Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo 2014

by Armand Vaquer

Above, the gang's all here for the Godzilla/Gamera panel.

Another successful Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo is in the record books. The convention runs through Sunday, but this was it for me this year. It was a good way to celebrate Halloween.

Our panel on the 60th anniversary of Godzilla, the 50th anniversary of Gamera and other assorted topics (such as Godzilla 2014) were discussed by the panel as well as the audience members. The number of audience members were down from last year. We were in a much bigger room and, which is the unfortunate part, further away form the stairs, elevators and escalators. The problem was probably caused by the scheduling error in which the Comikaze organizers had to reschedule us an hour earlier as they had our moderator, Jessica Tseang scheduled on two panels at the same time. I am guessing that this was the only meeting room available.

Still, we had an enthusiastic audience and a good discussion. All agreed that the Legendary Pictures/Warner Bros. Godzilla was much better than the abomination of 1998.

Following the panel, I managed to sell many copies of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan, so the trek more than paid for itself.

After this, I wandered around in the exhibit hall and there were plenty of things to see. I did a double-take when I spotted Christine Nguyen on a banner at the New York Times booth (yes, they were there selling subscriptions). I'll have to send a photo to Christine.

I did pick up a 1970s Mechagodzilla coin bank for myself.

I ran into a comic book dealer I knew in Woodland Hills (before he closed his shop in 2004), Mike Frank. We caught up on things and I gave him a copy of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

As usual, Comikaze Expo was an enjoyable event and I am looking forward to next year's.

Here's some photos:

Above, there were plenty of comic books for sale. I almost bought several Silver Age issues of World's Finest. Photo by Armand Vaquer

Above, Mile High Comics was represented by this booth. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, there were two kaiju dealers at Comikaze Expo this year that I found. This was one. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a vacationing Godzilla waited to make a purchase at the above kaiju toy booth. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Comikaze Expo's main stage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a cosplayer celebrates Halloween. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a display of Marvel characters. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, I couldn't resist getting this Mechagodzilla coin bank. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Envy Model Management's Constance Nunes at the Muck booth. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a familiar face (Christine Nguyen) advertising the New York Times. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For more photos from Comikaze Expo, go here.

Godzilla/Gamera Anniversary Panel At Comikaze Expo October 31

by Armand Vaquer

Note: The time has been changed. Our panel begins at 5:00 PM.

Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo 2014 schedule is now out and a panel on Godzilla's 60th anniversary and Gamera's 50th anniversary will be held at 5:00 PM on Halloween, October 31 in Room 404AB of the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The participants, along with yours truly, will be the same as last year's panel and will be headed up by Jessica Tseang. I will have copies of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan available following the panel discussion. Our panels on Japanese monsters have been some of the best-attended (standing-room-only) at Comikaze, so make sure you get there early enough to get a seat.

Above, the panel at last year's Comikaze Expo.

Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo will be held October 31 through November 2.

For the full schedule for Friday, October 31, go here (.pdf format).

To access Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo's website, go here.

The Comikaze Expo Session On "Godzilla" and "Pacific Rim"

by Armand Vaquer

Above, the panel on "Godzilla" and "Pacific Rim" before the start of the session. 

It was  a good thing that we had a room that was double the size of last year's room for this year's panel on Godzilla (2014) and Pacific Rim (2013) at Stan Lee's Comickaze Expo.  All seats were taken and a dozen people had to stand in the back of the room. I was somewhat surprised as our session began an hour after the show's doors were opened to the public. I was wondering if they would make a beeline to the main hall instead.

Above, a panel's eye view of the crowd still coming in.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was an appreciative and enthusiastic audience of giant monster and robot fans. The panel consisted of Jessica Tseang (moderator), Bill Janczewski, Frank Woodward, Tom Franck, Chris Eaton, Scott Zillner and myself.

We began the session with our thoughts on Pacific Rim. Generally, all on the panel felt the movie "delivered the goods" with some minor quibbles. On the low box office, most felt the movie wasn't marketed right, leaving many people with the impression that it was another Transformers movie instead of giant robots battling giant monsters. But all believe that it will be a big hit in DVD and Blu-ray sales. Most wondered why it grossed better in China but not in Japan. One panelist voiced the opinion that Japan is just over-saturated with giant monsters and they can see giant monsters for free on television. Another said it was (probably) because it was mainly centered in Hong Kong.

Above, these session attendees show their support for "Pacific Rim."  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I repeated my opinion that I posted a week or so ago on this blog. The audience seemed to agree that Toho did a better job with the Millennium series MechaGodzilla movies by having jets do the heavy lifting of the robot, whereas Pacific Rim went beyond the boundaries of "suspension of disbelief" in having helicopters do the robot transporting. They also seemed to agree with me that while the CGI was probably the best (so far) for a giant monster movie, it still did not fully convey mass and weight of the robots (or monsters) as the traditional "suitmation" method with miniatures.

