Last week, Anime Expo 2025 announced the launch of a brand-new Japanese music festival at this year’s convention: J-POP SOUND CAPSULE @AX2025 Anisong World Matsuri Returns! As indicated by the festival’s subtitle, the event, which takes place on July 3, 2025, is inspired by AX’s pre-COVID-19 programming, where participating J-POP artists would perform fan-favorite anime songs.
Returning to the Los Angeles Convention Center in 2025, North America’s largest and most well-known anime convention, Anime Expo, will once again unite fans of anime, manga, gaming, and cosplay from across the globe. Like in previous years, this year’s event will feature various anime and manga-themed activities, including panels, screenings, artist alley, merchandise booths, cosplay competitions, and special guest appearances from fan-favorite creators, voice actors, and other industry professionals.
However, unlike Anime Expo conventions after 2018, attendees can once again look forward to seeing an incredible night of music. The J-POP SOUND CAPSULE festival is tailored explicitly for anime enthusiasts and inspired by the previously popular AX musical event, Anisong World Matsuri, which started at the LA-based convention in 2016 and toured the world in 2017 and 2018. As hinted in the name, this festival brings together a vibrant mix of artists, from those who sing iconic anime songs to girl groups representing J-POP culture—making it an event just like a J-POP capsule toy machine!
Photo Credit: Anime ExpoSPJA organizes the 2025 festival, which is produced by AMUSE MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT, PIA, EUPHORIC PRODUCTION, and Earkth. Musical guests include FLOW, GRANRODEO, Sakurazaka46, Hiroshi Kitadani, ASTERISM, and TOGENASHI TOGEARI, performing for the first time in the United States. Fans can expect to see exclusive collaborations (or at least, the press release hints at upcoming announcements in this vein) and hear memorable anime songs performed live.
According to the press release, the performance lineup includes a diverse selection of songs, ranging from”iconic anime songs that everyone knows” to “tracks from the latest hit anime series” and “performances by Japan’s top groups.”
Learn more about the festival’s six incredible acts below:
- FLOW: A legendary band known for numerous anime themes, including those from NARUTO, Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion, and Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods. Currently on their biggest-ever world tour, “ANIME SHIBARI,” they will bring their high-energy performances to AX.
- GRANRODEO: The powerhouse duo of popular voice actor KISHOW (Kisho Taniyama) and composer/guitarist e-ZUKA. They have performed theme songs for anime such as Hanma Baki: Son of Ogre, Bungou Stray Dogs, Kuroko’s Basketball, and Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans, delivering fiery live performances.
- TOGENASHI TOGEARI: A real-life band based on the main characters’ band from the TV anime GIRLS BAND CRY, TOGENASHI TOGEARI, which aired last year, has seen their popularity skyrocket worldwide. While they have already performed overseas, this marks their first-ever North American performance.
- Sakurazaka46 – A leading Japanese girl group that has gained much recognition overseas. They are often seen in anime scenes as being ambassadors for AnimeJapan, Japan’s largest anime event, their members performing the ending theme for the TV anime Pokémon, as well as collaborating with Hunter × Hunter. In 2025, the group will embark on a 5-city tour throughout Japan, including 3 days at Tokyo Dome and 2 days at Kyocera Dome Osaka.
- Hiroshi Kitadani – The Pirate King of Anisong! Best known for singing ONE PIECE’s iconic themes like We Are! and We Go!. He is also a member of the legendary anisong group JAM Project.
- ASTERISM (Opening Act) – This ultra-skilled metal band is back at AX! Known for their metal arrangements of anime songs, they bring an electrifying performance that every anime fan must witness at least once.
Don’t miss the electrifying night at AX on July 3rd at 7:00 PM (Los Angeles Time) at the Peacock Theater. Ticket prices range from $175 for VIP (with Meet & Greet) to $145/$130 for Orchestra seats.
Stay updated by following the official AX 2025 social media channels for the latest information.
English (US) · 