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
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
GUESTS OF HONOR
LiSA
Bursting 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.
Bursting 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.
Steve Blum
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.
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.
Jamie Marchi
Raised on a steady diet of Bob Saget, Anton Chekhov, Journey and Mentos, Jamie Marchi has been making fresh and acting professionally for a number of years, which, in the interest of national security, shall not be disclosed at this time. What shall be disclosed is she is not only the lead writer for the script adaptation of Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt, but also the voice of Panty!
Raised on a steady diet of Bob Saget, Anton Chekhov, Journey and Mentos, Jamie Marchi has been making fresh and acting professionally for a number of years, which, in the interest of national security, shall not be disclosed at this time. What shall be disclosed is she is not only the lead writer for the script adaptation of Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt, but also the voice of Panty!
Danny Choo - Master of Ceremonies
Danny Choo resides in Tokyo and runs a media production company where he produces a brand called Culture Japan which is made up of a web portal, TV show and products that focus on disseminating information on Japanese culture to the world.
Danny Choo resides in Tokyo and runs a media production company where he produces a brand called Culture Japan which is made up of a web portal, TV show and products that focus on disseminating information on Japanese culture to the world.
ANIMETAL USA
ANIMETAL USA’s self-titled, October 12, 2011 debut album has been gold-certified in Japan and has hit the #1 spot on Amazon’s Hard Rock Heavy Metal chart and #2 on Amazon’s Anime chart in Japan. The band’s sophomore album entitled “W,” set to release in the U.S. in June 2012, includes “Give Lee Give Lee Rock Lee,” the opening theme song of the global anime marvel “NARUTO” spin off series, “NARUTO-SD-Rock Lee No Seisyun Full Power Ninden.”
ANIMETAL USA’s self-titled, October 12, 2011 debut album has been gold-certified in Japan and has hit the #1 spot on Amazon’s Hard Rock Heavy Metal chart and #2 on Amazon’s Anime chart in Japan. The band’s sophomore album entitled “W,” set to release in the U.S. in June 2012, includes “Give Lee Give Lee Rock Lee,” the opening theme song of the global anime marvel “NARUTO” spin off series, “NARUTO-SD-Rock Lee No Seisyun Full Power Ninden.”
Cyril Lumboy
Working out of her home city of Manila, the Phillipines-born Cyril Lumboy developed her custom line, inspired by Harajuku street fashion, drawing from a broad range of Lolita subsets. She launched dolldesign four years ago creating headpieces and quickly expanded the brand to include a line of custom dresses. Now U.S.-based, she has received accolades for her progressive work that incorporate Sweet, Gothic, Punk and other aesthetics.
Working out of her home city of Manila, the Phillipines-born Cyril Lumboy developed her custom line, inspired by Harajuku street fashion, drawing from a broad range of Lolita subsets. She launched dolldesign four years ago creating headpieces and quickly expanded the brand to include a line of custom dresses. Now U.S.-based, she has received accolades for her progressive work that incorporate Sweet, Gothic, Punk and other aesthetics.
Yuki Kajiura / FictionJunction
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.
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.
GoFa
Anime Expo (AX), North America’s largest anime, manga and Japanese pop culture celebration, will feature a major exhibition by the Gallery of Fantastic Art (GoFa) when it returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 29 – July 2, 2012. Tokyo-based GoFa, which represents some of Japan’s most popular anime, manga and science fiction artists, will focus the show on the works of three acclaimed artists: Kei Toume, Murata Range and Izumi Matsumoto.
Kei Toume is an award-winning manga artist best known for her series “Lament of the Lamb” and “Kurogane.” Toume is a contributor to many fanzines and specialized magazines and is also active in video games and films.
Murata Range is an artist and designer recognized for his unique style combining Art Deco and Japanese anime elements. He is best known for his conceptual design work on anime series “Last Exile” and “Blue Submarine No. 6.”
Manga artist Izumi Matsumoto is best known for his masterpiece “Kimagure Orange Road,” published in the magazine “Weekly Shonen Jump. “ His other works include “Milk report,” “Sesame Street,” and “Black Moon.” Fans of Matsumoto will have the rare opportunity to purchase eight original works by the artist that will be on display at AX.
In conjunction with the exhibition, GoFa will also present a special panel, promoting their new animated short, “Yuki Usagi“, based on Kei Toume’s artwork. The director will also be participating in autograph sessions hosted by GoFa. Those who come to the panel will have a chance to receive special gifts.
Anime Expo (AX), North America’s largest anime, manga and Japanese pop culture celebration, will feature a major exhibition by the Gallery of Fantastic Art (GoFa) when it returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 29 – July 2, 2012. Tokyo-based GoFa, which represents some of Japan’s most popular anime, manga and science fiction artists, will focus the show on the works of three acclaimed artists: Kei Toume, Murata Range and Izumi Matsumoto.
Kei Toume is an award-winning manga artist best known for her series “Lament of the Lamb” and “Kurogane.” Toume is a contributor to many fanzines and specialized magazines and is also active in video games and films.