Each expressed hopes that next year's Godzilla will be a hit and generally like the direction the Godzilla design is heading.  I said that as long as Godzilla looked and acted like Godzilla, along with his atomic breath, it will be a winner as far as I was concerned.

As mentioned in my last post on Comikaze, there were a few SNAFUs. Jessica Tseang was disappointed that there was no Wi-Fi Internet available at the Los Angeles Convention Center to have Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah's android M-11, Robert Scott Field, to participate with the panel via Skype. We also planned to have audio/visual materials to show along with a recorded greeting by Max Borenstein, the scripter of Godzilla, but somehow the show's organizers didn't come through with any. But those problems didn't prevent us or the audience from enjoying the panel session. Jessica did a great job in keeping the session moving.

I did manage to sell the same number of travel guides following the session as last year.. Which helped to lessen the bite of the parking fees at the L.A. Convention Center, and then some.

Godzilla & Pacific Rim Panel At Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Tom Franck, Jessica Tseang and your truly at last year's Comikaze Expo.

The schedule for the 2013 Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo is now out and once again we will be holding a panel discussion on Pacific Rim and Godzilla.

It will be held Friday, November 1 at 2:00 P.M. at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

From the schedule:

I will have copies of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan available following the panel discussion.

To view the schedule for Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo, go here.

Mark your calendars!

Mars Attacks Stan Lee’s Comikaze

Source: Stan Lee's Comikaze News

 The Topps Company and Stan Lee’s Comikaze teaming up to bring MARS ATTACKS to Comikaze Expo this Nov 1-3! Topps - setting up shop at the Comikaze Expo for the first time - will bring an exclusive MARS ATTACKS trading card featuring Stan Lee himself facing off against their iconic Martian invader!

Limited to just 2500 cards and painted by Joe Jusko, the card entitled "Stan Strikes!" will be given away FREE on a first-come, first-served basis and available ONLY at Comikaze!

Topps will be on hand at this year’s Comikaze to promote the release of Mars Attacks: Invasion, the modern revival of the classic card series and the first all-new, story-based MARS ATTACK card series in more than half a century! A limited edition poster featuring Joe Jusko's stunning painting will also be available for sale at the Topps booth - signed by the artist - while supplies last!

 For ticket information, go here.

Anime Expo Reveals 2013 Program Guide Cover Art

Source: Anime Expo News Release

Anime Expo proudly reveals the cover to our 2013 program guide! Max, the official mascot of Anime Expo, is depicted in a boldly energetic piece illustrated by our artists in Japan and evokes the exciting experience awaiting attendees at our annual convention.

Our current Guest of Honor lineup for AX 2013 includes:

Voice Actors Eric Vale, Kyle Hebert, Christopher Sabat, and Johnny Yong Bosch with his band Eyeshine, Screenwriter Mari Okada, and Japanese electro/club scene DJ Ram Rider. We also welcome as industry guests J-Pop group Starmarie. Be sure to follow us on our social media channels, because we have more guest announcements on the way! 

Anime Expo will be held July 4-7 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

For more on the 2013 Anime Expo, go here.

Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo 2013

by Armand Vaquer

A hair under a year from now, Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo will return to the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Next year's show will take place on November 1-3, 2013.

Above, comic book great Neal Adams and Armand at the 2012 show.

This year's show was a lot of fun and I highly recommend it.  It has everything: comics, anime, science-fiction, horror, fantasy, celebrities, writers, artists and more.

For more information on Comikaze Expo, go here.

Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo 2012 Report

by Armand Vaquer



Above, it was nice to see Wonder Woman (Kit Quinn) was able to attend Comikaze Expo.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.


Comikaze Expo was one big impressive show!  I mean, it was HUGE!

I just returned home from Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center where I participated in a panel on Japanese giant monsters and robots.  The panel also focused on Legendary Pictures' Pacific Rim (scheduled to hit theaters next July) and Godzilla (scheduled to hit theaters on May 16, 2014).

We had a full house in the room where the panel was held.

Above, Tom Franck, Jessica Tseang and Armand before the panel discussion started.



I thoroughly enjoyed the discussion.  It was probably one of the most enjoyable panels I've served on.  It was moderated by Jessica Tseang and, besides myself, included Tom Franck, who has the largest Japanese robot collection in the United States.



Above, the legendary Batman, Deadman and Green Lantern/Green Arrow artist Neal Adams and Armand.





Above, Adam "Batman" West.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.



The show itself had many celebrities including Adam West, Burt Ward and the best Catwoman of them all, Julie Newmar of the Batman television show of the 1960s.

