The first day of AX 23 proved to be a double-edged sword. While the immense popularity of the convention led to an unprecedented crowd, it also resulted in some challenges for attendees. All the convention halls were teeming with fans, making it difficult to navigate and enjoy the full experience. Despite the initial chaos, the organizers made efforts to control inside traffic from the second day onward, something that they should practice every day of the expo moving forward.

Anime enthusiasts were treated to a wide variety of series premieres that left them at the edge of their seats. Fate/strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn made its world premiere, captivating audiences with its stunning visuals. Rurouni Kenshin also made its US premiere, rekindling nostalgia and introducing a new generation to the beloved samurai tale. Panels featuring popular series like Jujutsu Kaisen and Spy x Family provided insights into the creative processes behind these anime gems, leaving fans hungry for more.

Two booths reigned supreme throughout the convention, capturing the attention of attendees from start to finish. Crunchyroll, the go-to streaming platform for otaku, had a booth that was constantly abuzz with fans eager to grab the large tote bag-backpack after experiencing the Jujutsu Kaisen Immersive Dome Experience and getting their hands on some exclusive merch. The Hoyoverse booth was packed at all times, with fans from the famous video game pouring in to take pictures in a little corner of Liyue together with pro-cosplayers dressed as the beloved Geo Archon Zhongli, and the cute waifus Keqing and Hu Tao. Of course, Genshin fans didn’t leave empty handed, as the Hoyoverse booth gave all who attended a little “emergency food” to go.

Anime Expo this year went above and beyond to provide attendees with immersive and engaging experiences. The Kodansha booth offered a unique opportunity to dive into the digital realm, allowing fans to sit and read manga digitally on their new online service or enjoy physical reads with many freebie chapters. It was a haven for manga lovers seeking to explore new titles or revisit beloved classics at no cost.

For fans seeking more interactive fun, the One Piece TCG booth was the place to be. Attendees could partake in thrilling 1 vs. 1 card game battles or try the new "buddy" team playstyle, where strategic duels unfolded in a 2 vs. 2 format. The booth buzzed with excitement as One Piece fans who tried out the games were treated to many free promo cards and packs from this card game.

Hatsune Miku and One Piece dominated the convention floor when it came to collectibles. Fans could immerse themselves in a treasure trove of merchandise featuring their favorite Vocaloid or the swashbuckling pirates of One Piece. No AX experience would be complete without a visit to the bustling Artist Alley. As always, it was the busiest place in the entire convention, with talented artists showcasing their fan-made anime knickknacks, trinkets, and prints. Attendees could find an assortment of items inspired by the latest popular anime, such as Oshi no Ko and Kimetsu no Yaiba, as well as fan-favorite game series like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail. From figurines to posters and everything in between, the convention was a haven for collectors looking to expand their anime memorabilia collections.