Not the most creative titles, but that is pretty much how I felt when attending Anime NYC 2025. There was a lot of buzz, exciting guests, and performances that attendees were looking forward to. From the voice of Kaiba and legendary seiyuu Tsuda Ken, to the return of JAM Project to help promote the third season of One Punch Man, and the Hololive Synchronise concert, Anime NYC continues to have something for everyone.
From Vtubers, be it indie or corporation. To the anime and manga industry big hitters, like Studio Trigger, Spy X Family Season 3, Seven Seas Publishing, and Viz Media. You need a gaming fix? They have a hall for game showcases like Starlight Revolver and arcade machines. Heck, it even has Mahjong! Need a quiet spot and want to grab some green tea packets? Ito En’s got you covered. Like last year’s retrospective, it has everything covered if you are looking for a particular interest.
Simply put, it was a solid experience. Aside from general nitpicks, like I hope they use the extension of the Javits Center, I had an amazing time. From meeting voice actors to seeing my favorite Vtubers, it was an amazing time and bright spot in New York for that weekend. With over 148,000 attendees showing up, it only proves that Anime NYC is continuing to grow to be one of the best East Coast conventions for Anime, Manga, and Japanese culture.
To note first off, this would be the first time that Anime NYC would be doing a 4-day event. Yes, they decided to start on Thursday instead of a Friday. Though it wasn’t a full day. It started from 4 PM to 8 PM EST. This, in my perspective, would serve as the preview day. If you want to get your early convention shopping, this would be the day. And I would assume that a convention day that lasted 4 hours would be light on traffic and less busy.
Boy, was I Wrong! I stopped by after work to pick up my press badge an hour before 4 PM. To see the droves of fans and attendees already swarming on the opening lighter day, I really should not underestimate the fandom. And perhaps this is enough proof that Anime NYC and Left Field Media should expand the hours to a full day, starting at 10 am. Granted, if sponsors and the financial budget allow it.
Though it was Thursday, it was bustling. Note that it was just the main exhibit floor that was open on Thursday. The lower halls, that was the Sakura Stage and the Gaming hall, were not open. Only the Main Stage for one panel was open. But to see the flow of the crowds walking on a preview day is just amazing. With the big hitters like Cover Corp for Hololive, Seven Seas Publishing, Viz Media, Good Smile Company, Shift Up with Goddess of Victory Nikke, and many other sponsors, it was a great indication of what was to come that weekend.
For my personal itinerary, my goal was to meet the voice actors Alejandro Sabb and Zeno Robinson for the first time to get my copy of Persona 3 Reload signed. When meeting the two, they were cool and humble. I simply said my gratitude to them, and they received it well. Also, to meet Brandon Rogers of Hazbin Hotel fame. He is just a bundle of high energy, and he is just an absolute sweet guy. I met Amalee again to have my GamerSupps Cup of her Vtuber persona, Monarch, signed. Alejandro and Amalee are hilarious and entertaining in their Vtuber personas, and it’s when seeing them behind the avatar is surreal experience.
One highlight in terms of voice actors from Japan is the famed seiyuu Kenjiro Tsuda. Recognized as Seto Kaiba from Yu-Gi-Oh, Nanami from Jujitsu Kaisen, Overhaul from My Hero Academia, and many other roles that have his husky and deep voice. If you have seen any anime, you probably have heard of him. When it was announced that he was appearing in New York, I had to see him. I tried for the autograph lottery, but had no luck. But I was able to attend his panel to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Yu-Gi-Oh.
One thing I love whenever Japanese voice actors stop by is the live dubbing performance. To see his performance as Seto Kaiba and playing out the role in the opening of the movie Darkside Dimensions, is just nothing but chills and amazement. To think that this was his first starring lead role as an actor, and if it wasn’t for Yu-Gi-Oh, we probably wouldn’t have heard of Tsuda and his talents. Very thankful that we were introduced to him, and the rest is history. Highlights during that panel are the favorite moments the fans voted for.
The top three moments are when Kaiba summons Obelisk the Tormenter and clarifies that it is not a monster, but a God. Kami Da! The other favorite fan moment is when he tributes Obelisk to summon his faithful servant of Blue-Eyes White Dragon, during the Battle City Arc. Yes, I shall sacrifice a God. There was another panel on that same Saturday night, but sadly, I was already booked for the All For One Concert for Hololive.
Another good anime spotlight for me was the Spy X Family panel for Season 3, starring the voice actors Kenichiro Matsuda and Emiri Kato. Matsuda-san voiced Bond the Dog and the Narrator. Kato-san voiced Becky Blackbell on the show. They shared their favorite moments on the series so far. Matsuda-san said he enjoyed the episode when Bond found the Forgers and found his forever home. Kato-san enjoyed the episode when Becky and Anya went on a shopping spree and had a friendship moment. Especially the end when Becky’s attendant said I’m happy for you, Becky.
We also had a video message from Anya’s voice actor, Atsumi Tanesaki. Like with Tsuda-san, the two also did a live dub performance. Matsuda said that he was very nervous, but he did an amazing job. If there is one thing I like about the series, it is the theme of family and overall good vibes.