There were comic book artists and writers galore in attendance.  I managed to get photographed with the man whose Batman artwork defined the Bronze Age Batman, Neal Adams.

I also managed to do some networking in relation to The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan (I also sold eight of them following the panel).  I met artist John Fasano and swapped a travel guide for one of his Godzilla prints.

It was a great show (the last day is tomorrow, so I recommend going) and many thanks to Jessica Tseang for making the panel a fun one!

Since a picture is "worth a thousand words," here's a few more of Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo:




Above, Comikaze Expo had lots of comic books for sale.





Above, the booth where official Comikaze Expo goods can be purchased. 





Above, the main hall.





Above, as the banners say, super-hero stuff can be bought.

ANIME EXPO 2012 WELCOMES THE MADHOUSE CREATIVE TEAM OF “CHIHAYAFURU” -- ASAKA MORIO, KUNIHIKO HAMADA, AND TAKUYA TSUNOKI – AS OFFICIAL GUESTS OF HONOR

Source: Anime Expo News Release

LOS ANGELES (June 14, 2012) – Anime Expo (AX), North America’s largest anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture celebration, today announced three members of Madhouse studio’s “CHIHAYAFURU” creative team – Director Asaka Morio, Animation Director Kunihiko Hamada and Animation Producer Takuya Tsunoki – as Official Guests of Honor when it returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 29 – July 2, 2012. 

Asaka Morio joined Madhouse’s creative department after graduating from Osaka Designer’s College.  Morio made his debut as an episode director on the television series “YAWARA! A FASHIONABLE JUDO GIRL!.”  He is the director of “CARD CAPTOR SAKURA,” the highly regarded TV anime series adapted from CLAMP’s popular manga series of the same name.  He has also worked on “POPS”, “MERMAID SCAR”, “GALAXY ANGEL”, “CHOBITS”, “GUNSLIGER GIRL”, “CLAMP IN WONDERLAND”, and “NANA”.  Morio’s most recent directorial work is the critically acclaimed karuta-action series “CHIHAYAFURU”.

During his long tenure at Madhouse, Kunihiko Hamada has contributed to many popular animation series.  He teamed up with Director Morio Asaka on the animation adaption of “CARD CAPTOR SAKURA” (Animation Director), and “NANA” (Character Design & Chief Animation Director).  His other works as Chief Animation Director include, “ULTIMATE SURVIVOR KAIJI,” “MORYO NO HAKO,” “SUMMER WARS.”  Most recently, he joined forces with Morio again to adapt “CHIHAYAFURU” into animation.

Takuya Tsunoki began his career in animation at Madhouse.  As a young producer, he is with the studio today to help it create the future of animation.  Tsunoki has been involved in projects such as “NANA,” “KAIJI ULTIMATE SURVIVOR” and “CASSHERN SINS.”  He is making his debut as a production producer on the critically acclaimed “CHIHAYAFURU.”  Tsunoki is currently preparing an upcoming TV series with the Madhouse production team.

The Madhouse team joins the previously announced Anime Expo 2012 line-up that includes composer Yuki Kajiura/”FictionJunction;” anime-inspired heavy metal band ANIMETAL USA; Culture Japan’s Danny Choo; Fate/Zero” creative team Hikaru Konda, Ei Aoki and Rikiya Koyama; animation director Tatsuo Sato; voice actors Ryo Horikawa, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Jamie Marchi, Monica Rial, Steve Blum, Joel McDonald and Ian Sinclair; Japanese pop star LiSA, Lolita fashion designer Cyril Lumboy, Lolita model Misako Aoki; Tokyo-based Gallery of Fantastic Art and popular cosplayer Jessica Nigri.

About Anime Expo

Now in its 21st year, Anime Expo is North America’s larges celebration of anime, manga and Japanese pop culture. Anime Expo gives fans the rare opportunity to meet and hear from some of the most famous anime, manga, musical, game, and fashion artitsts from Japan. AX 2012 will feature and exciting schedule of exclusive screenings; artists’ panels; live concerts; cosplay; dance parties, karaoke, and video competitions; non-stop video gaming and unsurpassed shopping from more than 3,000 vendors. AX 2012 takes place June 29-July 2, 2012 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. To register or for more information, please visit www.anime-expo.org. Connect with Anime Expo on Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube.

About the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation

The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to popularize and educate the America public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its entertainment property, Anime Expo®. For more information, please visit www.spja.org.

Anime Expo 2012 Kicks Off With Star-Studded Red Carpet And Opening Ceremony

Source: Anime Expo News Release

LOS ANGELES (June 13, 2012) – Anime Expo®  -- North America’s largest anime, manga

and Japanese pop culture celebration -- officially kicks off Thursday, June 28
with a star-studded Red Carpet and Opening Ceremony at the Los Angeles
Convention Center. Anime Expo Official Guests of Honor will greet fans on the
red carpet at 6 p.m. with the Opening Ceremony to follow at 7 p.m.

