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AM2 Brings Sweet Treats to Attendees with Shan the Candy-Man

13 June, 2011   
Published by Christopher Robin in Conventions, News

The ancient folk art of candy sculpting, Amezaiku (sweet candy craft), is one of the most beautiful art forms that involves delectable edibles in which only a few master performers exist in the world. One of these masters is Shan Ichiyanagi aka the Rodin of Lollipop will be attending this summer¹s most anticipated animation, music and manga event¹s, AM2, Summer Festival to the delight of attendees.
More info can be found at www.am2con.org

With a large palette of boiling corn syrup and a variety of precision tools, Shan utilizes highly choreographed gestures and flourishes as he dips, molds, pinches and pulls at the jewel-toned ³goo² while it cools and hardens into astonishingly intricate sculptures of fantastic animals and objects that are worthy of almost any mantel. While he has sculpted well over 100 different objects, Shan can sculpt any object his audience can think of. A unique and appealing candy sculpture can be magically made in less than 5 minutes as you watch with fascination!

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ANIME EXPO 2011 ANNOUNCES VOICE ACTORS TOSHIYUKI MORIKAWA AND TALIESIN JAFFE AS GUESTS OF HONOR

11 June, 2011   
Published by Reilly Mcginley in Anime, Conventions, News

Anime Expo, North America’s largest anime and manga celebration, has announced voice actors Toshiyuki Morikawa and Taliesin Jaffe at its latest Guests of Honor, when it returns to the LA Convention Center from July 1 – 4, 2011.  Fans will have an opportunity to see and hear from both of these prolific artists during a meet-and-greet, autograph signing and focus panel.  In addition, half-time at the Masquerade competition will feature Mr. Morikawa in a live voice-over demonstration.

During his career as a voice actor, Toshiyuki Morikawa has lent his talents to a long list of popular anime series and video games.  He has also been the Japanese voice of some of Hollywood’s biggest stars including Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Keanu Reeves and Adam Sandler in feature films and most recently as Will Schuester from the popular TV show “Glee.”

Morikawa’s credits include roles in highly recognizable anime series including “After War Gundam X,” “Berserk,” “Black Lagoon,” “Bleach,” “Digimon Adventure 02,” “Last Exile,” “Naruto,” “Pokemon, “Star Wars: Clone Wars,” “ Yu-Gi-Yo!,” “X-MEN,” “One Piece,” “Super Robot Wars” and many, many  more.  He has also been featured in the world of electronic entertainment with roles such as the infamous Sephiroth of the “Final Fantasy”  video game franchise and Heishiro Mitsurugi in the “Soulcalibur” franchise.  In 2011, Mr. Morikawa expanded his involvement in the business founding the voice actor company Axlone.

Taliesin Jaffe started his career as a child actor appearing in films such as “Mr. Mom,” “2010” and “Explorers,” and television shows such as “She’s the Sheriff,” “Amazing Stories” and “The Facts of Life.”   After a brief adventure living in Japan, he began working in the world of anime and video games.   As a voice actor, Mr. Jaffe has portrayed characters such as Blanka and Adon (“Street Fighter IV”), Darion Mograine, Admiral Ripsnarl and the Devourer of Souls (“World of Warcraft”), Edge (“Final Fantasy IV”), The Flash (“Mortal Kombat vs. DC”), Takeya (“DearS”), Joe (“Speed Grapher”), Hatomura (“Paranoia Agent”), Hanasho (“Girls Bravo”), Kenkichi (“Kamichu!”), and Rufus (“Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria”) to name a few. 

He is also known as a director and script adaptor and has been involved with the production of shows such as “Hellsing,” “ROD the TV,” “Hellgirl,” “The End of Evangelion,” and “Monster.” He has directed the English voice over for many games including the “Street Fighter IV” series, “Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes,” and “Marvel vs. Capcom 3.” Taliesin has won numerous awards for his efforts, and is currently working on no less then three secret projects about which he may not utter the slightest word.