Another great moment during the event was the Starlight Re:Volver play session with Ironmouse and Conner. The engagement from the Audience and influencing their decisions on which power-ups to choose. Gacha was a fun moment. The audience loves their gacha and more or less choose that to make Conner suffer at our entertainment. I didn’t know much about the new anime rogue-like, but after seeing it, I saw the appeal. Plus, one of the songs of the game, “Waiting For Me,” is sung by Hololive’s Promise IRyS.
With all these panels, I do have to give kudos and credit to the staff at Anime NYC. One complaint I had last year was during the concerts. Namely, the Gold, Silver, and Bronze tickets. If you were an ADA, medical-assisted attendee, they would place you in front. So even if you bought a ticket, you would be placed in near-silver/gold section seating. Now they have organized it this year, and any tier ticket you bought, you will be placed in that section. Even if you are an ADA holder. So it would go Gold ADA, then Gold ticket holders, Silver ADA, Silver holders and etc. So now it matter what tiers you buy. This would apply to the next section, and arguably the most memorable part of Anime NYC, the concerts.
Yoko Takahashi, Evangelion, and Hololive Stage World Tour Synchronize
It is always an experience when going to any concert. When I hear that Yoko Takashi of Evangelion fame, and singer for “Cruel Angel’s Thesis,” would be coming to Anime NYC to celebrate the series’ 30th anniversary, I thought, Why not? I bought a Bronze ticket and decided to attend. To think it has been that long since the show’s initial showing. To be honest, I haven’t seen the show in its heyday, but it is so renowned that it’s hard not to know of the series and the opening song. Needless to say, it was a great experience.
Hearing her journey and struggles when going through the industry. She also shared her deep connection with New York, and when growing up with strict parents, and debut at the young age of 19 years old. How she was discovered by Hideaki Anno and how he chose her to be the singer for the show. The themes of freedom, nihilism, and the fears that come with it. Freedom is scary when you are responsible for your own happiness and living. A sobering truth for everyone. But in the end, you go through and continue living.
For better or worse. For a concert, she gave a lot of philosophy to think about. From the main theme, Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” and her other songs on the set list, it was a wonderful night. And props to the backup dancers as well. They were also talented. But it wasn’t the end for me.
Literally right after that concert, I had to line back up again for the main concert that Friday night. The Hololive Stage World Tour. This would serve as the appetizer to the main course of the All For One Concert at Radio City Music Hall. Again, you can read my coverage of that event here. But it is still worth mentioning this concert, as it was just full of energy and passion. As expected from the Hololive community. But I must say, the security and staff were out in force. It was basically Fort Knox in terms of security—absolutely no pictures or clips of the show, and they mean it.
The concert was just amazing. The fact that it would only have five members performing but still radiates so much energy is amazing: Nerrisa Ravencroft, Kureji Ollie, Mori Calliope, Nenechi, and IRyS. (Use the Setlist here for reference) . The songs were just as engaging as I remembered them. When I heard Mori Calliope’s “Go Getters”, I couldn’t help but be pumped. I was jumping up and down to the beat. Which I was surprised cause this song was not included in All For One. IRyS “Diamond Girlfired” is also pumping and audience-engaging.
When Nerrisa Ravencroft appeared on stage, the audience and jailbird were losing their minds. And Nenechi appearing on stage in New York that night makes it already memorable. Like with any concerts, you just had to be there. The vibes, colors, lights, and the energy. Sure, it was a separate paid event inside Anime NYC, but the premium price is well worth the experience. Again, depends on your budget. But if able, definitely recommend it. And a reminder again, this was just a preshow for All For One. Synchronize set the stage, and All For One took it home that weekend, and that was my memorable moment of the event.
To The Future
So in the end, like the title and last year, there was a solid spread of all things at Anime NYC 2025. Be it gaming, particular shows, Vtubers, Hololive, and many others. And heck, props to Ito En for sponsoring and providing free green tea bags for the attendees in the quiet resting room. Nothing too grandiose, but nothing that I felt was lacking. It was a solid event. Again, JAM Project, Hololive, Yoko Takahashi, if there was something you were looking forward to, it was likely there. The fact that it gained over 148,000 attendees this year is just amazing. Now it only depends on what they do next to take it further. If any complaints, they will mostly be nitpicks. Here are my opinions:
- Make Thursday a Full Day- This, I believe, is already confirmed, but is obvious. Make the first day a full day. Instead of staring at 4 PM, please start at the usual 10 AM mark like the other days. Please have more events prepared and make that first day a big opener. Of course, that would be dependent on sponsors and cost logistics.
- Use the Expansion of Javits Center – If it warrants it. While I would like LeftField Media to use all of the Javits Center and have the extra space, it is not a major concern. I was able to walk around without any problem, and crowds weren’t as bad as compared to New York Comic Con.
- Press Sections at Panels: – A small but ongoing complaint I have over the years. Unsure if this was addressed already, but please have a small section for Press members to cover any panels that happen. Unless stated that no media coverage is allowed. And continue to notify when Press Applications goes live. Props to the team on notification.
Honestly, I have a hard time thinking of any major complaints. Just a few additions and general improvements, and Anime NYC can be the best it can be. Again, I love the Hololive All For One event outside the Javits Center, and the events and panels were all solid experiences. Will it be enough compared to the upcoming New York Comic Con in a few days? I’ll just have to wait till then to compare. But Anime NYC and Leftfield Media, this year was good. Keep it up.
Until next year, Anime NYC, Sayonara!