Now in its 21st year, Anime Expo 2012 (AX) will present some of today’s most

exciting anime, manga, musical, game and fashion artists from Japan and the
U.S.; main event concerts and contests such as the crowd favorite Masquerade;
new and exciting interactive offerings and even Lounge 21, where over-21
attendees can enjoy wine, beer and cocktails.

Announced Guests of Honors include composer Yuki Kajiura/”FictionJunction;” anime-inspired

heavy metal band ANIMETAL USA; Culture Japan’s Danny Choo; Fate/Zero” creative
team Hikaru Konda, Ei Aoki and Rikiya Koyama; Madhouse creative team Asaka
Morio, Kunihiko Hamada and Takuya Tsunoki; animation director Tatsuo Sato; voice
actors Ryo Horikawa, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Jamie Marchi, Monica Rial, Steve Blum,
Joel McDonald and Ian Sinclair; Japanese pop star LiSA, Lolita fashion designer
Cyril Lumboy, Lolita model Misako Aoki; Tokyo-based Gallery of Fantastic Art and
popular cosplayer Jessica Nigri.

The following are highlights of the AX Main Events, all to be held in Hall G of LACC:

Day Zero: June 28, 2012

6:00

– 6:40 p.m.                        Red Carpet

7:00

p.m. – 8:00 p.m.               Opening Ceremonies

Day One: June 29, 2012

5:30

– 6:30 p.m.                        ANIMETAL USA Concert

9:00

p.m. – 12:00 a.m.             Anime Music Video (AMV) Contest

Day Two: June 30, 2012

7:00

– 8 p.m.                             Yuki Kajiura/”Fiction/Junction” Concert

Day Three: July 1, 2012

2:00

– 3:00 p.m.                        LiSA Concert

3:00

– 4:00 pm.                         Japan Fashion Mix at AX 2012: Fashion Show
hosted by Misako Aoki and Danny Choo with up-and-coming J-pop singer Kyoka

8:00

p.m. – 12:00 a.m.             Masquerade

Day Four: July 2, 2012

12:00

– 1:00 p.m.                       Art Auction

1:00

– 6:00 p.m.                        SPJA Charity Auction

6:00

p.m.                                   Closing Ceremonies

About Anime Expo

Now in its 21st year, Anime Expo is North America’s larges celebration of anime,

manga and Japanese pop culture.  AX 2012 will feature and exciting schedule of
exclusive screenings; artists’ panels; live concerts; cosplay; dance parties,
karaoke, and video competitions; non-stop video gaming and unsurpassed shopping
from more than 3,000 vendors. AX 2012 takes place June 29-July 2, 2012 at the
Los Angeles Convention Center. To register or for more information, please visit
www.anime-expo.org.  Connect with Anime Expo on Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube.

About the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation

The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit

organization whose mission is to popularize and educate the America public about
anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between
professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its
entertainment property, Anime Expo®. For more information, please visit www.spja.org.

ANIME EXPO 2012 ANNOUNCES VOICE ACTOR NOBUHIKO OKAMOTO AS AN OFFICIAL GUEST OF HONOR

Source: Anime Expo News Release

LOS ANGELES (June 4, 2012) – Anime Expo (AX), North America’s largest anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture celebration, today announced award-winning voice actor Nobuhiko Okamoto as an Official Guest of Honor when it returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 29 – July 2, 2012. 

A Tokyo native, Nobuhiko Okamoto has a rich background in voice acting. His credits include being the voice of Rin Okumura, the hero of “Blue Exorcist,” Eiji Niizuma of “Bakuman,” Ivan Karelin a.k.a. Origami Cyclone of “Tiger & Bunny,” and Accelerator of “Toaru Majutsuno Index” just to name a few.  He won the Best New Actor Award on the Third Annual Voice Actor Awards and later received the Best Supporting Actor Award on the Fifth Annual Voice Actor Awards. As an Official Guest of Honor, Okamoto will participate in a meet-and-greet, autograph signing and focus panel

Nobuhiko Okamoto joins the previously announced Anime Expo 2012 line-up that includes composer Yuki Kajiura/”FictionJunction;” anime-inspired heavy metal band ANIMETAL USA; Culture Japan’s Danny Choo; “Fate/Zero” creative team Hikaru Konda, Ei Aoki and Rikiya Koyama; voice actors Ryo Horikawa,Jamie Marchi, Monica Rial and Steve Blum, Japanese pop star LiSA, Lolita fashion designer Cyril Lumboy, Lolita model Misako Aoki and the Gallery of Fantastic Art.

