Takayuki Goto to Be Guest at Otakon 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 8, 2026) – Takayuki Gotō will be a guest at Otakon 2026, according to Otakorp Inc. He is a world-renowned animator, character designer, illustrator, and one of the founding members of Production I.G

With a career spanning more than four decades, he has played a pivotal role in shaping some of the most influential works in anime. Although he stepped down from his position as a board executive of Production I.G in 2020, he continues to contribute as both an advisor and animator while helping mentor the young talent across the IG Port Group.

Goto is also dedicated to animation education and serves as a Specially Appointed Professor at Tokyo Zokei University, while training and developing emerging animators, sharing the knowledge and experience gained throughout his distinguished career.

Goto's credits include character design and animation direction for "Red Photon Zillion," "Video Girl Ai," "Please Save My Earth," and "Hunter × Hunter," as well as animation direction on the acclaimed "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex" series. He has also served as chief animation director on "The Beast Player Erin," "Kuroko's Basketball," and "Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Die Neue These," among many other notable productions.

In 2026, Goto celebrates his 45th anniversary as a professional animator. Widely respected for his artistry, craftsmanship, and dedication to nurturing future creators, he remains one of the most influential figures in the anime industry.

ABOUT OTAKON AND OTAKORP, INC.: Now entering its thirty-second year, Otakon is an annual celebration of Japanese and East Asian popular culture, and also one of the largest gatherings of fans in the United States. Otakon celebrates popular culture as a gateway to deeper understanding of Asian culture, and has grown along with the enthusiasm for anime, manga, video games, and music from the Far East. Historically, Otakon has drawn over 40,000 people for three days each year (for a paid attendance of over 100,000 turnstile attendees). Otakon is a membership-based convention sponsored by Otakorp, Inc., a Pennsylvania-based, 501(c)3 educational non-profit whose mission is to promote the appreciation of Asian culture, primarily through its media and entertainment. Otakorp, Inc. is directed by an all-volunteer, unpaid staff – we are run by fans, for fans.

For more information about Otakorp, Inc., see https://www.otakorp.org/
For more information and the latest news on Otakon 2026, see https://www.Otakon.com/