Murata Range is an artist and designer recognized for his unique style combining Art Deco and Japanese anime elements. He is best known for his conceptual design work on anime series “Last Exile” and “Blue Submarine No. 6.”
Manga artist Izumi Matsumoto is best known for his masterpiece “Kimagure Orange Road,” published in the magazine “Weekly Shonen Jump. “ His other works include “Milk report,” “Sesame Street,” and “Black Moon.” Fans of Matsumoto will have the rare opportunity to purchase eight original works by the artist that will be on display at AX.
In conjunction with the exhibition, GoFa will also present a special panel, promoting their new animated short, “Yuki Usagi“, based on Kei Toume’s artwork. The director will also be participating in autograph sessions hosted by GoFa. Those who come to the panel will have a chance to receive special gifts.
Monica Rial
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 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.
Misako Aoki
As a top model for BABY, The Stars Shine Bright, Putumayo, Algonquins and other well-known Japanese gothic and Lolita fashion brands, Aoki has graced the pages of the leading Harajuku magazine, “KERA.” In her role as an Ambassador of Cute, she has traveled the world to help increase appreciation of Japanese fashion and pop culture. While very active in the Japanese fashion scene, Aoki works to advance social welfare in her primary job as a registered nurse.
As a top model for BABY, The Stars Shine Bright, Putumayo, Algonquins and other well-known Japanese gothic and Lolita fashion brands, Aoki has graced the pages of the leading Harajuku magazine, “KERA.” In her role as an Ambassador of Cute, she has traveled the world to help increase appreciation of Japanese fashion and pop culture. While very active in the Japanese fashion scene, Aoki works to advance social welfare in her primary job as a registered nurse.
Jessica Nigri
Jessica Nigiri began channeling her love of gaming, anime, manga, science fiction and movies into cosplaying in 2009. Since then, she has quickly become a favorite on the cosplay scene with more than 114,000 followers on Facebook. Her popularity has grown even more through her series of cosplay posters and through her appearances in conjunction with the videogame Lollipop Chainsaw. Nigri, who grew up in New Zealand, now makes her home in Arizona where she is a member of the Arizona Avengers, a non-profit costuming group that helps kids connect through comics.
Jessica Nigiri began channeling her love of gaming, anime, manga, science fiction and movies into cosplaying in 2009. Since then, she has quickly become a favorite on the cosplay scene with more than 114,000 followers on Facebook. Her popularity has grown even more through her series of cosplay posters and through her appearances in conjunction with the videogame Lollipop Chainsaw. Nigri, who grew up in New Zealand, now makes her home in Arizona where she is a member of the Arizona Avengers, a non-profit costuming group that helps kids connect through comics.
Tatsuo Sato
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 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.
Nobuhiko Okamoto
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.
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.
Ryo Horikawa
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.
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.
Rikiya Koyama
As a voice actor, Koyama has played numerous 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” just to name a few. Most recently, he plays Kiritsugu Emiya in the hit anime series “Fate/Zero.” Koyama will team with creative staff, Director Ei Aoki, Producers Hikaru Kondo and Atsuhiro Iwakam to share behind-the-scenes stories of the making of “Fate/Zero” with fans at Anime Expo. As an Official Guest of Honor, he will participate in a meet-and-greet, autograph signing and focus panel.
As a voice actor, Koyama has played numerous 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” just to name a few. Most recently, he plays Kiritsugu Emiya in the hit anime series “Fate/Zero.” Koyama will team with creative staff, Director Ei Aoki, Producers Hikaru Kondo and Atsuhiro Iwakam to share behind-the-scenes stories of the making of “Fate/Zero” with fans at Anime Expo. As an Official Guest of Honor, he will participate in a meet-and-greet, autograph signing and focus panel.
Hikaru Kondo
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.
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
Ei Aoki made his debut as an episodic director for “Please Teacher!” the TV Series in 2002. 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. Aoki will team up at Anime Expo with “Fate/Zero” creative members, Producers Hikaru Kondo and Atsuhiro Iwakami and voice actor Rikiya Koyama to give fans an insider’s look at the popular series. As an Official Guest of Honor, he will participate in a meet-and-greet, autograph signing and focus panel
Ei Aoki made his debut as an episodic director for “Please Teacher!” the TV Series in 2002. 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. Aoki will team up at Anime Expo with “Fate/Zero” creative members, Producers Hikaru Kondo and Atsuhiro Iwakami and voice actor Rikiya Koyama to give fans an insider’s look at the popular series. As an Official Guest of Honor, he will participate in a meet-and-greet, autograph signing and focus panel
Madhouse Creative Team
Morio Asaka joined Madhouse’s creative department after graduating from Osaka Designer’s College. Asaka 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”. Asaka’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.
Morio Asaka joined Madhouse’s creative department after graduating from Osaka Designer’s College. Asaka 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”. Asaka’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.
INDUSTRY GUESTS
Koichiro Natsume
President, Aniplex Inc.
Chief Operation Officer, Visual Business Group, Sony Music Entertainment Inc.