About Anime Expo

Now in its 21st year, Anime Expo is North America’s larges celebration of anime, manga and Japanese pop culture. Anime Expo gives fans the rare opportunity to meet and hear from some of the most famous anime, manga, musical, game, and fashion artitsts from Japan. AX 2012 will feature and exciting schedule of exclusive screenings; artists’ panels; live concerts; cosplay; dance parties, karaoke, and video competitions; non-stop video gaming and unsurpassed shopping from more than 3,000 vendors. AX 2012 takes place June 29-July 2, 2012 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. To register or for more information, please visit www.anime-expo.org. Connect with Anime Expo on Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube.

About the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation

The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to popularize and educate the America public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its entertainment property, Anime Expo®. For more information, please visit www.spja.org.

ANIME EXPO 2012 WELCOMES “DRAGON BALL Z” VOICE ACTOR RYO HORIKAWA AS AN OFFICIAL GUEST OF HONOR

Source: Anime Expo News Release

LOS ANGELES (June 4, 2012) – Anime Expo (AX), North America’s largest anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture celebration, today announced legendary voice actor Ryo Horikawa as an Official Guest of Honor when it returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 29 – July 2, 2012. 

Best known for the voice of Vegeta in “Dragon Ball Z,” Ryo Horikawa has been performing in movie and TV dramas since grade-school.  He has over 28 years experience as an voice actor and over 45 years experience as an actor. His other credits include, “Saint Seiya” (Andromeda Shun); “Detective CONAN” (Hattori Heiji); “Legend of Galactic Heroes” (Reinhard); “Mobile Suit Gundam 0083 STARDUST MEMORY” (Kou Uraki( and “YuYu Hakusho” (Karasu).

In addition to using his acting talents in animation, Horikawa frequently works on stage, in voice drama, games and other mediums.  He is also a singer and his latest tune is the theme song “Saiyan Brad” of Dragonball kai.  As an AX Guest of Honor, he will participate in a meet-and-greet, autograph signing and focus panel.

Ryo Horikawa joins the previously announced Anime Expo 2012 line-up that includes composer Yuki Kajiura/”FictionJunction;” anime-inspired heavy metal band ANIMETAL USA; Culture Japan’s Danny Choo; Fate/Zero” creative team Hikaru Konda, Ei Aoki and Rikiya Koyama; animation director Tatsuo Sato; voice actors Nobuhiko Okamoto, Jamie Marchi, Monica Rial and Steve Blum; Japanese pop star LiSA, Lolita fashion designer Cyril Lumboy, Lolita model Misako Aoki and the Gallery of Fantastic Art.

About Anime Expo

Now in its 21st year, Anime Expo is North America’s larges celebration of anime, manga and Japanese pop culture. Anime Expo gives fans the rare opportunity to meet and hear from some of the most famous anime, manga, musical, game, and fashion artitsts from Japan. AX 2012 will feature and exciting schedule of exclusive screenings; artists’ panels; live concerts; cosplay; dance parties, karaoke, and video competitions; non-stop video gaming and unsurpassed shopping from more than 3,000 vendors. AX 2012 takes place June 29-July 2, 2012 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. To register or for more information, please visit www.anime-expo.org. Connect with Anime Expo on Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube.

About the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation

The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to popularize and educate the America public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its entertainment property, Anime Expo®. For more information, please visit www.spja.org.

ANIME EXPO 2012 WELCOMES THE “FATE/ZERO” CREATIVE TEAM OF HIKARU KONDO, EI AOKI AND RIKIYA KOYAMA AS OFFICIAL GUESTS OF HONOR

Source: Anime Expo News Release

LOS ANGELES (June 1, 2012) – Anime Expo (AX), North America’s largest anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture celebration, today announced three members of the “Fate/Zero” creative team -- Producer Hikaru Kondo, Director Ei Aoki and Voice Actor Rikiya Koyama -- as Official Guests of Honor when it returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 29 – July 2, 2012.

Hikaru Kondo established the animation studio “ufotable” in 2000.  As a producer, he worked on the 7-theatrical movie series “The Garden of sinners,” “Futakoi Alternative,” “Manabi Straight,” “Tales of Symphonia” and others. Most recently, he produced the TV Series “Fate/Zero,” “the Garden of sinners –Final Chapter-“ as well as directed “Black Rock Shooter the Game.”

In Japan, ufotable opened the first “ufotable café” at its Koenji Studio to promote interaction with fans.  With the success of the first shop, the company opened a second café at Tokushima Studio, followed by the “ufotable dining” restaurant in Shinjuku, Tokyo.  In addition, in March 2012 it built the “ufotable CINEMA” in Shinjuku, the first movie theater built by an animation company in Japan.

