Convention News (150)
Japan Expo USA 2013 Autograph Rules Key Points
Written by Theodore Mak
Japan Expo USA is just around the corner and the organizers have just released an update to their autograph policy. Japan Expo also has an exciting lineup of guests that fans are clamoring to get their autographs. It is refreshing to see many of the rules Japan Expo has implemented is intended to curve repeaters and to allow for as many different people to get autographs as possible each day. As to how smoothly this will be in practice remains to be seen, as this will depend on the number of first come first serve coupons available and the number of attendees trying to get autographs each day.
Unfortunately, we've seen our fair share of people missing out on autograph session due to a simple miscommunication or misinterpretation.
To help out, we've outlined the key points to the best of our understanding below.
As a longtime established brand amongst the international anime scene, Japan Expo is bringing their history of success to the United States for the first time this upcoming weekend (August 23- August 25) in Santa Clara, California. Featuring a star-studded Guest of Honor lineup, energy-pumping J-concerts, cosplay events, an extensive dealer's hall, featuring all of the latest goods straight from Japan, and a brilliant location right in the heart of the Silicon Valley, the event looks to be a serious new player in the American convention scene.
Porno Graffitti Press Panel Report @ Anime Expo 2013
Written by J. M. Alcala
Famous for their classic anime hits, including "Melissa" from Fullmetal Alchemist and "Hitori no Yoru" from GTO, Japanese rock band Porno Graffitti shined at Anime Expo 2013 leaving their mark on the raucous crowd with an ecstatic performance at their sold-out Nokia Live concert. Discover what the legendary duo, Akihito Okano and Haruichi Shindo, had to say when they invited members of the media to their press conference to celebrate the band's appearance in Los Angeles, sharing with them their musical inspirations, influences and their journey towards stardom.
Megumi Han Press Conference @ Anime Expo 2013 (Video)
Written by Jason Young
As one of the Guests of Honor at Anime Expo 2013, the illustrious voice actress Megumi Han left her adoring fans with what could only be described as a memorable experience. Having been featured in many awe-inspiring roles at such a young age, including Gon Freeces in Hunter x Hunter 2011 and the young teenage witch Akko in Little Witch Academia, Ms. Han has managed to build up quite a resume in a short amount of time. The daughter of fellow voice actress Keiko Han, Megumi Han's family has deep roots within the industry spanning across multiple generations of voice acting. Join us as she shares an honest and introspective look into her dreams, memories and career as a voice actress in Japan.
Relive the Magic of the Little Witch Academia Fan Event @ Anime Expo 2013
T-Ono Staff
For fans of Studio TRIGGER's Little Witch Academia, Anime Expo 2013 was something magical. From the guest appearance of Akko's famed voiced actress, Megumi Han, the announcement of the Little Witch Academia 2 Kickstarter campaign, and the presence of Akko and Shiny Chariot cosplayers casting their spells on other attendees, it was a wonderful time all around for fans of Yoh Yoshinari and Masahiko Otsuka's animated feature. On Day 3, fans were treated to a special Little Witch Academia Fan Event hosted by Acttil and Studio TRIGGER at the JW Marriott in Los Angeles.
from left to right: Risa, Yume, Mona, Rena, Rina
The-O Network's Jason Young and Salvador Mateos had a chance to meet the youthful DJ, dance and vocal all-female music act, Carat, at their press conference during Anime Expo 2013. Not only are the girls stunning, but their talents and vocals are just as amazing as exemplified during their Day One performance with Aya Ikeda. Starting with their debut single, "KOI Indirect," the girls have ascended quickly on Ameba blog rankings. The group celebrated their second single, "Shake It Up!" at their performance during Anime Expo and if it's an indication of what we can expect from them in the future, we'll be hearing from Carat again soon enough. Discover the group's career and honest, unique personalities through our press panel transcription.
