Announcing our next guest, Charles Dunbar! He takes his love of anime and digs deep into the “meat” of anime with the skills of an anthropologist. Are you ready?

Charles Dunbar (Twitter || Facebook)

AnimeNEXT mainstay Uncle Yo, in all his unique comedic glory, will be joining us again this year. Watch out for his additional appearances during Opening Ceremonies and as emcee of our ever-popular Masquerade! (Facebook | Twitter)

Did you think we were done with our guest announcements? Next up are triple threats Richard Epcar and Ellyn Stern Epcar! Not only are they voice actors, on-screen actors, and directors, but they've also undertaken hundreds of roles in many pivotal and classic series like Robotech and Ghost in the Shell.

Richard Epcar (Twitter | Facebook)

Ellyn Stern Epcar (Twitter | Facebook)

Coming up next: Erica Mendez! This will be Erica's first AnimeNEXT, and we couldn't be more excited. In addition to her upcoming role in Your Lie in April, she's voiced for Kill la Kill and Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic. (Twitter || Facebook)

Are you ready for our first guest announcement of 2016? Joining us again is the man behind many heroic anime characters such as Natsu Dragneel and Allen Walker: Todd Haberkorn!  (Twitter || Facebook)

Want to try your hand at judging our Masquerade? Apply today!

The World Cosplay Summit US Preliminaries will begin accepting resumes starting January 15, 2016, through April 15, 2016.

Visit their website for information on how to participate. We look forward to seeing everyone. Good luck to all!

Sensei-tachi, we need your knowledge! If you’ve got a panel or workshop idea that’s been brewing at the back of your mind, now’s your chance to make it happen.

Got questions? Don’t forget to visit our FAQ for more info: http://bit.ly/anext-panels-workshops-faq

Hey! Hey, you! Interested in getting a table in our Artist Alley? Our Letter of Intent is going live Dec 19 and closes Dec 26. The selection process will be via screened lottery, so take your time to ramp up your portfolio and/or website!

We’ll post here when it goes live, but be sure to also follow us on Facebook and Twitter so you don’t miss out on any announcements.

Anime source: Nichijou

We are saddened to report that former guest and friend Takamasa Sakurai passed away yesterday. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends.

Time to rev up those sewing machines-- AnimeNEXT is hosting the World Cosplay Summit Preliminaries - United States in 2016! Follow us to stay tuned for more information on the submission process:

AnimeNEXT:  Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr

World Cosplay Summit - US:  Facebook | Twitter