For those of you who wish they were actually in the Straw Hat Pirates crew, we have some exciting news for you. Anime Expo 2023 will be premiering the 1,000th dubbed episode of the series. Toei Animation and Crunchyroll will co-host the “One Piece Episode 1,000 Dub World Premiere” on July 2nd at the GRAMMY Museum at L.A. LIVE during the event, which runs July 1st-4th.
Fans of the series will get to enjoy this milestone in anime along with a variety of tailored fan experiences. There will be an autograph signing with Toei Animation animators and dub actors Sonny Strait (Usopp), Patrick Sietz (Franky) and Ian Sinclair (Brook). Plus, a live drawing showcase and Q&A with “One Piece” animators, a Luffy & Shanks statue display, a One Piece Card Game demo, One Piece Odyssey demo stations, and much more!
This event is open to the public, and an AX badge is not required. Entry will be on a first come, first served basis, and is limited to the maximum venue capacity.
“The 1000th dub episode is a historic milestone for ‘One Piece’ and we’re thrilled to be back at Anime Expo to commemorate this occasion with a major franchise celebration,” said Lisa Yamatoya, senior director of global marketing for Toei Animation Inc. “Together with the North American premiere of ‘THE FIRST SLAM DUNK’ and our immersive exhibit space, fans will enjoy a wide array of experiences featuring some of Toei Animation’s most popular properties.”
Throughout the convention, fans are invited to visit Toei Animation’s exhibit booth. Spanning 1,600 square feet, this year’s exhibit space is an immersive showcase of “One Piece,” “Dragon Ball Super,” and “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK,” that offers numerous experiences ranging from special displays and statues to GIF photo booth and pop-up shopping experience.
In addition to the “One Piece” celebration, Anime Expo attendees will have a chance to be part of the first audience in North America to watch Toei Animation’s blockbuster film “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK.” This will be happening the day after the “One Piece” premiere on July 3rd. Toei Animation and GKIDS will co-host “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK North American Premiere” ahead of the film’s U.S. and Canadian release later this summer. As a special gift, the first 2,500 guests to arrive at the premiere screening will receive a copy of the 32-page official Japanese “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK” souvenir booklet.
