greatest drinks tell stories.

Get ready to bust some moves and feel the beat with a Just Dance session hosted by RoyalBuckss… and YOU?! Join us for a special REQUESTS ONLY panel! All dance levels are welcome! Consult with your doctor before engaging in physical activity. This panel contains flashing lights that may trigger seizures for individuals with photosensitive epilepsy. Consult with your doctor before engaging in physical activity. This panel contains flashing lights that may trigger seizures for individuals with photosensitive epilepsy.

Looking for a new manga to check out? New York Public Librarian Joe Pascullo will be on hand to booktalk some new series that have just debuted here in English in the States in 2026. Come discover some new series at this panel!

New to cosplay? Been doing it a while? Want to add that extra oomph to your cosplay and bring it to the next level? Well then, come on down and learn how to do all of that on a budget!

Sunday morning retro comedy and magical girl marathon screening in Panels 4!

Come test your anime knowledge with a friendly game of jeopardy! Winner will earn a fun prize!

Masquerade Judges Feedback Session (10:00 AM), followed by Sunday cosplay photo meetups: Gachiakuta (11:00 AM), Final Fantasy (12:15 PM), and Bleach (1:30 PM).

Show what you know at anime NJ++’s Kpop/Jpop random dance! An assortment of old and new K-pop and J-pop songs brought to you by starry idols, we hope to see you there!

Fist meets fate in Tekken 8 on PS5 (12:00 PM), alongside Sunday Pokémon, One Piece, and Hololive Standard TCG tournaments in Tabletop Gaming (11:00 AM).

With the creation of the OVA in the 1980s, Anime got a new format to express itself. Come join Children Driving Robots as we discuss the world of Anime OVAs, where shows can be minutes long…or took years to complete.

In a world where humanity’s saviors are high school students with special powers comes an intrinsic story of looping and 100 endings! Join us for an ambitious gameshow where select audience members battle aliens while their fates are decided by the audience!

The Anisong has been a staple of the medium of anime, but it has come a long since its inception. Learn how the anisong went from sily songs made for children, to being full-blown pop songs by the end of the 1980s, as well as the artists responsible for some of the most iconic songs of the Showa Era! And, of course, all participants are encouraged to sing along!

Looking for your next niche series to read or watch? Well, you’re in luck cause I’m shilling them! Some ended prematurely, and some have simply been forgotten over time.

See who takes home the awards! Watch the award-winning AMV entries on the big screen, followed by fan-favorite submissions and overflow showcases.

What does the Colt.45 have over the almighty Wave Motion Gun? Why does the German Panzerkampfwagen tank trump the RX-78 Mobile Suit Gundam? How can Judō possibly beat the feared Musabetsu Kakutō Ryū martial arts style? The answer is simple…REALITY!! Strap on your flak-jacket and bring a helmet as we showcase and discuss the all-too-rare accurate depictions of military hardware, tactics and strategy in animation.

Ever wondered how to get into the world of video game streaming through sites like Twitch or YouTube, as well as how to make your own videos and channels? Or perhaps you've already started and are looking for some tips? Justin (JDOmnislash) returns to Anime NJ++ to explain basics, more intermediate tips, and inspire you to get out there and make your own amazing channel! All audiences are welcome to stop by and see just what this unique community is all about!

Trade figures, manga, keychains, pins, and art books directly with fellow con-goers! Bring items you wish to trade in a fun, relaxed environment.

Sunday may belong to Church and the NFL, but for over thirty years Saturday morning belonged to kids. Despite their era ending in the mid-1990’s, Saturday Morning Cartoons left an indelible mark on the psyche of generations that lives on to this day. We will explore the history and lasting value of these cartoons…whether they were made to push toy sales, capitalize on pop culture or were just good, clean fun.

With anime becoming bigger than it has ever been in the medium's history in North America, getting your friends and family into it has never been easier! Join Otaku Nate as shares with you the Do's and Do-Not-Do's of how to get those close to you into anime, the series that work the best as a "Gateway" to new fans, and perhaps most importantly, what you SHOULDN'T do when introducing your loved ones to the world of anime!

Reflect on an amazing con weekend, celebrate staff and volunteer accomplishments, provide open feedback, and get an early sneak peek at AnimeNJ++ 2027!