The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) has officially unveiled the complete programming schedule for Anime Expo 2025, set to take place July 3-6 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. This year’s event features an expansive lineup packed with exclusive premieres, celebratory events, panels, special appearances, and distinguished Guests of Honor.
Participating partners include Aniplex of America, Arc System Works America, ATLUS/SEGA, Bandai Namco Entertainment, Crunchyroll, Funko, Hulu, KADOKAWA WORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC, Konami, Netflix, Square Enix, Takaratomy, VIZ, Webtoon, and many others.
Below is a brief look at the confirmed programming lineup. For a deeper dive, explore direct links to additional guest announcements, premieres, and panel details.
INDUSTRY & GUESTS OF HONOR
Naoki Yoshida
Visionary producer of FINAL FANTASY XIV and FINAL FANTASY XVI , Yoshida joined Square Enix in 2005 and led the successful overhaul of FINAL FANTASY XIV , launching A Realm Reborn . As Producer and Director, he has overseen its continued success while heading Creative Studio III. Yoshida also produced FINAL FANTASY XVI , the latest title in the franchise.
Peach Pit
The renowned female manga duo, Sendou Banri and Ebara Shibuko, return to AX for the first time in a decade. Known for their wide-ranging portfolio spanning Seinen, Shojo, and Shounen, their works include Rozen Maiden , Zombie Loan , and Shugo Chara! , the latter winning the 32nd Kodansha Manga Award.
Mokumokuren
Creator of The Summer Hikaru Died , a horror-laced coming-of-age manga that earned top honors in Takarajimasha’s This Manga is Amazing! 2023 and ranked 11th in the Manga Taisho Awards.
Ryukishi07
Acclaimed creator behind Higurashi and Umineko , known for seamlessly fusing horror and hope throughout his storytelling in both anime and manga.
Manabu Otsuka
President of MAPPA Co., Ltd.
Paru Itagaki
Manga artist behind the critically acclaimed BEASTARS . Her newer series, SANDA , which began in 2021, is being adapted into an anime by Science SARU.
PREMIERES
HYPNOSISMIC D.R.B Movie / UTA☆PRI TABOO NIGHT XXXX U.S. Premiere
Catch dual screenings of HYPNOSISMIC -Division Rap Battle- Movie and Utano☆Princesama TABOO NIGHT XXXX —in special AX versions! Participate using the CtrlMovie App in Japan’s first interactive anime film. Don’t miss QUARTET NIGHT ’s bold new chapter in the UTA☆PRI series!
“The Summer Hikaru Died” North American Premiere – Episode 1 (Subtitled) with Mokumokuren and Chiaki Kobayashi
“ YOU TO BE MY SIDE, EVEN IF YOU ARE FAKE… ” Experience the eerie new release from CygamesPictures. Featuring appearances by creator Mokumokuren, voice actor Chiaki Kobayashi (Yoshiki), producer Manami Kabashima (CyberAgent), and KADOKAWA producer Chiaki Kurakane.
LEVIATHAN Exclusive Premiere
Follow Alek, a fugitive prince, and Sharp, a commoner in disguise, as they journey aboard the flying whale Leviathan in this new action-adventure anime. Be the first to watch it before its July 10 Netflix debut, with creators from QUBIC PICTURES and STUDIO ORANGE in attendance.
TOUGEN ANKI – A New Generation of Dark Heroics – U.S. Premiere & Special Panel
Be part of the first U.S. screening of TOUGEN ANKI ahead of its July release. Join creator Yura Urushibara (virtually), cast member Kazuki Ura, producer Takanori Matsuoka, and Miku Kobato from BAND-MAID for exclusive behind-the-scenes commentary.
Detective Conan: The Black Iron Submarine – U.S. Premiere
Anime Expo hosts the U.S. debut of Detective Conan: The Black Iron Submarine , the globally successful film grossing over $100 million. Join the ride as Conan tackles a deadly threat deep underwater.
[WORLD PREMIERE] GINTAMA – Mr. Ginpachi’s Zany Class
Get ready for the world premiere of the GINTAMA spin-off! The event includes never-before-seen footage, messages from the cast, behind-the-scenes stories, merchandise reveals, and giveaways.
Anime Expo 2025
VOICE ACTORS
A robust lineup of renowned English and Japanese voice actors will be present, including Yuki Nakashima, Kent Ito, and many more.
A complete list is available here: https://www.anime-expo.org/ax/talent/
SPECIAL EVENTS
Jujutsu Kaisen Special Event
TOHO animation welcomes fans with special guests Junya Enoki (Yuji Itadori) and Megumi Ogata (Yuta Okkotsu) for a major JUJUTSU KAISEN celebration.
My Hero Academia Special Event
“ Go beyond, Plus Ultra! ” With the final season set for October 2025, join Daiki Yamashita (JP voice of Deku), Justin Briner (EN voice of Deku), and a Shonen Jump editor for a sneak peek and surprises—maybe even a message from Kohei Horikoshi himself.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba 6th Anniversary Celebration
Celebrate six years of Demon Slayer with live music from the series and an appearance by Natsuki Hanae (Tanjiro Kamado).
Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage! Fan Meeting AX 2025
An exclusive COLORFUL STAGE! fan event featuring VAs for Saki, Shiho, Akito, and Toya, live performances, surprise announcements, and giveaways.
Obey Me! Boys: Meet and Greet AX 2025
Meet the Obey Me! cast and catch an inside look at upcoming developments from NTT Solmare’s Obey Me! and Ex and Bee .
Gundam Rising in Los Angeles – Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Special Event
Experience the first GQuuuuuuX event with a film screening, talk show, live music, and guests including Director Kazuya Tsurumaki and Tomoyo Kurosawa (voice of MACHU).
J-POP SOUND CAPSULE @AX2025 – Anisong World Matsuri Returns!
AX revives the fan-favorite music festival! Enjoy live performances from GRANRODEO, FLOW, TOGENASHI TOGEARI, HIROSHI KITADANI, SAKURAZAKA46, and ASTERISM.
Sukeban – World Championship Fight
Sukeban, Japan’s female pro-wrestling league, brings its first World Championship match to AX on July 5th.
Anime Expo 2025 Masquerade
The AX Masquerade takes center stage at Peacock Theater, with the best cosplayers competing for top honors and coveted prizes.
One-Punch Man Season 3 Panel – Saitama is Back!
Join Makoto Furukawa (voice of Saitama) for an insider look into One-Punch Man Season 3, happening from 12:00 PM – 1:20 PM at JW Diamond.
INDUSTRY PANELS
MAPPA Panel – “Chainsaw Man: The Movie – Reze Arc”
President Manabu Otsuka and VP Hiroya Hasegawa of MAPPA talk about the upcoming Chainsaw Man movie and more.
BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Panel
Attend for sneak peeks, fan quizzes, and a look at the final chapter of the BLEACH saga. Stay until the end for special announcements.
Animate Presents – ALIEN STAGE: Director Vivinos Live Drawing
Dive into the survival audition series ALIEN STAGE with live drawing and Q&A featuring VIVINOS and KANG PD.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Special Panel
Celebrate JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure with Warner Bros. Japan and guests Kira Buckland (Jolyne), Keith Silverstein (Speedwagon), and Mick Lauer (Abbacchio).
THE GHOST IN THE SHELL X Science SARU: New Animation Project Panel
Learn about the new Ghost in the Shell anime, coming in 2026. Science SARU producers share content previews and development updates.
Netflix Showcase – Discover Your Next Favorite Anime
Preview Netflix’s upcoming lineup, including English dub premieres and new titles like SAKAMOTO DAYS , Record of Ragnarok III , My Melody and Kuromi , and more.
Blue Archive: Dev Talk Live at AX 2025
The devs behind Blue Archive return with sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes stories, and special thank-you events for fans.
KONAMI Presents – Unmasking SILENT HILL f
Join producer Motoi Okamoto, writer Ryukishi07, and composer Akira Yamaoka for an exclusive reveal of SILENT HILL f , with never-before-seen footage.
The Official Persona 5: The Phantom X Panel – Featuring Lyn’s Live Performance
SEGA and ATLUS present the making of P5X , global release highlights, free merch, and a live concert by Lyn Inaizumi performing music from Persona 5 .
DAN DA DAN Panel with Director & Voice Cast Celebrate DAN DA DAN Season 2 with director Fuga Yamashiro and voice actors Abby Trott (Momo), A.J. Beckles (Okarun), and Aleks Le (Jiji).
Leveling Up: How Anime, Manga, & RPGs Inspired Naoki Yoshida and Final Fantasy!
Join Naoki Yoshida and Square Enix for a special Guest of Honor panel exploring the roots of Final Fantasy and its creative inspirations.
GeeXPlus Presents – Pushing Content Creation in Japan
GeeXPlus gathers top creators like Gigguk, CDawgVA, TheAn1meMan, Daidus, Emirichu, and Onigiri to unveil new projects and share exclusive updates from Japan’s content creation scene.
Bruno Mars, the Grammy-winning superstar behind hits like “Uptown Funk” and “Just the Way You Are,” has audiences worldwide with his electrifying performances and soulful voice. However, when it comes to his personal life, the 39-year-old singer has always maintained a remarkably private stance, leaving fans curious about his romantic relationships and current dating status.
For over a decade, Mars was in a committed relationship with model and actress Jessica Caban, a partnership that began in 2011 and lasted an impressive 13 years. Their love story, which started with a chance encounter at a New York City hotel restaurant, became one of Hollywood’s most enduring yet private relationships. The couple shared a Hollywood Hills mansion with their beloved Rottweiler, Geronimo, and appeared together at prestigious events including multiple Grammy Awards ceremonies.
