Anime Central 2026 announced that this year’s theme is called “ACEN the Musical.” The event will take place from May 15 to May 17 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare and Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois and will feature special programs, guest appearances, and live concerts.
Fitting the theme, J-Pop artist FictionJunction and Japanese voice actresses Asami Imai, Akiko Hasegawa, Yumi Hara, Ayaka Fukuhara, Ayaka Ohashi, and Minami Yasuda are all attending as special guests. Imai, Hasegawa, Hara, Fukuhara, Ohashi, and Yasuda are all part of The IdolM@ster franchise and will be performing a special live concert during the convention. This will be the franchise’s first U.S. live concert, and it will take place on May 15.
Furthermore, Miki Hoshii from The IdolM@ster will make her first U.S. appearance and have her own solo concert.
Other special guests also include Japanese voice actress Yu Kousaka, director Kisuke Shinohara (My Dress-Up Darling, Bocchi the Rock!), director Yusuke Yamamoto (Oshi no Ko), director Takushi Koide, and director Ayumi Moriyama (Pokémon Horizons). Shinohara, Yamamoto, Moriyama, and Koide are participating in the “Global Anime Challenge: Globe-Trotting Anime Creators” panel on Saturday, May 16, featuring live drawings, behind-the-scenes talks of the challenge, and special giveaways.
The programs featured at Anime Central include a special premiere of Goodbye Lara and will feature behind-the-scenes talks with director Koide, producer Sayaka Ueda, and Momoko Hatooka, the deputy editor of Newtype.
Fans interested in attending can visit Anime Central 2026’s official website to purchase badges and find event schedules and updates.
Sources: Press release, Anime Central 2026 official website
