Fans of Ascendance of a Bookworm and newcomers alike were treated to an exciting industry panel at Anime Expo 2025, where YTV Animation and YTE revealed trailers, teased new anime projects, and delivered exclusive insights during their “Ascendance of a Bookworm & 2025 Anime Line-Up Sneak Peek” panel.
Hosted by anime internet personality Gigguk, the panel kicked off with thunderous applause as WIT Studio CEO George Wada, TO Books Managing Director Yui Shibata, and YTV Animation Producer Goshi Yoshida took the stage to debut the Ascendance of a Bookworm Season 4 trailer.
The teaser showcased Rozemyne, the heroine formerly known as Myne, continuing her quest to revolutionize her world through books and printing technology, much to the dismay of the ruling elite.
Wada assured fans that WIT Studio is bringing its signature polish to the new season. “We love to live up to the WIT Studio quality, and bring you lots of action and clean images,” he said. Shibata emphasized the show’s global growth, noting, “We’re coming to the 10-year anniversary of Ascendance of a Bookworm, with the work translated into over 20 countries.” Yoshida expressed his hopes to elevate the franchise even further, saying, “I hope to make Ascendance of a Bookworm into the Japanese Harry Potter.”
In a fun twist, Yoshida even asked the audience to suggest who should perform the opening theme for the new season.
The panel’s next big surprise was the announcement of an anime adaptation of The Vermilion Mask. Attendees got a first look at a trailer featuring visuals from the manga’s explosive first chapter and walked away with a free copy of the manga itself.
Chief Producer Kozo Misawa and Editor Taichi Kimura took the stage to explain what makes the series so compelling. “Every episode is like the climax of the series!” Misawa said. Kimura added, “There are a lot of battles, and a lot of masks that give the characters different powers. Like if you wear a cat mask, you can see in the dark and beat the shit out of your opponent!”
Kimura also revealed that The Vermilion Mask Volume 7 would release this month in Japan. English readers can catch up on Volumes 1–4 now on emaqi, and follow the series on X (formerly Twitter) at @Vermilion_EN.
The panel continued with a rapid-fire preview of additional anime series:
-
Blue Miburo Season 2: The new PV highlighted the series’ dramatic stakes. Season 2 arrives in Winter 2025.
Trailer: YouTube -
SHIROHIYO – Reincarnated as a Neglected Noble: A heartwarming isekai that premiered on Crunchyroll in April 2025.
Trailer: YouTube -
Hero Without a Class: Who Even Needs Skills?!: A fantasy-action series headed to HIDIVE in October 2025.
-
Mechanical Marie: A chaotic romantic comedy from Junji Nishimura (Ranma ½) also debuts in October 2025.
Trailer: YouTube
The panel concluded with a raffle, during which attendees received signed shikishi, pre-release manga, and other prizes. The event concluded with a group photo featuring the panelists and fans, capping off a session packed with announcements.
Stay tuned for more updates as trailers and air dates roll out for YTV and YTE’s highly anticipated projects.
For more coverage on Anime Expo 2025 news, you can find it right here on the Anime Expo 2025 archive on The Beat!
Source: Thirty-three USA
