SDCC 2025 – We Check Out Crunchyroll’s Anime Fanfest!

We visited on the second day, Saturday, July 26, and saw the shift from anime to a crossover with hip-hop and R&B.

Open to the public behind the convention it is located at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Only San Diego can have these incredible perfect weather days rolling into perfect weather nights and The Rady Shell did not disappoint with its beautiful grassy sitting or standing areas for general admission and incredible up front chairs for VIP. This kind of event doesn’t have a bad seat and we can say the same about how stacked the music is! Crunchyroll Anime FanFest will feature global, anime-inspired artists across Pop, EDM, Hip-Hop, Rap, Urban, R&B, Latin and more.

The lineup for Day 1 on July 25 blends iconic talent from Japan’s music scene with global, anime inspired music, from electronic to alternative rock:

SPYAIR – Japanese rock band behind Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle theme.

yama — J-Pop singer behind SPY x FAMILY ending theme.

ASH DA HERO — Punk rock band behind “Judgement” for BLUE LOCK.

Slushii — Anime-inspired DJ, producer, and multi-instrumentalist.

Magnolia Park — Alternative rock band.

Hyper Potions — Electronic artist known for anime-esque soundscapes.

VGR — EDM producer known for video game and anime music remixes.

James Landino — Composer and DJ behind Tower of God original soundtrack.

Then Day 2 on July 26 showcases anime’s impact on hip-hop, R&B and more for fans to explore the interaction between anime fandom and music:

Denzel Curry — Miami rapper blending underground hip-hop with anime (and previous guest on Crunchyroll’s The Anime Effect podcast!)

INIKO — Shonen anime-inspired genre-defying songwriter and producer.

Pink Pablo — Puerto Rican singer and producer.

ALI — Boundary-pushing group behind “Lost in Paradise” for JUJUTSU KAISEN.

Yaeji [DJ Set] — NYC-via-Seoul artist, producer, vocalist, DJ and lifelong anime fan (also a previous guest on The Anime Effect podcast!).

Taku Takahashi x Alenoise — DJ and producer of the Black Clover theme.

NOODLES — Los Angeles-based DJ.

There was something for everyone there in the way of food and beverages of all kinds. The event also hosted exclusive artist and anime merch pop-ups, plus giveaways and the Activations Crosswalk, which is set to feature immersive experiences from anticipated anime series including Gachiakuta and the return of Kaiju No. 8 and The Rising of the Shield Hero. At the end, there was a full on fireworks show that reflected all across the water! Hopefully you had a chance to go, but if not, take a look at our video!

The event was totally full of fans who were in love with the titles, and music, and everyone was having a fun time!