Watch this year's Opening ceremonies included guest appearances like Alodia Gosiengfiao, Kaname, Megumi Han, Vic Mignogna, Kyle Hebert, Eric Vale, Kaya, Ram Rider, Aya Ikeda, Carat, Kazuhiro Furuhashi, George Wada, Masaaki Yuasa, Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, Kazuchika Kise, Pornograffitti, and more!
Danny Choo Press Conference Anime Expo 2013 (Video)
Written by Theodore Mak
Hear what anime personality and entrepreneur Danny Choo had to say at North America's largest anime convention. Learn more about his highly anticipated Smartdoll including an estimated release date!
Studio SHAFT Director Mitsutoshi Kubota Heads to Anime Expo
Written by Theodore Mak
New video streaming collaboration group, Daisuki.net will be bringing Company Director Mitsutoshi Kubota from the animation studio Shaft to Anime Expo for a special industry panel on July 4 at 6:15PM in room LP2. The panel will include a special screening of Nekomonogatari (Black) and a limited number of free t-shirts will be available.
Daisuki.net has also announced they will streaming a semi-simulcast of Monogatari Series Second Season for free.
Shaft has produced series such as Puella Magi Madoka Magica and Bakemonogatari.
Sakura-Con was an absolute blast! We got a ton of juicy answers about Sword Art Online and Accel World including some of the most asked fan questions directly from the author Reki Kawahara! We'll have updates from his panel, guest reception, and press conference.
We're also working on probably our most extensive video yet that features singers Eir Aoi and Luna Haruna! Video includes an exclusive backstage interview with both singers before their concert and fan reactions during their autograph session!
Dave and Cristina also made their debut as The-O Network's video hosts at Sakura-Con! Besides doing the bulk of the Eir Aoi and Luna Haruna interviews the pair were able to briefly interview several other guests including Studio Bones Founder Toshihiro Kawamoto, Madhouse Director Atsuko Ishizuka, and American voice actor Vic Mignogna! They also were able to talk to many attendees on film so look forward to them!
Although David and Cristina are both relatively new to hosting, they did a fantastic job! Look forward to future coverage videos with them along with AJ and myself (Theo)!
We got a ton of content coming out over the course of the next few days and next week, so please stay tuned and thank you for your patience!
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A user named “SeeU” at a South Korean community site, Ilbe.com, shared his first day experience at Comiket 82 (C82), the iconic Japanese doujinshi convention that took place early August this year. The photos in this article have been republished with his permission.
One of the highlights of Anime Expo this year was the US premiere of Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse. Since the first episode already aired in Japan, Anime Expo attendees also got to see the second episode. The screening was conducted by Kouki Yoshimune who is the creator of the series, and vocalists Minami Kuribayashi and Ayami.
Muv-Luv is a popular series in Japan that follows mankind's war against an alien invasion. Originally a visual novel game on the PC, there are literally hordes of Muv-Luv merchandise already in existence ranging from figurines to hug pillows. The series' dark theme, kickass giant robots, military premise, and a cast of voluptuous female pilots in skin tight suits gives it a winning combination and it's been highly unusual that it has taken this long for an anime adaptation to appear.
For those of you who haven't checked our gallery in a couple weeks, just click on the image above for some awesome cosplay photos from Yaoi-Con that was held late ast month at The San Francisco Airport Marriott hotel. Just because it's a convention that celebrates "male beauty & passion in anime & manga," doesn't mean there's any shortage of awesome cosplays!
Being an anime fan in the Bay Area of California is great for a lot of reasons, but one of the main pulls is the fact that we have so many outlets for Japanese pop culture. For example, this past August saw the latest iteration of the J-Pop Summit Festival, a fun street fair conglomeration of all things related to J-Pop. Since it was based in San Francisco's very own Japantown, traveling was easy and the setting was familiar to all attendees. Even if you're not big into J-Pop, the whole thing is like a miniature version of the Cherry Blossom Festival which means food stands and vendors in the street, plenty of cosplay, and an all around good time. If you weren't in Japantown in San Francisco on August 27th or 28th, sit tight and I'll fill you in on what you missed.