In addition to these new guests, the roster of Anime Expo 2011 Guests of Honor includes Japanese pop trio Kalafina; singing sensation Maon Kurosaki; Japanese TV Host and blogger Danny Choo; voice actress and singer Miyuki Sawashiro; voice actors Vic Mignogna; electronic dance act Nirgilis; anime director Seiji Mizushima; video game developer Sohei Niikawa; Crypton Future Media CEO Hiroyuki Itoh and Producer Wataru Sasaki; Vocaloid songwriter Onyx Kobayashi and manga artists Izumi Matsumoto and Fred Gallagher. Anime Expo has also announced Hatsune Miku as its first ever Virtual Guest of Honor.  Themed the “Year of the Fan,” Anime Expo 2011 will fully immerse guests into the world of Japanese animation, manga (comic books), music and fashion. Anime Expo is a non-stop marathon of Japanese pop culture that’s been likened to Halloween in July.

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AM2 ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE ³SNEAK PEEK² OF HIGHLY ANTICIPATED COMPUTER-ANIMATED LIVE ACTION FANTASY FILM BUNRAKU

11 June, 2011   
Published by Reilly Mcginley in Anime, Conventions

Written and Directed by Guy Moshe and stars Josh Hartnett, Demi Moore, Woody Harrelson, Ron Perlman and Gackt! Limited Seats with Priority Seating for Passport Holders! Get your Passports Today and Experience the Difference!

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (June 10, 2011) ¬ This summer¹s most anticipated anime, manga and music convention this coming 4th of July weekend, AM2, announces a one time EXCLUSIVE ³Passport-only² screening of the martial-arts action fantasy film BUNRAKU starring Josh Hartnett (SIN CITY, LOST IN TRANSLATION, BLACK HAWK DOWN), Demi Moore (CHARLIE¹S ANGEL: FULL THROTTLE, AUSTIN POWERS IN GOLDMEMBER, GHOST), Woody Harrelson (ZOMBIELAND, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, CHEERS), Ron Perlman (SCORPION KING: BOOK OF THE DEAD, HELLBOY II: THE GOLDEN ARMY, HELLBOY) and international Japanese rock-star Gackt! More info can be found at www.am2con.org

Based on a 400-year-old form of Japanese puppet theatre, BUNRAKU, is a classic tale re-imagined into an entirely fresh visual context, set in a unique world that mixes skewed reality with shadow-play fantasy. Set in a unique world that mixes skewed reality with shadow-play fantasy, a place where even the landscape can betray you. Heroes triumph here only because the force of their will transforms and transcends both space and time. The world of BUNRAKU is past and present, fantasy and reality, Samurai and Western all combined. Like SIN CITY and 300, it gives classic conflict a whole new graphically supercharged dynamic. Resonating through a wide range of cultures and showcasing a mind-blowing array of martial arts disciplines, BUNRAKU is a fresh arena for breathtaking fight action.

³We are honored to have the exclusive screening of this highly anticipated film², states Chase Wang AM2 representative, ³the story line is amazing, the visual effects are stunning and the talent is impeccable! BUNRAKU is definitely a ³must see²! Get your Passports today and experience the difference!²
* ³Wildly ambitious and visually inventiveŠan eye-popping alternate world.
This is a gorgeous film to look at, every corner of every frame filled with something to look at or someone doing something incredible.² ¬Twitch
* ³It looks amazing, the universe [Guy Moshe] has created utterly original and unique. From a technical standpoint, it¹s little short of a masterpiece, a feast for the eyes throughout. Striking visuals and stunning action.² ¬ Chris Tilly, IGN (UK)
* ³Intriguing in its design and eye-popping with its fight choreographyŠHong Kong martial arts by way of spaghetti westerns, video games and samurai films.² ¬ The Hollywood Reporter Screening Date: Sunday; July 3, 2011 Screening Time: 3:00 pm Screening Location: Video Room 1

Synopsis:
A mysterious drifter (Josh Hartnett) and an ardent young Japanese warrior Yoshi (Gackt) both arrive in a town that has been terrorized by outrageous and virulent criminals. Each is obsessed with his separate mission, and guided by the wisdom of The Bartender (Woody Harrelson) at the Horseless Horseman Saloon, the two eventually join forces to bring down the corrupt and contemptuous reign of Nicola (Ron Perlman), the awesomely evil ³woodcutter² and his lady Alexandra (Demi Moore), a femme fatale with a secret past.

