Anime Expo is this weekend, and one thing people will look forward to are the panels. With so many panels at every turn, we decided to showcase 10 that are worth checking out at the popular anime convention. More information on Anime Expo can be found here. Badges for Anime Expo are on sale to the general public right now. Four-day and Saturday badges are sold out. Our coverage of this year’s Anime Expo can be found here.

July 1

10 Years of Convention Chaos! A D-Piddy Decade
Where: JW Marriott Platinum Ballroom (10:30 a.m. - 11:20 a.m.)

For a decade, YouTuber D-Piddy has delivered amazing content at conventions worldwide. The YouTube star will look back at their previous accomplishments while looking ahead to the future. This room won’t be cleared after the panel.

Cosplay Chess
Where: 409AB (1:30 p.m. - 2:50 p.m.)

Anime Expo attendees can't wait for the return of Cosplay Chess. Hosted by Maguma, characters from all franchises will butt heads in the ultimate battle. Interested attendees can sign up here. The room will be cleared before and after the panel.

The Ocarina Panel w/David Erick Ramos
Where: 411 (6:45 p.m. - 7:35 p.m.)

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time helped make ocarinas cool again when it dropped in 1998. Professional ocarina player David Erick Ramos will discuss the history of ocarinas while covering some classic tunes from the worlds of gaming and anime. If you have an ocarina, bring it along for a special tutorial from Ramos. The room will be cleared before and after the panel.

July 2

The Fall and Rise of Little Tokyo
Where: 411 (10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.)

For 110 years, Little Tokyo has been one of Los Angeles' most beloved regions. David Ono (Los Angeles-based news anchor for ABC7 News), Kristin Fukushima (Managing Director of Little Tokyo Community Council), Chris Komai (First Vice Chair of Little Tokyo Community Council), Bill Watanabe (founding Executive Director of the Little Tokyo Service Center), and Pat Wyatt (President & CEO of the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center in Little Tokyo) will discuss what makes this town such a historic landmark. The room will be cleared before and after the panel.

PONYCANYON Anime × Music Panel
Where: 406AB (6:00 PM - 6:50 PM)

PONYCANON will arrive with some big news on Band-MAID and a special message from creators of the Attack on Titan anime series. The room will be cleared before the panel, but it won’t be cleared after the panel.

Cosplay Wrestling Federation

Where: 408AB (7:15 PM - 9:05 PM)

If you're down to see your favorite characters face off in the squared circle, Cosplay Wrestling Federation will deliver one jam-packed show. The room won't be cleared before or after the panel.

July 3

How Anime is Made
Where: Petree Hall (11:30 a.m. - 12:50 p.m.)

Creating anime isn’t as easy as it seems. Tonari Animation animators Bellamy Brooks, Tommy Duch, and Jarrett Martin will discuss the long process of getting an exciting anime episode made. This room won’t be cleared after the panel.

So you want to work in Japanese entertainment?
Where: 404AB (1:30 PM - 2:20 PM)

Those looking to land a gig in Japanese entertainment can head to 404AB to gain pointers from voice actress/singer Diana Garnet. The Washington D.C.-born artist is best known for providing themes for Naruto: Shippuden and Tantei Team KZ and appearing in games such as Azure Striker Gunvolt and Super Bomberman R. The room will be cleared before and after the panel.

The Music of Neon Genesis Evangelion
Where: 404AB (7:30 p.m. - 8:20 p.m.)

Composer Shirō Sagisu delivered some of the most memorable music in anime history with the soundtrack to Neon Genesis Evangelion. Professors David F. Lopez, Elliott Jones, and John Marr will dive deep into what makes the music such an instrumental part of the show’s storytelling. The room will be cleared before and after the panel.

July 4

One Piece D&D
Where: 408AB (11:45 AM - 12:35 PM)

Twitch series One Piece D&D will have a special live performance in front of Anime Expo attendees. Youtubers Tekking101, Lost Pause, 2Spooky, and Briggs will join their Dungeon Master Rustage for an exciting adventure featuring the characters of One Piece. Since debuting back in March 2020, One Piece D&D has earned a rapid following amongst One Piece fans. The room won't be cleared before or after the panel.