TOHO animation has an impressive archive of successful anime, spanning various genres and settings. With so many to choose from, and only so much room available at Anime Expo, TOHO focused on series celebrating major milestones.
For Anime Expo 2026, exhibitors featured immersive experiences in a way I don’t recall seeing in previous years. However, while most exhibitors offered one or two themed areas, TOHO boasted five photo-op areas and two immersive exhibits.
Jujutsu Kaisen
The big stand-outs were Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia (more on that later). Understandable, 2026 marks the 5th anniversary of the JJK anime, and the 10th anniversary for My Hero Academia.
Starting at TOHO’s storefront, JJK took over the right side of the skyline facade. Beneath the skyscrapers lay Judgeman and Rika replicas. Don’t let the pictures fool you, these were big.
Rika stood out in particular, as her posing made for an amazing photo spot for anyone cosplaying Yuta. She is in THE pose!
Another portion of the JJK area had a big red button that you were encouraged to press. In exchange, you got trauma in the form of a randomized clip from Season 3: The Culling Game Part 1. I got the most hype clip available, Maki vs. the Zenin Clan (S3 E4).
The Apothecary Diaries
The next stop was the Tower of Masks from Season 2 of The Apothecary Diaries. S2 marked the story’s (and Maomao’s) departure from the walls of the palace and into the larger interpersonal and political drama of the world.
As you can see, I’m Maomao-sized. I’m pretty sure the standees are height accurate. Please imagine the tower at its full scale of approximately two and a half Maomaos tall (about 10.5ft or a little over 3km).
There were two prop fox masks to take pictures with. I chose Maomao’s because I love that little freak, and I like the more traditional coloration of her mask. Shisui’s green mask was also available.
The Apothecary Diaries had a larger presence last year due to the S2 finale coinciding with Anime Expo 2025. However, Season 3 Part 1 will begin airing in October 2026. Part 2 will follow in January 2027. Like the previous seasons, Season 3 will consist of 24 episodes.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Rounding the corner, the cave set piece from Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End came into view. This series put a twist on the classic high fantasy story, letting the end of the story give way to the beginning.
Season 2 finished airing in March 2026, consisting of 10 episodes. During the panel later in the weekend, MADHOUSE Inc. (the animation studio) confirmed that Season 3 is in production.
Though I Am an Inept Villainess
At the time, Though I Am an Inept Villainess‘s premiere was still one week out. To promote the new series, TOHO created a photo area with the two leads, Keigetsu and Reirin.
Set in historical China, socially despised Keigetsu uses magic to swap bodies with the beloved consort-in-training Reirin. What follows is a political drama, the exploration of nature vs. nurture, and Reirin contending for the title of 2026 Best Girl.
Though I Am an Inept Villainess is currently simulcasting weekly on Crunchyroll. Though not yet available, there will be an English dub.
My Hero Academia
Last, but not least, was My Hero Academia, celebrating a whopping 10 years of animation. In honor of that major milestone, anime character designer Yoshihiko Umakoshi created the 10th Anniversary piece. Key visuals from throughout the series’ run decorated both sides of the illustration.
This was a monument to both the fans who supported the anime, and the team who brought it to life.
The series officially wrapped in late 2025, but released a special program in May 2026. The spinoff series, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, completed its second season in March 2026.