Entrance to the event is free, but attendees can avoid the anticipated huge lines at autographs, premiere screenings, workshops, main events, concerts and panels by obtaining a Passport fast pass for the event. The Passport fast pass will also provide holders with premier seating options at Main Events and at Concert events as well as major discounts with theme parks, retailers and local restaurants. Bypass the lines and get your Passport today and experience the difference!

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San Japan Announces Additional Guests For August 2011 Convention

10 June, 2011   
Published by Christopher Robin in Conventions

San Japan, San Antonio’s major Japanese Culture and Anime Convention, has announced that voice actors Caitlin Glass and Bryan Massey will be making an appearance at San Japan for the first time. San Japan also welcomes back Carli Mosier for the upcoming convention happening on August 5th-7th, 2011.

Caitlin Tiffany Glass is an American voice actress and ADR director. While still a college student, Caitlin was hired by FUNimation while on a tour of the studio. Her first roles were bit parts on “Case Closed” until she landed the role of Hiyono in “Spiral”. She then went on to voice Triela in “Gunslinger Girl”, and Takane in “Burst Angel”

Her most notable role to date is as Winry Rockbell in the English language release of the anime Fullmetal Alchemist. In 2006, Caitlin began her first major directing project, Suzuka. Caitlin is one of a select few directors working on FUNimation’s dub of One Piece. She also was the ADR director for Ouran High School Host Club as well as taking on the role of Haruhi Fujioka.

Bryan Massey was born in Pontiac, Michigan but moved to Dallas, Texas. He went on to sign with a local agent and due to his unique gruff voice, Bryan was able to participate in his love of cartoons by doing voice over work for many anime shows and video games. Bryan has booked several commercials and acted in many short films and independents. Bryan has also been able to go onto more prolific roles including playing Detective Brinkley, a cop in hot pursuit of Diane Keaton and Ted Danson in “Mad Money”, as Skeeter, an oil man friend to Josh Brolin’s portrayal of George W. Bush in Oliver Stones critically acclaimed “W” and can also be seen this February 2011 as Officer Lerma in the 3D thriller “Drive Angry” with Nicolas Cage and Amber Heard. Some of Bryan’s well-known anime roles include Ladd Russo in Baccano!, Oolang in Dragon Ball Kai, Takuro in Linebarrels of Iron, Monkey D. Dragon in One Piece, Tenshiro in Rideback and Willie in To.

Carli Mosier, in 2004, after years in the theatre she began working at ADV Films and quickly appeared in Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok, as Tsubasa Maijima, and Godannar, as Kei. She has also been cast in the ADV titles UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie as Princess Pharm, Moeyo Ken TV as Sayoko Yamazaki, as Febronia and various voices in Xenosaga: The Animation among others. Carli is probably best known for her performance as the sexy Detective Yukika in Nerima Daikon Brothers. You can also see her as the proper—and quite often chaotic—Student Council President Yuri Kurosu in Magikano.

You’ll be able to see Carli as Rina, the Green Pearl Princess, in Mermaid Melody: Pichi Pichi Pitch, recorded at Amusement Park Media. Carli has been honored to be a part of the Voices For organization, singing on the album Voices for Tolerance. She’s excited and proud to have also begun working for Funimation. You can hear her in Evangelion, as a closing credits singer for One Piece and as an episodic character in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and there are several more exciting projects in the works! Most recently Carli voiced Daisy (the Female Spartan) in the Homecoming episode of Halo: Legends and hasn’t quit geeking out about it since!

