Anime Expo 2026, taking place July 2-5 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, is shaping up to be one of the most event-filled editions in recent memory with three major world premiere announcements. The convention will host the global debuts of Black Torch, the new Magic Knight Rayearth TV anime, and From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman Season 2, offering fans an unprecedented first look at some of the most anticipated anime of 2026.

Black Torch — World Premiere (July 3)

Based on Tsuyoshi Takaki's supernatural action manga published by Viz Media, Black Torch follows Jiro Azuma, a descendant of shinobi who can communicate with animals and possesses supernatural powers. The anime will have its world premiere at Anime Expo on Friday, July 3 at 6:45 PM PDT, ahead of its Japanese television debut on July 4 on Tokyo MX.

  • Studio: 100Studio
  • Director: Kei Umabiki (ClassicaLoid, Quality Assurance in Another World)
  • Series Composition: Gigaemon Ichikawa
  • Character Design: Gō Suzuki (Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale)
  • Music: Yutaka Yamada (Tokyo Ghoul, Babylon)
  • Streaming: Crunchyroll (North America, SA, Europe, Africa, Oceania, ME, CIS); Muse Asia (Asia)
  • Cast: Ryōta Suzuki as Jiro Azuma, Yōji Ueda as Rago, Sayaka Senbongi as Ichika, Junya Enoki as Reiji Kirihara, with additional cast including Reina Ueda, Junichi Suwabe, Nobuhiko Okamoto, and Toshiyuki Morikawa

Magic Knight Rayearth — World Premiere (New TV Anime)

CLAMP's iconic 1990s magical girl series returns with a brand-new television anime adaptation premiering at Anime Expo before its October 2026 debut on TV Asahi's "IMAnimation W" block (Wednesdays at 11:45 p.m.). Voice actress Rie Takahashi (voicing Fū Hōōji) will attend the convention as a special guest.

  • Animation Production: E&H production
  • Project Production: UNLIMITED PRODUCE by TMS
  • Director: Yui Miura (series directorial debut; episode director for Ninja Kamui, Bullet/Bullet)
  • Series Scripts: Shigeru Murakoshi (Zombie Land Saga, Apocalypse Hotel)
  • Character Design: Satomi Watabe (Escha Chron, Aikatsu Friends!)
  • Music: Yuki Kajiura, Takumi Ozawa, Shiho Terada
  • Cast: Ayane Sakura as Hikaru Shidō, Rumi Ōkubo as Umi Ryūzaki, Rie Takahashi as Fū Hōōji

The story follows three high school girls — Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu — who are transported to the fantasy world of Cephiro and become the legendary Magic Knights to save Princess Emeraude. The new adaptation marks the first full TV anime remake of the beloved CLAMP classic, which originally aired from 1994-1995.

From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman Season 2 — World Premiere (July 4)

The second season of the hit isekai series will premiere at Anime Expo on Saturday, July 4 at 12:00 PM PDT (Room 409AB), with director Kazumi Akio and producer Hino Ryo in attendance. The season officially debuts in Japan on July 8 at 11:45 p.m. on TV Asahi's "IMAnimation W" block, streaming worldwide on Amazon Prime Video.

  • Studio: Passione & Hayabusa Film (returning co-production)
  • Director: Akio Kazumi (returning)
  • Series Scripts: Kunihiko Okada (returning)
  • Character Design / Chief Animation Director: Satsuki Hayasaka (returning)
  • Music: Yasuharu Takanashi (Fairy Tail, Baki Hanma vs. Kengan Ashura) — returning
  • Cast: Hiroaki Hirata returning as Beryl Gardinant, with Nao Tōyama, Hitomi Ueda, Yūki Hirose, and Hinaki Yano also returning

Community Reception

The triple premiere announcement has generated significant excitement across social media. The Magic Knight Rayearth revival has been particularly well-received, with longtime CLAMP fans expressing nostalgia and curiosity about the modern reinterpretation. The casting of Ayane Sakura, Rumi Ōkubo, and Rie Takahashi has drawn praise, with many noting the star power of the lead trio. Black Torch is generating interest as a potential breakout dark horse of the summer season, especially with Yutaka Yamada's involvement on music. Meanwhile, Old Country Bumpkin fans are eager to see the continuation of Beryl Gardinant's journey, with the world premiere panel offering the first glimpse at Season 2's production quality.

What This Means

Anime Expo 2026's lineup of world premieres reflects a broader industry trend: North American conventions have become essential stops on the global anime release calendar, with studios and distributors increasingly treating AX as a major launch platform. The mix of a brand-new adaptation (Black Torch), a beloved classic revival (Rayearth), and a returning hit sequel (Bumpkin S2) demonstrates the diversity of today's anime landscape. For attendees, the weekend of July 2-5 offers an unprecedented density of premiere content.