ytv animation & YTE Pack Five Titles, The Vermilion Mask Episode 1 Opening Footage World Premiere, and a Surprise Cast Reveal, Into Their Anime Expo 2026 Panel

At Anime Expo 2026 in Los Angeles, ytv animation (YTV) and YTE gave fans a packed evening of first looks, breaking news, and behind-the-scenes access across five titles. The companies hosted their "'Ascendance of a Bookworm, Adopted Daughter of an Archduke' And Your Next Obsession presented by ytv animation & YTE" panel on Saturday, July 4, with MC Gigguk (Garnt Maneetapho) leading a program of eleven guests, a live on-stage illustration, exclusive footage, and giveaways throughout.

The Vermilion Mask delivered the night's biggest moment with a world-premiere first look at the first five minutes (approximately) of Episode 1, alongside the First Main PV and a surprise on-stage reveal that Taihi Kimura will voice the series' lead, Peru. Anime Expo marked the start of a global tour carrying the title to Washington, New York, France, and Germany. Chief Producer Kozo Misawa (YTV) and Editor Taichi Kimura (SHONENGAHOSHA) lead the announcements.

Watch the First Main PV here: https://youtu.be/hEjYt73pYEE

Taihi Kimura discussed his excitement at being cast as Peru, saying, “I was super happy, but at the same time I knew it would be challenging as he is such a complex character. I knew I had a wall to climb.”

Upon reading the manga, Taihi was intrigued with the story and enjoyed seeing the growth of Peru and the other characters as the story unfolded.

Manga editor Taichi Kimura talked about the casting process for Peru. He said, "When we heard him say the line 'I will destroy every mask my master created,' we could hear the character and the will he had. We were excited he took the part."

The cast and creative team behind The Vermilion Mask is going on a World Tour. Starting with Anime Expo in Los Angeles, the team is heading to Washington, New York, France, and Germany to deliver this title to fans all over the globe. It's entitled “Follow the Mask. To the World. The Vermilion Mask WORLD QUEST.”

The Bugle Call: Song of War, the recently announced anime adaptation, screened an extended Teaser Trailer during a mid-panel break. The anime is set to debut in 2027. 

Watch the Teaser Trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Qcxnm06hjo

Ascendance of a Bookworm, Adopted Daughter of an Archduke returns with Wit Studio taking on production from the new season, which is now streaming. The team debuted a special collaboration PV with Witch Hat Atelier and treated the room to a live drawing by Character Designer Aiko Minowa. Animation Producer Keita Yoshinobu was asked how this collaboration came to be. Yoshinobu explained that the original creators of Ascendance of a Bookworm and Witch Hat Atelier are very good friends, which helped to realize the collaboration.

The World's Strongest Witch screened its PV ahead of its October streaming premiere, with director Jōji Furuta and producers on hand to discuss the series' tone and visual identity. Jōji Furuta briefly discussed how he got involved with the project, stating, “There is gaming involved in this title-of my generation-and lots of surprises from this character. That is why I thought this would be a fun job.”

Uncle’s Obsession with Cute Things brought ultra-cute mascot Pagtaro on stage for a dance segment set to a clip from voice actor Miyu Tomita.

The panel closed with a Watch Party previewing three more upcoming YTV/YTE titles: Cat and Dragon (July 2026), Heroine? Saint? No, I'm an All-Works Maid (And Proud of It)! (July 2026), and Ramen Akaneko Season 2 (January 2027).

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