These guests will be appearing along with previously announced voice actor guests J. Michael Tatum, Christopher Ayres, Clarine Harp, Josh Grelle, Brad Swaile and Japanese Guest Of Honor Shinichi “Nabeshin” Watanabe. San Japan will be happening on the weekend of August 5th-7th, 2011 in the middle of the famous Riverwalk located at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter Hotel, adjacent to the Rivercenter Mall. Pre-Registration for the upcoming convention is currently at a discount rate of $40 for a discount 3-day weekend pass. Hotel rooms are available at the Marriott Rivercenter Hotel for a special convention rate of $126 per night.

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Anime Expo 2011 Announces Anime Director Seiji Mizushima as Guest of Honor

10 June, 2011   
Published by Christopher Robin in Conventions, News

Anime Expo, North America’s largest anime and manga celebration, has announced anime director Seiji Mizushima at its latest Guest of Honor, when it returns to the LA Convention Center from July 1 – 4, 2011. Fans will have an opportunity to see and hear from Mr. Mizushima during a meet-and-greet, autograph signing and focus panel.

Seiji Mizushima began his directorial career with the “Generator Gawl” series, which debuted in 1998. Since then he has gone on to direct hit anime series and movies including “Fullmetal Alchemist,” “Fullmetal Alchemist: The Movie – Conqueror of Shamballa,” “Shaman King,” and “Slayers Next.” In 2010 he directed the first all-new Gundam movie in 19 years, “Mobile Suit Gundam 00 the Movie: A Wakening of the Trailblazer,” a sequel to the successful “Gundam 00″ TV series, which will be released by Bandai Entertainment this summer.

In addition to Mr. Mizushima, the roster of Anime Expo 2011 Guests of Honor includes Japanese pop trio Kalafina; singing sensation Maon Kurosaki; Japanese TV Host and blogger Danny Choo; voice actress and singer Miyuki Sawashiro; voice actors Vic Mignogna, video game developer Sohei Niikawa; Crypton Future Media CEO Hiroyuki Itoh and Producer Wataru Sasaki; Vocaloid songwriter Onyx Kobayashi and manga artists Izumi Matsumoto and Fred Gallagher. Anime Expo has also announced Hatsune Miku as its first ever Virtual Guest of Honor. Themed the “Year of the Fan,” Anime Expo 2011 will fully immerse guests into the world of Japanese animation, manga (comic books), music and fashion. Anime Expo is a non-stop marathon of Japanese pop culture that’s been likened to Halloween in July.

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AM2 Announces Additional Live Action Screenings

2 June, 2011   
Published by Christopher Robin in Conventions, News

Touching stories of hope, adventure and imagination comes to this Summer¹s most anticipated animation, music and manga event AM2 (July 1-3, 2011; Anaheim Convention Center) with some of the most anticipated live action films from Japan including SHODO GIRLS, THE WORLD¹S MOST BEAUTIFUL DICTIONARY (SUMMER BOOKMOBILE) and THE BILLION YEN JACKPOT! 

AM2 will have something for everyone², states Chase Wang AM2 representative, ³These additions to the film festival will captivate the hearts of those that come and watch them.²

 Synopsis for SHODO GIRLS

There is a rural town which lies in the area of the Japanese symbolical mountain ­ Mount Fuji. It is there, where an American English teacher landed.  She got interested in Japanese culture, and in particularly Shodo. Because of these, she found a job in Japan. However, when she arrived in the town, she saw big buildings, which are almost the same as the ones in the U.S. What’s more, the local students show no interest in Japanese cultures. Japanese children can do exactly whatever they were told to do, but they lack the ability to form their own opinion. In Japan, there are beautiful traditional cultures such as Shodo and Sado, but at same time the country is also one of the biggest industrial countries which produce cars and cameras, etc. However, when the two aspects of the country fail to connect, what kind of country does that make of Japan.  The high school girls decided to participate The Demonstration Event. The importance of calligraphy is ³to learn how to express oneself², which is also the most difficult skill that Japanese people are now facing. Through calligraphy, the students developed their friendship and learnt how to deal with relationships with others. On the day of the calligraphy contest, 1000 people came to watch the contest.The girls expressed their all their feelings on a huge piece of paper through calligraphy.