Ei Aoki made his debut as an episodic director for “Please Teacher!” the TV Series in 2002.  In addition to “Fate/Zero,” his credits as a director include “The Garden of Sinners” Chapter 1, “GA-REI –Zero-,“ “Wandering Son (Horo Musuko)” and “Girls Bravo” to name a few.

Rikiya Koyama portrays the character Kiritsugu Emiya in “Fate/Zero.”  The popular voice actor has played numerous other roles including Yamato of “NARUTO Shippuden”, Coyote Stark of “BLEACH”, Kogoro Mouri of “Detective Conan”, FLASTE SCHOLE of “Gundam UC”, Vash of “FINAL FANTASY XII” and Kuze Hideo of “Ghost in the Shell S.A.C. 2nd GIG.”

Kondo, Aoki and Koyama will team with Producer Atsuhiro Iwakami to share behind-the-scenes stories of the making of the hit anime series with fans at Anime Expo.  As Official Guest of Honors, they will also participate in a meet-and-greet and autograph signing.

The “Fate/Zero” team joins the previously announced Anime Expo 2012 line-up that includes composer Yuki Kajiura/”FictionJunction,” anime-inspired heavy metal band ANIMETAL USA, Culture Japan’s Danny Choo, popular voice actors Jamie Marchi, Monica Rial and Steve Blum, animation director Tatsuo Sato, Japanese pop star LiSA, Lolita fashion designer Cyril Lumboy, Lolita model Misako Aoki and the Gallery of Fantastic Art.

About Anime Expo

Now in its 21st year, Anime Expo is North America’s larges celebration of anime, manga and Japanese pop culture. Anime Expo gives fans the rare opportunity to meet and hear from some of the most famous anime, manga, musical, game, and fashion artitsts from Japan. AX 2012 will feature and exciting schedule of exclusive screenings; artists’ panels; live concerts; cosplay; dance parties, karaoke, and video competitions; non-stop video gaming and unsurpassed shopping from more than 3,000 vendors. AX 2012 takes place June 29-July 2, 2012 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. To register or for more information, please visit www.anime-expo.org. Connect with Anime Expo on Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube.

About the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation

The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to popularize and educate the America public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its entertainment property, Anime Expo®. For more information, please visit www.spja.org.

ANIME EXPO 2012 ANNOUNCES ANIMATION DIRECTOR TATSUO SATO AS AN OFFICIAL GUEST OF HONOR

Source: Anime Expo News Release

LOS ANGELES (June 1, 2012) – Anime Expo (AX), North America’s largest anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture celebration, today announced animation director Tatsuo Sato, as an Official Guest of Honor when it returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 29 – July 2, 2012.

Tatsuo Sato started his career as an animator and an assistant director at Asia-Do. He made his solo directorial debut with the TV series "Soar High! Isami" and has since gone on to direct the TV series "Martian Successor Nadesico" and its sequel feature film "Martian Successor Nadesico: The Motion Picture - Prince Of Darkness."

Tatsuo collaborated on the avant-garde animation film "Cat Soup" with an old friend, animator/director Masaaki Yuasa. The film won double prizes in the 6th Fantasia Film Festival in Montreal: "Best Short Film" and "Film Critic's Association Prize". It was also the winner of the 2001 Agency for Cultural Affairs' "Excellence Prize" at Japan's Media Arts Festival. In the same year, he released the TV animation series "Shingu: Secret Of The Stellar Wars" which was based on his own original story. Tatsuo's most recent TV series is "Shigofumi” and has a new animation project in development.

Tatsuo Sato joins the previously announced Anime Expo 2012 line-up that includes composer Yuki Kajiura/”FictionJunction;” anime-inspired heavy metal band ANIMETAL USA; Culture Japan’s Danny Choo;  popular voice actors Jamie Marchi, Monica Rial and Steve Blum; Japanese pop star LiSA; Lolita fashion designer Cyril Lumboy; Lolita model Misako Aoki and the Gallery of Fantastic Art.

About Anime Expo

Now in its 21st year, Anime Expo is North America’s larges celebration of anime, manga and Japanese pop culture. Anime Expo gives fans the rare opportunity to meet and hear from some of the most famous anime, manga, musical, game, and fashion artitsts from Japan. AX 2012 will feature and exciting schedule of

exclusive screenings; artists’ panels; live concerts; cosplay; dance parties, karaoke, and video competitions; non-stop video gaming and unsurpassed shopping from more than 3,000 vendors. AX 2012 takes place June 29-July 2, 2012 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. To register or for more information, please visit www.anime-expo.org. Connect with Anime Expo on Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube.

About the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation

The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to popularize and educate the America public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its

entertainment property, Anime Expo®. For more information, please visit www.spja.org.

