As we kick off our Anime Expo hype coverage, it was announced that the Japanese seiyuu Ryo Horikawa will be a guest of honor at this year’s show. Horikawa is known for many voices over the years but his best-known role is non-other than the Prince of Saiyans, Vegeta from the Dragonball series. He is scheduled for panels and autograph sessions all weekend.

And the best part? During an extended Q&A panel, there will be a “voice-off” between him and Vegeta’s English voice actor Christopher Sabet! And yes, you, THE FANS, get to decide what they say! This is definitely one panel you WILL NOT want to miss if you are attending this year.

Below is an official press release including Ryo Horikawa’s schedule:

On Monday, July 3, at the Dragon Ball Super Panel: Presented by Funimation and Toei Animation Inc., an exclusive panel presentation celebrating the past, present and future of Dragon Ball, Horikawa will share amazing stories from his long career as well as discuss Dragon Ball’s enduring global influence. Joining him on-stage will be U.S. voice actors from the English dub of Dragon Ball Super, including Christopher R. Sabat (Vegeta) and Seán Schemmel (Goku).  Together, they will engage Anime Expo attendees in an unforgettable look at Dragon Ball’s legacy.

 

The most exciting part of the event follows the presentation when the audience gets to decide what happens! During an extended Q&A session, the Dragon Ball Super cast will open up the floor to fans and their imaginations… Request a Vegeta voice-off between Ryō and Chris! Ask cast members how they truly felt about Goku’s recruitment of Frieza during the tournament of power! Find out the best and wildest behind-the-scene stories from Dragon Ball’s long history! Will you be one of the lucky fans to ask a question and become part of Dragon Ball history?

 

The Dragon Ball Super Panel: Presented by Funimation & Toei Animation Inc. will take place during Anime Expo at The Los Angeles Convention Center in Petree Hall from 7:30pm to 9:00pm. In addition to Dragon Ball Z, Horikawa is also known for his starring roles in Detective Conan (Heiji Hattori), Rainy Cocoa (Koji Amami), Legend of the Galactic Heroes (Reinhard von Lohengramm), Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory (Kou Uraki), Saint Seiya (Andromeda Shun), and Dream Soldier Wing-Man (Kenta Hirono).When not acting, Horikawa dedicates his time to developing new generations of Japanese actors as  president of both the Aslead Company, a Japanese talent agency, and International Media, a voice talent academy in Japan.

 

Official Panel Description:

 

They’re back!  Get to know Dragon Ball Super English voice actors Sean Schemmel (Goku, King Kai), Christopher R. Sabat (Vegeta, Piccolo, Shenron), Jason Douglas (the man behind Beerus), and special guest Japanese voice actor Ryō Horikawa (the man behind Vegeta) during this special panel and Q&A session.  There’s a lot in store in 2017 for fans of this epic franchise including more power, new characters, more broadcast episodes on Adult Swim and a new home video release (part one) on July 25th!

 

  • Date: Monday, July 3
  • Time: 7:30PM – 9:00PM
  • Room: LP1/LACC Petree Hall

 

Official Autograph Session Schedule:

In addition, Ryō will meet with fans directly for a series of autograph sessions during the Expo. His full schedule includes:

 

  • Day 1 (7/1): 10:40am – 12:10pm @ Kentia Hall
  • Day 2 (7/2): 12:20pm – 1:50pm @ Kentia Hall
  • Day 4 (7/4): 10:50am – 12:20pm @ Kentia Hall

 

About Toei Animation Inc.

Based in Los Angeles, Toei Animation Inc. manages the film distribution of Toei’s top properties, including Dragon Ball all series, Sailor Moon, One Piece, Digimon series, Saint Seiya, and many others to North America, Latin America, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Toei Animation’s Los Angeles office further handles all categories of consumer product licensing based on its film and television brands within these territories. For more information, please visit http://www.toei-animation-usa.com/.

 

About Anime Expo

Anime Expo (AX) brings together fans and industry from Japan, the US, and all over the world for the largest celebration of Japanese pop culture in North America. Taking place every year since 1992, Anime Expo features the best in Japanese entertainment, music, fashion, and video games. For more information, visit www.anime-expo.org.

 

About SPJA

SPJA is a non-profit organization dedicated to popularize and educate the American public about Japanese entertainment and pop culture, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. For more information, please visit http://www.spja.org/.