Kodansha Expands Fan Experience With Los Angeles Pop-Up Event
Anime Expo is once again collaborating with Kodansha to bring back its immersive fan experience, with its first-ever West Coast edition set to take place in Los Angeles. The pop-up event will run from July 2 through July 12, 2026, in the city’s Little Tokyo district, aligning with the schedule of Anime Expo 2026, which will be held July 2 to July 5 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
By overlapping with one of North America’s largest anime conventions, Kodansha House effectively expands the footprint of the event beyond the convention center, creating a parallel destination focused specifically on manga culture and fan engagement.
A central highlight of this year’s Kodansha House is the inclusion of high-profile manga creators whose works have seen significant global traction. Among them are Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura, the creative team behind the widely popular sports manga Blue Lock.
Their appearance reflects the continued international momentum of the series, which has resonated strongly with audiences through both its manga and anime adaptation. Joining them is Kamome Shirahama, the author and artist of Witch Hat Atelier, a critically acclaimed fantasy title known for its intricate artwork and storytelling, and one that is also gaining renewed attention with its upcoming anime adaptation.
These creators will not be limited to Kodansha House appearances alone. All three are scheduled to participate as official guests at Anime Expo, where they will host individual panels and signing sessions.
While exact details regarding attendance procedures, ticketing, and access tiers have yet to be announced, demand is expected to be high given the prominence of the guests and the limited nature of such interactions. Additionally, Anime Expo badge holders will be eligible for special benefits at Kodansha House, reinforcing the integrated nature of the two events and encouraging cross-attendance.
Kodansha House is designed to function as more than a conventional promotional space. Instead, it operates as a multi-layered, interactive environment intended to translate the imaginative worlds of manga into a physical setting.
Visitors will enter a curated space that includes a manga gallery showcasing artwork and storytelling elements, as well as a themed café, lounge areas, and a library-style reading zone. This layout encourages attendees to spend extended time within the venue, whether engaging with exhibits, socializing with other fans, or simply exploring manga in a more relaxed setting outside the intensity of the convention floor.
Programming throughout the event will run daily and is expected to include a mix of creator appearances, anime screenings, panel discussions, and other fan-oriented activities.
This continuous schedule ensures that Kodansha House remains active throughout its extended run, even after Anime Expo itself concludes. The longer duration allows fans who may not attend the convention to still participate in the broader cultural experience.
Retail remains a key component of the event, with Kinokuniya USA returning as the official partner for on-site sales. Exclusive merchandise tied to Kodansha House will be made available, along with curated selections of manga and related products. Some of these items are expected to be limited to the event and select Kinokuniya locations, adding an element of scarcity that typically drives strong fan interest.
Overall, Kodansha House Los Angeles positions itself as both an extension of Anime Expo and a standalone destination that deepens fan interaction with manga.
By combining exclusive creator access, immersive design, and ongoing programming, it offers a more experiential approach to fandom, appealing to both long-time readers and newcomers interested in exploring manga within a social, real-world context.