Hiroki Arai, Studio Trigger. Photo; Otakon
Hiroki Arai, one of the Studio Trigger anime creators heading to Otakon 2025
Top creators from the Studio Trigger anime join Otakon 2025. Meet Arai, Sushio, and Wakabayashi live in DC.
BY ARTCENTRON ART STAFF
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Exciting news for anime fans—Otakon 2025 is bringing a major highlight. Three of Studio Trigger anime most influential creators—Hiroki Arai, Sushio, and Hiromi Wakabayashi—will be making a special appearance at this year’s event. These acclaimed talents will join fans from around the world to share insights into their work in animation, directing, and filmmaking. All three are key players in the highly anticipated reboot, New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, making this a must-see moment for Trigger enthusiasts.
Hiroki Arai, born in Tokyo in 1992, represents a rising force in the anime industry. After graduating from Tokyo University of Technology, he joined Studio Trigger in 2015. His first major project was as an animator on Ninja Slayer, and from there, his career took off. He contributed to several high-profile titles, including Space Patrol Luluco, Kiznaiver, and Little Witch Academia.
Arai also worked on Darling in the Franxx, SSSS.Gridman, and the visually explosive Promare. Arai stepped into the director’s chair with BNA: Brand New Animal as his debut as an animation director. He continued his journey with directing roles in
In addition to TV and film, Arai brought his skills to global audiences through the acclaimed Star Wars: Visions shorts The Twins and The Elder. Currently, he is deeply involved in New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt as both animator and animation director.
Known for his bold character designs and unmatched animation style, Sushio is one of the most recognizable names in the anime world. At Studio Trigger, he has made lasting contributions to multiple iconic series. He was a key animator and animation director for Gurren Lagann, and he took center stage as character designer and chief animation director for Kill la Kill.
Sushio’s impact continued in Promare, where his dynamic direction brought the film’s action sequences to life. More recently, he contributed key animation to both Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and Dungeon Meshi, maintaining his signature energy and flair.
Beyond anime, Sushio’s work spans across pop culture. He’s created illustrations for artists such as:
He even dabbled in costume design for Gang Parade, proving his style knows no limits.
Hiromi Wakabayashi brings a wealth of experience in storytelling, production design, and music direction. Formerly of Studio Gainax, he began collaborating with Hiroyuki Imaishi on groundbreaking titles like Gurren Lagann, where he was production designer. He played a pivotal role in the original Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt as story lead and episodic director.
At Studio Trigger, Wakabayashi stepped into the role of creative producer and scriptwriter. He shaped the unique visual and narrative style of Kill la Kill, Promare, and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, all while acting as music editor or director. In the Star Wars: Visions short The Twins, he combined story, concept, and visual design into a singular, unforgettable experience.
His writing and design work shines in Star Wars: Visions—The Twins, where he was scriptwriter, concept creator, and art director. Now, he’s returning to the wild world of Panty & Stocking as head of story and co-director for its reboot. With his rich background in both Western and Japanese animation styles, Wakabayashi promises to bring a fresh take to the franchise.
As one of the largest fan conventions in North America, Otakon celebrates its 31st year in 2025. Run entirely by volunteers, the event promotes Asian culture through media, music, and entertainment. Every year, it draws over 40,000 fans from around the world for three days of panels, premieres, concerts, and cultural exchange.
This year’s event includes the three creative minds behind some of the most influential anime of the past decade. This makes Otakon 2025 an unmissable gathering for any serious anime enthusiast.
Otakon will take place from August 8 to 10, 2025, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. As a longtime Studio Trigger anime fan or a newcomer to anime, Otakon 2025 offers something unforgettable. It is an opportunity to gain insight into the creative process behind genre-defining series, meet your animation heroes, and get exclusive previews of what’s next in Japanese animation.
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