 Synopsis for THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL DICTIONARY/SUMMER BOOKMOBILE

 One summer day, a boy who has never seen the ocean comes across a bookmobile operated by a young, aspiring picture book writer. The boy discovers a letter, tucked in a book, written by a girl who lives by the ocean. He decides to go and save the girl, but can¹t find the courage to go through the dark tunnel that leads to the ocean. This is the story of ³absurdity experience² and ³curiosity and fear for the a border violation² in one’s childhood.

 Synopsis for THE BILLION YEN JACKPOT

Japanese celebrity, Terry Itoh finally advances into the film world, making his director debut with one large project; earning an income of one billion yen in the character making business. This movie, which demonstrates how anyone has the chance to become rich quickly, will also show the Japanese society to dream bigger and to never give up on what they wish for.

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Voice Actress And Singer Miyuki Sawashiro Joins Guest Of Honor Line-Up At Anime Expo 2011

1 June, 2011   
Published by Christopher Robin in Conventions, News

Anime Expo, North America’s largest anime and manga celebration, has announced voice actress and singer Miyuki Sawashiro as its newest Guest of Honor when it returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from July 1 – 4, 2011. Sawashiro will participate in autograph sessions, an attendee panel and a fan meet-and-greet.

 Sawashiro’s voice is recognizable to fans from such popular anime series as “Beelzebub,” “Angel Beats!,” “Durarara!!,” “PERSONA -trinity soul-,” and “Arakawa Under the Bridge,” in which she portrays the character Maria and also performs the theme song. In honor of Sawashiro’s appearance, Anime Expo will present a special screening of “Arakawa Under the Bridge.”

 Over the last 10 years, Sawashiro has provided voice-over in more than 120 anime titles.  She has also lent her talent to many video games and Drama CDs.  Notably, she voiced Puchiko in the English dubbed releases of “Di Gi Charat – A Trip to the Planet” and “Leave it to Piyoko!” making her one of the few Japanese voice actors to have reprised a role in English in addition to the original Japanese performance. 

 Sawashiro joins the line-up of Anime Expo 2011 Guests of Honor that includes chart-topping Japanese pop trio Kalafina, Japanese TV Host and blogger Danny Choo, voice actor Vic Mignogna and video game developer Sohei Niikawa, as well as Anime Expo’s first ever Virtual Guest of Honor, Digital Pop Idol Hatsune Miku.  Themed the “Year of the Fan,” Anime Expo 2011 will fully immerse guests into the world of Japanese animation, manga (comic books), music and fashion. Anime Expo is a non-stop marathon of Japanese pop culture that’s been likened to Halloween in July.

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AM2 Unveils the Official 3 Day Passport Outside and Inside Covers

31 May, 2011   
Published by Christopher Robin in Conventions, News

This summer¹s most anticipated  animation, music and manga event¹s, AM2, proudly unveils the cover and  inside cover images of the official AM2 Passport-the interactive tool   that will provide bearers to have premier ³ahead of the line² access  for events including concerts, panels, workshops, autograph sessions, ³Passport Only² including Guest of Honor Meet and Greets, Private  Screenings of special exclusive anime titles, premier seats at concert events to be up front and personal with performers and major discounts including Disneyland, Knott¹s Berry Farm, Best Buy, Macys, Medieval Times and many other local theme parks, retailers and restaurants.  More info can be found at www.am2con.org

With features that include an area for users to take a Purikura machine image to include as their official Passport photo, maps and information. The AM2 Passport will also include areas for autographs and official  stamps for users to collect throughout the convention in order to  ³collect² them all for amazing prizes at the end of the convention.  