ANIME EXPO 2012 WELCOMES VOICE ACTRESS MONICA RIAL AS AN OFFICIAL GUEST OF HONOR

Source: Anime Expo Press Release

LOS ANGELES (May 21, 2012) – Anime Expo (AX), North America’s largest anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture celebration, today announced “Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt” voice actress Monica Rial as an Official Guest of Honor, when it returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 29 – July 2, 2012.   Rial, who is the voice of Stocking, will participate in a meet-and-greet, autograph signing and a focus panel with Jamie Marchi, the voice of Panty.

Monica Rial has been working in the anime voice over industry for over 13 years. She has lent her voice to over 250 anime including “Baccano!” (Chane), “Black Butler” (Mei Ren), “Black Cat” (Kyoko), “Negima” (Konoka/Kazumi/Satsuki), “Soul Eater” (Tsubaki), “Witchblade” (Maria), and many more. She can be heard on the Cartoon Network in “ShinChan” (Ai), “Fullmetal Alchemist” (Lyra/Dante), “Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood” (May Chang), “Case Closed” (Amy), and “Trinity Blood” (Vanessa). You can also catch her on Nicktoons and the CW as Bulma in “Dragonball Z Kai.“  Rial is also an ADR script adaptor and occasionally a director for Funimation Entertainment.

Monica Rial joins the previously announced Anime Expo 2012 line-up that includes composer Yuki Kajiura/"FictionJunction," anime-inspired heavy metal band ANIMETAL USA, Culture Japan’s Danny Choo, popular voice actors Jamie Marchi and Steve Blum, Japanese pop star LiSA, dolldelight designer Cyril Lumboy and the Gallery of Fantastic Art.

About Anime Expo

Now in its 21st year, Anime Expo is North America’s larges celebration of anime, manga and Japanese pop culture. Anime Expo gives fans the rare opportunity to meet and hear from some of the most famous anime, manga, musical, game, and fashion artitsts from Japan. AX 2012 will feature and exciting schedule of exclusive screenings; artists’ panels; live concerts; cosplay; dance parties, karaoke, and video competitions; non-stop video gaming and unsurpassed shopping from more than 3,000 vendors. AX 2012 takes place June 29-July 2, 2012 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. To register or for more information, please visit www.anime-expo.org. Connect with Anime Expo on Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube.

About the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation

The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to popularize and educate the America public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its entertainment property, Anime Expo®. For more information, please visit www.spja.org.

ACCLAIMED COMPOSER YUKI KAJIURA RETURNS TO ANIME EXPO FOR A LIVE CONCERT

Source:  Anime Expo Press Release

LOS ANGELES (May 18, 2012) – Anime Expo (AX), North America's largest anime, manga and Japanese pop culture celebration, will feature a live concert by acclaimed composer and producer Yuki Kajiura when it returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 29 – July 2, 2012.   Kajiura brings her unique fusion of Japanese and European styles to AX in “FictionJunction,” her music project featuring the composer on keyboards and a special vocalist.

The multi-talented Yuki Kajiura began her music career performing in the female trio See-Saw. She has gone on to establish herself as a solo musician, composing music for other artists as well as producing for TV, commercials, films, anime and games.  In 2002 she had a major hit with “Annaniisshodattanoni,” the ending theme song of TV anime “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED” and featuring See-Saw.  In 2004 she launched her “FictionJunction” project.  In 2007 she produced the music for “the garden of sinners” theatrical series, and since then she has produced the popular group “kalafina,” whose latest album “After Eden” reached No.3 in ORICON weekly chart. 

Kajiura has produced music for diverse areas of entertainment including the film “Achilles and the Tortoise” directed by Takeshi Kitano, the NHK historical documentary “Rekishi Hiwa Historia,” (soundtrack), and the soundtracks for TV anime “Puella Magi Madoka Magica”, “Fate/Zero”, and “Sword Art Online.”  Last year she released “FICTION II”, the sequel to her first solo album “FICTION.”  Kajiura previously wowed Anime Expo fans in 2003 when she performed songs from “FICTION.” The date and time of the “Yuki Kajiura/FictionJunction” concert will be announced shortly.

Yuki Kajiura/"FictionJunction" join the previously announced Anime Expo 2012 line-up that includes anime-inspired heavy metal band ANIMETAL USA, Culture Japan’s Danny Choo, popular voice actors Jamie Marchi and Steve Blum, Japanese pop star LiSA, dolldelight designer Cyril Lumboy and the Gallery of Fantastic Art.

About Anime Expo

Now in its 21st year, Anime Expo is North America's largest celebration of anime, manga and Japanese pop culture. Anime Expo gives fans the rare opportunity to meet and hear from some of the most famous anime, manga, musical, game and fashion artists from Japan. AX 2012 will feature an exciting schedule of exclusive screenings; artists' panels; live concerts; cosplay, dance parties, karaoke and video competitions; non-stop video gaming and unsurpassed shopping from more than 300 vendors. AX 2012 takes place June 29 – July 2, 2012 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. To register or for more information, please visit www.anime-expo.org. Connect with Anime Expo on Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube.

