PopPowerProject to Hold Academic Symposium on Global Rise of Japanese Content at Anime Expo 2026

PPP: PopPowerProject will hold an academic symposium, "Why Japanese Content, Why Now? — Academic Symposium Presented by PopPowerProject," at Anime Expo 2026 in Los Angeles, USA, on July 2, 2026.

This symposium will explore the theme "Why is Japanese content gaining global momentum now?" from multiple perspectives, including anime, live-action, games, and cross-media expansion, examining the current state and future potential of Japanese content.

On the day, presentations are planned: Sega Corporation on creating globally loved content and IP, TV Asahi Corporation on the overseas expansion case study of the TV anime "Akane Banashi," and Dentsu Group on the North American promotion case study of "Gachiakuta."

Following these presentations, a panel discussion will explore the creative, industrial, and international factors supporting the rise of Japanese content, and what is needed to turn current momentum into sustainable growth.

Anime Expo is North America's largest Japanese pop culture event, gathering fans, creators, companies, and industry professionals from around the world. Through this symposium, PPP aims to spark discussions on the future of Japanese content from an international platform where fan communities and the industry intersect.

https://www.anime-expo.org/ax/schedule-2026/

Event Overview

Name
Why Japanese Content, Why Now? — Academic Symposium Presented by PopPowerProject

Date & Time
July 2, 2026, 6:15 PM – 7:05 PM (PDT / Los Angeles local time)

Venue
Anime Expo 2026 / Los Angeles Convention Center / Room 411

Speakers

Shushi Utsumi / Representative Director, President and COO, Sega Corporation
Joined Sony in 1986, involved in business planning for the PlayStation launch, contributed as a core member of US management including the release of "Crash Bandicoot." Later served as Dreamcast development lead at Sega, then produced and managed global content at Disney Interactive Asia, contributing to titles like "Kingdom Hearts." Founded Q Entertainment in 2003, creating "Lumines" and "Child of Eden." After serving as President of Warner Music Japan and Cybird, rejoined Sega in April 2024 in his current role. He leads global transmedia strategies for IPs including Sonic, Like a Dragon, and Persona, and revives legacy IPs such as Crazy Taxi, Shinobi, Virtua Fighter, and Jet Set Radio, aiming to expand Sega's attractive IPs globally.

Hitoshi Matsumoto / Regional Head - North America, dentsu anime solutions USA
After serving as a producer and executive in live-action and anime film production and distribution, joined Dentsu in 2018. In 2023, he established the group's first anime-specialized company. Based in Los Angeles, he leverages Dentsu's global marketing capabilities to promote Japanese IP expansion, focusing on growing the anime business and maximizing the value of Japanese IP.

Ryuji Yamada / International Business Development Department, Business Produce Bureau, TV Asahi Corporation
Involved in overseas sales and promotion of anime works at TV Asahi, primarily handling "Akane Banashi," which began airing in April 2026. He is engaged in delivering works to viewers worldwide through localization, SNS promotion, and international events.

Atsuo Nakayama / Entertainment Sociologist
Entertainment sociologist and entrepreneur (founder of Re entertainment, an entertainment-focused management consultancy). He serves as an officer and advisor for venture companies like Plott, while engaged in research and education (Specially Appointed Professor at Nihon University College of Art, Visiting Researcher at Keio University and Ritsumeikan University), government advisory and committee activities (METI Entertainment and Creative Study Group, Cabinet Office Intellectual Property Content Strategy WG, Director of Licensing International Japan, Director of ATP All Japan Television Program Producers Association). His life work is overseas expansion of Japanese entertainment. Previously worked at Recruit Staffing, DeNA, Deloitte, then at Bandai Namco Studio and Bushiroad, promoting media mix IP projects in Canada and Singapore, handling overseas expansion of anime, games, and sports. Author of many books including "Textbook of Entertainment Business," "Character Great Nation Japan," "Creator Wonderland," "Complete History of Entertainment Business," "Masters of Entertainment," "Oshi Economy," and "Genesis of Otaku Economy."

Maren Nakamura / PopPowerProject Secretariat
Producer/promoter of the kimono-style fashion brand "PRI-SONAYE." Ph.D. in Media Design. Since 2011, she has produced digital picture books for children on tablets, conducted workshops, and lectured at universities. Founded PRI-SONAYE in 2017, proposing a hakama style that fuses kimono and Western clothing for everyday wear by women. In 2020, she designed the uniform for the World Heritage site Nijo Castle.

About PPP: PopPowerProject

PPP: PopPowerProject is an expert community spanning pop culture. Connecting industry professionals, creators, researchers, and policymakers across anime, manga, games, music, video, characters, fashion, and more, it discusses, proposes, and exchanges ideas for sustainable development and international expansion of Japanese pop culture and content industries.
https://poppowerproject.com/