AM2 Passport holders will also enjoy ³at-con² benefits, some including:

 €    One hour advanced entry into the Exhibit Hall

 €    Premier entrance/seating in all main events (first come first serve basis)

 €    Premier/fast-line for autograph lines, panels and workshops

 €    Special entry to private parties with select Guests of Honors

(preference provided to 3 day Passport holders)

€    Discount Admission to the AniMaid Café

€    And More!

Some benefits found with local businesses include:

€    40% off Admission at Disneyland

€    20% off Disney Merchandise ($100 purchase or more) at most stores in  theme park and Downtown Disney

€    Discounted admission for Knott¹s Berry Farm

€    Discounted admission for Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament

€    10% off any regularly priced item and 15% off all accessories at Best Buy

€    10% off of purchases at Macy¹s

€    20% off of food at California Pizza Kitchen

€    20% off of food at House of Blues Anaheim

 €    10% off of food at IHOP

 €    20% off of food at McCormick & Schmick¹s Grille

 €    and more!

A full list of discounts and benefits can be found online at: www.am2con.org/attendee-registration/passport-benefits

³AM2 will be the place to be this summer², states Chase Wang AM2 representative, ³With a huge line up of amazing guests, concerts, premieres, activities and more Š Attendees will have a blast as the Passport pays for itself with the amazing discounts the holder is able to obtain.  Just the discount received from a regular admission ticket into Disneyland makes up for the $45 Passport cost.  Get your Passports today and experience the difference!²

Attendees can avoid the anticipated huge lines at autographs, premiere screenings, workshops, main events, concerts and panels by purchasing a Passport fast pass for the event.  The Passport fast pass will also provide holders with premier seating options at Main Events and at Concert events as well as major discounts with theme parks (i.e. Disneyland, Knott¹s Berry Farm, etc.), retailers (i.e. Best Buy, Macys, etc.) and local restaurants (i.e. IHOP, Tony Roma¹s, California Pizza Kitchen, etc.).  Bypass the lines and get your Passport today and experience the difference!  Passports can be purchased at www.am2con.org

Current Guests of Honors include Akihiko Yamashita, Miho Shimagosa, Scandal, Sadie, Kanon Wakeshima, kanon x kanon, heidi., Gashicon, IBI and MINT with more to be announced soon!

AM2 current activities include Exhibit Hall, AMV¹s, Arcade, Summer Festival, World Cosplay Summit, Behind the Voice Actors Studio, Rum Party Pirates, Masquerade, Cosplay Chess, Dances, Fashion Shows, Table Top, Console Gaming, AniMaid Café, AniMaid Café Host Club, Workshops, Panels, Concerts and more!

Partnerships include Ani.ME. and Cure Magazine

Prize sponsors include Atlas Games, Cosplay Wigs USA, FUNimation, Gaia Online and TokyoPop.

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Anime Expo Welcomes Leading Video Game Developer Sohei Niikawa, President Of Nippon Ichi Software, As Guest Of Honor

22 May, 2011   
Published by Christopher Robin in Anime, Conventions, Manga, News, Video Games

Anime Expo, North America’s largest anime and manga celebration, announces video game producer and developer Sohei Niikawa, President of Nippon Ichi Software (NIS), as its newest Guest of Honor when it returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from July 1 – 4, 2011.  Carrying on Anime Expo’s tradition of connecting fans with leaders from the anime, manga and gaming industries, Mr. Niikawa will participate in attendee panels, meet-and-greet and autograph sessions.  

As a scenario writer and producer, Niikawa is the creative force behind such popular NIS games as the “Disgaea” series, the “Prinny” series, “Phantom Brave, Z.H.P.: Unlosing Ranger VS Darkdeath Evilman,” and more. Founded in 1991 in Japan, NIS has established a worldwide following for its role-playing games created for multiple console platforms.  In many of its titles, characters from one series will appear as secret characters in other series creating innovative connections between the games. The games produced by Mr. Niikawa have been localized and published by NIS America, and are popular among hardcore, niche gameplay fans nationwide. His newest entry, “Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten” for the PlayStation® 3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system, will be available this August.