About the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation

The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to popularize and educate the American public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its entertainment property, Anime Expo®. For more information, please visit www.spja.org.

Voice Actor Steve Blum To Be Guest of Honor At Anime Expo

Source: Anime Expo News Release

Above, Steve Blum.  Photo courtesy Anime Expo.

LOS ANGELES (April 6, 2012) – Anime Expo, North America’s largest anime, manga and Japanese pop culture celebration, today announced popular voice actor Steve Blum as an Official Guest of Honor.  One of anime’s most prolific voice actors, Blum will participate in a meet-and-greet, autograph signing and focus panel at Anime Expo when it returns to the LA Convention Center from June 29 – July 2, 2012,

With literally hundreds of credits to his name, Steve Blum is well known as the voice of “Spike Spiegel” from “Cowboy Bebop,” “Wolverine” from several incarnations of X-Men (animated movies, games, the Wolverine and the X-Men TV Series, The Super Hero Squad Show and X-Men Anime) and “Orochimaru,” “Zabuza,” and others from “Naruto” -- to name a few.  His has also lent his distinctive deep voice to 7-11 television and radio ads, dozens of Digimon and a gigantic list of other characters from anime, video games, TV and film. Currently fans can catch him on the new super-charged CGI series “Transformers: Prime,” playing the sometimes delusional but always deadly Decepticon “Starscream”, as “Heatwave” on the brand new kid-friendly, “Tr ansformers: Rescue Bots!” and joining the cast of “Avatar: The Legend of Korra” as the evil “Amon.”

About Anime Expo

Now in its 21st year, Anime Expo is North America’s largest celebration of anime, manga and Japanese pop culture.  Anime Expo gives fans the rare opportunity to meet and hear from some of the most famous anime, manga, musical, game and fashion artists from Japan.  AX 2012 will feature an exciting schedule of exclusive screenings; artists’ panels; live concerts; cosplay, dance parties, karaoke and video competitions; non-stop video gaming and unsurpassed shopping from more than 300 vendors.  AX 2012 takes place June 29 – July 2, 2012 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.  To register or for more information, please visit www.anime-expo.org.  Con nect with Anime Expo on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

About the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation

The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to popularize and educate the American public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its entertainment property, Anime Expo®.   For more information, please visit www.spja.org.

LiSA To Perform At Anime Expo

Source: Anime Expo News Release

LOS ANGELES (April 2, 2012) – Anime Expo, North America’s largest anime, manga and Japanese pop culture celebration, will present the U.S. debut concert of Japanese recording artist LiSA, whose chart-topping single “Oath Sign” is the theme song for the wildly popular anime series Fate/Zero. In addition, LiSA will be a Guest of Honor participating in a meet-and-greet, autograph signings and focus panels at Anime Expo, when it returns to the LA Convention Center from June 29 – July 2, 2012.

LiSA burst onto the Japanese music scene with her role on the hit anime Angel Beats! as the singing voice for Yui, one of the vocalists in the in-show band “Girls Dead Monster.” Beyond being chosen as the theme song to Fate/Zero, her first single entered the Japanese Oricon weekly charts at #5, and went on to capture the #2 spot on the daily charts. In advance of her Anime Expo appearance, Aniplex of America will bring four of LISA’s releases to the US including her full-length album and Special Edition combos on Blu-Ray or DVD giving fans an exciting preview of this engaging singer.

“Anime Expo has a long history of introducing the hottest, new musical acts to North American audiences by presenting their debut performances on our stages,” said Marc Perez, CEO of the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, the non-profit that produces Anime Expo. “This tradition continues in 2012 with LiSA who promises to thrill the Anime Expo attendees.”

The date and time of the LiSA concert will be announced shortly. For more information, visit www.anime-expo.org.

About Anime Expo

Now in its 21st year, Anime Expo is North America’s largest celebration of anime, manga and Japanese pop culture. Anime Expo gives fans the rare opportunity to meet and hear from some of the most famous anime, manga, musical, game and fashion artists from Japan. AX 2012 will feature an exciting schedule of exclusive screenings; artists’ panels; live concerts; cosplay, dance parties, karaoke and video competitions; non-stop video gaming and unsurpassed shopping from more than 300 vendors. AX 2012 takes place June 29 – July 2, 2012 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. To register or for more information, please visit www.anime-expo.org. Connect with Anime Expo on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

About the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation

The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to popularize and educate the American public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its entertainment property, Anime Expo®. For more information, please visit www.spja.org.