However, recent developments have dramatically shifted the narrative surrounding Mars’ relationship status. Reports emerged in early 2024 suggesting that the long-term couple had parted ways, with Jessica Caban reportedly confirming their breakup on Instagram in January 2025. The split has sent waves through the entertainment world, as fans had grown accustomed to seeing the pair as a stable, long-lasting couple in an industry known for fleeting romances.
As of 2025, Bruno Mars appears to be single, marking a significant change in his personal life after more than a decade with the same partner. This shift has sparked intense speculation about his current dating status and whether he’s ready to open his heart to someone new.
The End of an Era: Bruno Mars and Jessica Caban’s 13-Year Journey
Jessica Caban and Bruno Mars (Image via Getty)
Bruno Mars and Jessica Caban’s relationship began in 2011 when they met at a restaurant in a New York City hotel. What started as love at first sight quickly blossomed into a serious relationship, with Caban eventually relocating from Harlem to Los Angeles in 2012 to be closer to Mars. Their connection was so strong that Mars made the first move, and they began dating shortly after their initial encounter.
The couple’s relationship wasn’t without its challenges. Mars revealed in a 2013 Rolling Stone interview that his hit song “When I Was Your Man” was inspired by a rough patch in their relationship that made him fear Caban would leave him. This personal revelation demonstrated the depth of their connection and how their relationship influenced his creative process.
Throughout their time together, Mars and Caban maintained a relatively low profile, appearing together at select high-profile events. Caban supported Mars at the Grammy Awards in 2014, 2016, and 2018, with the singer giving her a romantic shoutout during his 2018 acceptance speech for Record of the Year, saying, “My lady, Jessica, I love you baby. Thank you for being my rock and being on my side throughout this whole process.”
Signs of Trouble: The Beginning of the End
The first signs of trouble in paradise emerged in early 2024 when reports surfaced that the couple had spent the 2023 Christmas and New Year holidays apart. Sources close to the couple revealed that Mars and Caban were “barely spending time together anymore” and were “living separate lives.” The strain in their relationship was reportedly linked to Mars’ reluctance to propose marriage after more than a decade together.
Social media activity further fueled breakup speculation when Caban appeared to remove photos of Mars from her Instagram account. She also reposted TikTok content that suggested she was ready to find someone who wanted to marry her, and other posts seemed to indicate frustration with wasting years of her life. These digital breadcrumbs painted a picture of a relationship in decline.
The situation became more concrete in January 2025 when Jessica Caban reportedly confirmed their breakup on Instagram, officially ending their 13-year relationship. In her statement, she indicated that she would “always celebrate and be happy for all of his continued achievements! cheering from afar,” suggesting an amicable split despite the underlying tensions.
Bruno Mars’ Current Relationship Status in 2025
Bruno Mars (Image via Getty)
As of June 2025, Bruno Mars is officially single following his confirmed split from Jessica Caban. The breakup marks the end of his longest and most public relationship, leaving fans wondering about his future romantic prospects. Despite the separation, sources suggest that both Mars and Caban continue to follow each other on social media, with Mars still liking Caban’s posts, indicating mutual respect despite their romantic chapter coming to a close.
The singer’s current focus appears to be on his career, with recent speculation about whether he’s dating anyone new remaining largely unfounded. Entertainment outlets have noted that Mars has always been notoriously private about his personal relationships, making it difficult to determine if he’s begun dating again or is taking time to focus on himself after such a significant relationship.
Past Relationships and Dating History
Bruno Mars and Jessica Caban (Image via Getty)
Before his long-term relationship with Jessica Caban, Bruno Mars was linked to several other notable figures in the entertainment industry. He dated backup dancer Chanel Malvar from 2009 to 2011, meeting her when she was performing as part of his tour. Their relationship was relatively public but ended quietly without controversy.
Mars was also linked to British singer Rita Ora between 2009 and 2011, though this relationship overlapped with his connection to Malvar. Additionally, he was rumored to have brief connections with TV host Rocsi Diaz and singer Amelle Berrabah in 2011. However, none of these relationships were as significant or long-lasting as his partnership with Jessica Caban.
What’s Next for Bruno Mars?
With his relationship status now officially single, fans are curious about what the future holds for Bruno Mars romantically. The singer has never been married and has no children, leaving him free to focus entirely on his career or potentially explore new romantic connections. His music has always been deeply personal, and many wonder if his recent breakup will influence his upcoming projects.
Mars continues to dominate the music charts and maintains his position as one of the most celebrated musicians of his generation. Whether he chooses to keep his future relationships private or becomes more open about his personal life remains to be seen. For now, the “Marry You” singer appears to be embracing his single status while continuing to create the music that has made him a global superstar.
The end of Mars’ relationship with Jessica Caban marks a significant chapter in his personal life, but it also opens new possibilities for both his romantic future and creative expression. As fans continue to support his musical journey, many will undoubtedly be watching to see if and when love finds its way back into the life of this talented performer.
