Anime studio Toei Animation has confirmed their plans to host a substantial celebration at Anime Expo 2023 related to the popular mainstream anime series, One Piece. The series will be celebrating its 1000th English dubbed episode! The headline event debuting the 1000th dubbed episode will take place at the GRAMMY Museum at L.A. LIVE, co-hsoted by Toei Animation and CrunchyRoll on the 2nd July 2023.
The celebration is not merely limited to the screening of the milestone episode. It also promises a range of fan experiences, from an autograph signing session with Toei Animation animators and dub actors Sonny Strait, Patrick Sietz, and Ian Sinclair, to a live drawing showcase and Q&A with “One Piece” animators. In addition, fans can expect a statue display featuring characters Luffy and Shanks, a One Piece Card Game demo, One Piece Odyssey demo stations, and more. The event will be open to the public, with no AX badge required. Entry will be granted on a first come, first served basis, adhering to the maximum venue capacity.
Lisa Yamatoya, Senior Director of Global Marketing for Toei Animation Inc., expressed her excitement for the upcoming event, emphasizing the historical importance of the 1000th dub episode milestone for One Piece:
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. 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.
Beyond the One Piece oriented celebrations, Anime Expo attendees will also have the opportunity to be the first North American audience to attend a screening of Toei Animation’s The First Slam Dunk in collaboration with GKIDS. More information on that screening can be found HERE.
A list of Anime Expo 2023 events being run by Toei Animation, or at least related to their franchises, can be found below:
| Saturday, July 1, 2023 | |
| 10:00 am – 6:00 pm L.A. Convention Center South Hall Booth 3306 | Toei Animation Exhibit Booth Visit the Toei Animation exhibit booth for a variety of experiences showcasing “One Piece,” “Dragon Ball Super” and “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK,” including: Balloon of Luffy Gear 4. Statue Display of Goku, Vegeta, Hit, Jiren, Golden Frieza and Goku Rose. Toei Animation X Dim Mak Pop-Up Shop offering a curated selection of “One Piece,” “Dragon Ball Super,” “Digimon Adventure” and Toei Animation branded merchandise available for purchase. GIF Green Screen Photobooth – Create a personalized four-picture GIF using a variety of backgrounds from “One Piece,” “Dragon Ball Super,” “Digimon Adventure” and “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK.” Daily Giveaway – Free special prize item for first 100 fans each day that post their GIF on social media with the hashtag #TOEIANIMEAX2023. |
| Sunday, July 2, 2023 | |
| 10:00 am – 6:00 pm L.A. Convention Center South Hall Booth 3306 | Toei Animation Exhibit Booth Visit the Toei Animation exhibit booth for a variety of experiences showcasing “One Piece,” “Dragon Ball Super” and “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK,” including: Balloon of Luffy Gear 4. Statue Display of Goku, Vegeta, Hit, Jiren, Golden Frieza and Goku Rose. Toei Animation X Dim Mak Pop-Up Shop offering a curated selection of “One Piece,” “Dragon Ball Super,” “Digimon Adventure” and Toei Animation branded merchandise available for purchase. GIF Green Screen Photobooth – Create a personalized four-picture GIF using a variety of backgrounds from “One Piece,” “Dragon Ball Super,” “Digimon Adventure” and “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK.” Daily Giveaway – Free special prize item for first 100 fans each day that post their GIF on social media with the hashtag #TOEIANIMEAX2023. |
| 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm GRAMMY Museum at L.A. Live Roof Top Terrace Open to the public. No AX badge required. Capacity is limited. | One Piece Episode 1000 Dub World Premiere Join Toei Animation and Crunchyroll for the world premiere of the 1000th dub episode of “One Piece.” This milestone event includes a specially produced fan celebration featuring: Autograph Signing Session with dub cast members Sonny Strait (“Usopp”), Patrick Seitz (“Franky”) and Ian Sinclair (“Brook”). Live Drawing Showcase and Q&A with Japanese “One Piece” animators. Luffy & Zoro Mascot Photo Ops. Luffy & Shanks Life-Sized Statue Display. ONE PIECE CARD GAME Demo. One Piece Odyssey Demo stations. Exclusive Event Giveaways, including an Episode 1000 opening scene storyboard booklet. |
| Monday, July 3, 2023 | |
| 10:00 am – 6:00 pm L.A. Convention Center South Hall Booth 3306 | Toei Animation Exhibit Booth Visit the Toei Animation exhibit booth for a variety of experiences showcasing “One Piece,” “Dragon Ball Super” and “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK,” including: Balloon of Luffy Gear 4. Statue Display of Goku, Vegeta, Hit, Jiren, Golden Frieza and Goku Rose. Toei Animation X Dim Mak Pop-Up Shop offering a curated selection of “One Piece,” “Dragon Ball Super,” “Digimon Adventure” and Toei Animation branded merchandise available for purchase. GIF Green Screen Photobooth – Create a personalized four-picture GIF using a variety of backgrounds from “One Piece,” “Dragon Ball Super,” “Digimon Adventure” and “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK.” Daily Giveaway – Free special prize item for first 100 fans each day that post their GIF on social media with the hashtag #TOEIANIMEAX2023. |
| 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm L.A. Convention Center Main Events Hall | THE FIRST SLAM DUNK North American Premiere Join Toei Animation and GKIDS for the North American premiere of “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK,” the global blockbuster film opening this summer across the U.S. and Canada. This subtitled screening will include: Exclusive first-look clip from the soon-to-be-release English dub. Free copy of the official Japanese “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK” souvenir booklet for the first 2,500 guests. |
| Tuesday, July 4, 2023 | |
| 10:00 am – 3:00 pm L.A. Convention Center South Hall Booth 3306 | Toei Animation Exhibit Booth Visit the Toei Animation exhibit booth for a variety of experiences showcasing “One Piece,” “Dragon Ball Super” and “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK,” including: Balloon of Luffy Gear 4. Statue Display of Goku, Vegeta, Hit, Jiren, Golden Frieza and Goku Rose. Toei Animation X Dim Mak Pop-Up Shop offering a curated selection of “One Piece,” “Dragon Ball Super,” “Digimon Adventure” and Toei Animation branded merchandise available for purchase. GIF Green Screen Photobooth – Create a personalized four-picture GIF using a variety of backgrounds from “One Piece,” “Dragon Ball Super,” “Digimon Adventure” and “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK.” Daily Giveaway – Free special prize item for first 100 fans each day that post their GIF on social media with the hashtag #TOEIANIMEAX2023. |
