Anime NYC: Experience Japanese Cosplay Culture in America's largest city! Visitor badges are now available!

The popularity of Japanese anime and manga has expanded overseas to the United States and keeps growing as more people are introduced to the culture. Anime NYC 2026, continuing to share Japan’s anime and manga culture, is making its annual return this August, bringing back hundreds of popular events and introducing new kinds of special events. In this article, we’ll share more information about this year’s global anime convention.

What is Anime NYC?

Anime NYC is a 4-day convention themed around Japan’s anime, manga and cosplay culture held every year at the Javits Convention Center in New York City. Ever since its first event in 2017, it has become well known as being the largest anime convention on the east coast of America hosting over 300 panels, over 900 exhibitors, and having over 150,000 guests visiting annually. Each year, hundreds of thousands of anime fans around the world gather here to share their love for anime, manga, and cosplay with other fans, while making new long-lasting friendships and memories they’ll never forget.

What to do at Anime NYC: Programming Event Highlights

As previously mentioned, there are immeasurable events around the convention people can attend such as panels, exhibitor shops, game rooms, cosplay shows, concerts, and more. Here are some of the events happening at this year’s Anime NYC that are worth noting.

If you love cosplay, Anime NYC’s Masquerade is THE can’t-miss event of the weekend! Watch incredible performers take the stage in their biggest and brightest anime-themed cosplay. Be dazzled and amazed as they move to the music and entertain you with their wackiest and most spot-on impressions and poses! Our contestants will be competing for fabulous prizes and rewards, and of course fame, honor, and glory!

More information about the Masquerade event can be located here: Cosplay Masquerade 2026 – Anime NYC

Machi Mahou Maid Craft Cafe

Craft unforgettable memories through personalized arts and crafts and live maid performances!

“Machi, Machi, Mahou!”

Welcome back from your travels, your majesty!! Step through these magical city gates where you’re always welcomed as royalty–Machi Mahou transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary with our CITY POP magic and enchanting atmosphere!

These magical maids specialize in crafting unforgettable memories through personalized arts and crafts, engaging guests with super cute, energetic performances and hands-on creative activities. Get excited for a weekend full of fun!

Ticket information and cafe hours here: animenyc.com/maid-craft-cafe/

Gaming & Community Hall presented by Misty Mountain Gaming

Meet your party IRL in the Gaming & Community Hall, presented by Misty Mountain Gaming. Power up and dive into a world of tabletop and video gaming experiences for gamers of all levels. From tabletop card-slinging adventures to high-energy arcade battles, there’s something for every level – whether you’re a casual player or a final boss in the making. Plus browse an array of booths focused on local and community partners, helping to bring NYC locals together.

More detailed information about the Gaming & Community Hall on the official website: animenyc.com/gaming/

Special Guest Appearance events

Thanks to Anime NYC’s reputation and popularity, the convention has had many honors of featuring special guests to share their experiences in the anime and manga industry as well as teasing new upcoming anime/manga projects. Whether they’re a famous voice actor for an anime or an author of a popular manga, fans are also given the opportunity to meet those special guests live at select panels or booths.

Guests of Honor

Here are some of the guests of honor appearing at Anime NYC this year.

Wataru Katoh is a Japanese voice actor well known for his roles such as Rentaro Aijo from “The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, REALLY Love You”, Julius Von Pallistan from “May I Ask for One Final Thing?”, Touka Scott from “The Legendary Hero Is Dead!”, Reno Ichikawa from “Kaiju No. 8” and Kabru from “Delicious in Dungeon”.

Kaede Hondo is a Japanese voice actress well known for her roles such as Hakari Hanazono from “The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, REALLY Love You”, Mutsumi Yozakura from “Mission: Yozakura Family”, Spica Virgo from “The Classroom of a Black Cat and a Witch”, Cure Mystique / Mikuru Kobayashi from “Star Detective Precure!”, and Sera from “The Water Magician”.

Miyu Tomita is a Japanese voice actress well known for her roles such as Karane Inda from “The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, REALLY Love You”, Yume Nijino from “Aikatsu Stars!”, Riko from “Made in Abyss”, Miko Iino from the “Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai” series, and Chuaculi Panlanchi from “Mobile Suit Gundam: Witch of Mercury”.

She also debuted as a solo artist in November 2019 with “Present Moment”. So far, she has released 4 singles and 2 albums; on February 5, 2023, she has held her 2nd solo live performance at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA; in April 2024, she released her 5th single, “Paradoxes” (OP theme song of the anime “Date A Live V”).

Featured Guests

Here are some of the featured guests attending Anime NYC this year.

Nhim will be making his first North American appearance at Anime NYC!

Nhim is an artist best known for “Mimi,” a 1-page webcomic series recognized for its distinctive art style, absurdist humor, and moments of heartfelt romcom. The series has earned a devoted online following for the eponymous Mimi’s gleefully unhinged antics.

Nagishiro Mito is a Japanese illustrator known for his animal eared girls (particularly white foxes) with an icy cool demeanor.

Cristina “Vee” Valenzuela has voiced in several video games and animated series including Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, Helluva Boss, Shantae, Sailor Moon, The Promised Neverland, Squid Girl, Hunter x Hunter, KonoSuba, The Seven Deadly Sins and Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters.

Full guest list here: Guests – Anime NYC

Japanese Food Court Presented By Dream Asia

Hungry? You bring the cosplay, we’ll bring the cravings. Check out the Japanese food vendors at Anime NYC in the Japanese Food Court (presented by Dream Asia) this year!

Vendors

Here is the full list of food vendors at Anime NYC: https://animenyc.com/japanese-food-court/

About Dream Asia

Dream Asia isn’t just a food fest—it’s a full-blown celebration of Asia’s rich and diverse cultures. Kicking off in Las Vegas, February 14-16, 2025, this festival brings people together through one universal love: food. From NYC’s hottest Asian street eats to family recipes passed down for generations, it’s a flavor-packed adventure you don’t want to miss.

As we expand across the U.S., our goal stays the same: creating a space where everyone can experience the magic of Asian cuisine and culture. Whether you’re a foodie, culture buff, or just up for a good time, Dream Asia is for you!

Dream Asia official website: https://dreamasiafest.com

Ticket/Badge Information

Here is where you can purchase your badges for AnimeNYC: https://animenyc.com/tickets/

*Please note that prices may be subject to change without notice

*Badges/Tickets are in limited quantities; subject to sell out without notice

Finally…

Anime NYC is a very popular event for those who love anime, manga, and cosplay, with each year bringing in unforgettable experiences. As such, many fans apply for badges early to secure their next visit. What are you waiting for? Anime NYC will begin on August 20-23, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to visit this year!

Official URLs and Social Media

Anime NYC official website: https://animenyc.com

Anime NYC official X: https://x.com/animenyc

Anime NYC official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animenyc

*All images are for illustrative purposes only.