”I’d like to sincerely thank you for inviting me as a guest for Anime Expo 2011,” says Mr. Nikkawa of his upcoming appearance. “I’ve never been more honored than to be invited to such a large worldwide anime and game congregation such as Anime Expo. I plan to share some great news about Nippon Ichi Software, Inc., in regards to not only our games, but also on our focus to provide entertainment for everyone worldwide. I am extremely excited to have the chance to meet everyone in the near future.”

 Sohei Niikawa joins the line-up of Anime Expo 2011 Guests of Honor that includes chart-topping  Japanese pop trio Kalafina, Japanese TV Host and blogger Danny Choo and voice actor Vic Mignogna as well as Anime Expo’s first ever Virtual Guest of Honor, Digital Pop Idol Hatsune Miku.  Themed the “Year of the Fan,” Anime Expo 2011 will fully immerse guests into the world of Japanese animation, manga (comic books), music and fashion. Anime Expo is a non-stop marathon of Japanese pop culture that’s been likened to Halloween in July.

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Japan’s Virtual Pop Star Hatsune Miku To Make U.S. Concert Debut At Anime Expo 2011

22 May, 2011   
Published by Christopher Robin in Anime, Conventions, Manga

Hatsune Miku, a Japanese virtual pop idol whose computer-generated singing and holographic performances have sparked a new form of musical entertainment, will thrill U.S. audiences for the first time when she performs live in concert at Anime Expo, North America’s largest anime and manga celebration in Los Angeles from July 1 – 4, 2011. In addition to her live concert, Hatsune Miku will be Anime Expo’s first Virtual Guest of Honor.

A digital diva famous worldwide for her ankle-length aqua-colored pigtails and distinctive voice, Hatsune Miku will light up the stage at Nokia Theatre on July 2nd in her U.S. live concert debut presented by The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, Crypton Future Media, Inc., SEGA Corporation, Tokyo Kawaii Magazine (ASCII Media Works) and Toyota Motor Sales, USA.

Created by Crypton Future Media, Inc. in 2007, Hatsune Miku’s voice is synthesized using Yamaha’s Vocaloid software application, to produce a fully synthetic voice with unprecedented quality and remarkable realism by typing in lyrics and setting a melody. To date, her voice has been featured in more than 100,000 songs and videos created and shared by fans worldwide. She has been sampled in CDs, DVDs, games, novels, and figures and her sell-out, computer-graphic-driven live performances have become legendary. Attesting to her unique star power, Toyota selected Hatsune Miku to star in a U.S. ad campaign for the 2011 Corolla – which has been named the Official Car of her July 2 concert at Anime Expo.

“Fans in North America have been clamoring for Miku to perform here and we have listened,” said Marc Perez, Chairman and CEO of the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, the non-profit that produces Anime Expo. “We’re extremely excited to be able to present this 21st Century star at Anime Expo in what promises to be an unforgettable experience for all.”

The Anime Expo concert will be based on “39‘s Giving Day,” the first-ever solo concert by Hatsune Miku held in Japan on March 9, 2010, which was heralded by media worldwide. Visuals for the July 2 concert are created by SEGA with Crypton Future Media supervising overall production.

Hatsune Miku will be Anime Expo’s first Virtual Guest of Honor and will join the line-up of Anime Expo 2011 Guests of Honor that includes the chart-topping Japanese pop trio Kalafina, Japanese TV Host and blogger Danny Choo and voice actor Vic Mignogna. Themed the “Year of the Fan,” Anime Expo 2011 will fully immerse guests into the world of Japanese animation, manga (comic books), music, fashion and games. Anime Expo is a non-stop marathon of Japanese pop culture that’s been likened to Halloween in July.

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