As President of Aniplex Inc. and Chief Operation Officer of Visual Business Group at Sony Music Entertainment, Aniplex’s parent company, Koichiro Natsume has been a powerhouse of many anime series and movies including the hit properties “Madoka Magica”, “Durarara!!”, ”Gurren Lagann”, “Black Butler” and “Fullmetal Alchemist“ just to name a few.
Most recently, Natsume introduced the highly acclaimed TV series “Fate/Zero”.
President, Aniplex Inc.
Chief Operation Officer, Visual Business Group, Sony Music Entertainment Inc.
As President of Aniplex Inc. and Chief Operation Officer of Visual Business Group at Sony Music Entertainment, Aniplex’s parent company, Koichiro Natsume has been a powerhouse of many anime series and movies including the hit properties “Madoka Magica”, “Durarara!!”, ”Gurren Lagann”, “Black Butler” and “Fullmetal Alchemist“ just to name a few.
Most recently, Natsume introduced the highly acclaimed TV series “Fate/Zero”.
Atsuhiro Iwakami
Producer, Aniplex
Iwakami has worked on many of Aniplex’s hit anime series including “Fate/Zero,” “Puella Magi Madoka Magica,” “Bakemonogatari,” “Nisemonogatari,” “the Garden of sinners” and “Oreimo” to name a few.
Joining us at his first Anime Expo, Iwakami comes from Japan to present his most recent work, “Fate/Zero”. Iwakami will be joining “Fate/Zero” creators Mr. Kondo and Mr. Aoki as they answer your questions about the series in the exclusive Anime Expo Q&A session following the Screening of the Finale!
Producer, Aniplex
Iwakami has worked on many of Aniplex’s hit anime series including “Fate/Zero,” “Puella Magi Madoka Magica,” “Bakemonogatari,” “Nisemonogatari,” “the Garden of sinners” and “Oreimo” to name a few.
Joining us at his first Anime Expo, Iwakami comes from Japan to present his most recent work, “Fate/Zero”. Iwakami will be joining “Fate/Zero” creators Mr. Kondo and Mr. Aoki as they answer your questions about the series in the exclusive Anime Expo Q&A session following the Screening of the Finale!
Izumi Kitta
Voice Actress and Singer
Izumi Kitta is a voice actress and singer, who voiced roles such as Misaki in “Cardfight!! Vanguard” anime series, Cordelia in “Tantei Opera Milky Holmes,” Queen in “Shining Hearts: Shiawase no Pan,” Cleo in “Freezing” and Aoi in “B Gata H Kei: Yamada’s First Time.” Izumi’s game roles include Cerberus in “Shining Blade” PSP game, and she has also hosted several radio shows.
Izumi is a member of the singing unit “Milky Holmes,” who performed at the Nippon Budokan in May 2012.
This is Izumi’s first appearance at a North American convention and she stated, “I am looking forward to my first convention in the United States! I hope to meet as many fans as possible!!”
Izumi is a guest of Bushiroad, Co. and will be available for autographs at Bushiroad booth #1501.
Official Blog: http://ameblo.jp/kittaizumi/
Voice Actress and Singer
Izumi Kitta is a voice actress and singer, who voiced roles such as Misaki in “Cardfight!! Vanguard” anime series, Cordelia in “Tantei Opera Milky Holmes,” Queen in “Shining Hearts: Shiawase no Pan,” Cleo in “Freezing” and Aoi in “B Gata H Kei: Yamada’s First Time.” Izumi’s game roles include Cerberus in “Shining Blade” PSP game, and she has also hosted several radio shows.
Izumi is a member of the singing unit “Milky Holmes,” who performed at the Nippon Budokan in May 2012.
This is Izumi’s first appearance at a North American convention and she stated, “I am looking forward to my first convention in the United States! I hope to meet as many fans as possible!!”
Izumi is a guest of Bushiroad, Co. and will be available for autographs at Bushiroad booth #1501.
Official Blog: http://ameblo.jp/kittaizumi/
Aimi Terakawa
Voice Actress and Singer
As a recording artist known simply as “Aimi,” she sings the theme songs for “Ben-To” and “Astarotte no Omocha!” anime series and “Da Capo III” video game. Aimi has also voiced roles such as Suiko in “Cardfight!! Vanguard” anime series.
Besides singing, Aimi plays the guitar and saxophone, is an accomplished dancer and is learning to speak Korean.
This is Aimi’s first appearance at a North American convention and she stated, “I am excited to meet American anime fans! Let’s enjoy Anime Expo together!”
Aimi is a guest of Bushiroad, Co. and will be available for autographs at Bushiroad booth #1501.
Official Blog: http://ameblo.jp/aimi-sound/
Voice Actress and Singer
As a recording artist known simply as “Aimi,” she sings the theme songs for “Ben-To” and “Astarotte no Omocha!” anime series and “Da Capo III” video game. Aimi has also voiced roles such as Suiko in “Cardfight!! Vanguard” anime series.
Besides singing, Aimi plays the guitar and saxophone, is an accomplished dancer and is learning to speak Korean.
This is Aimi’s first appearance at a North American convention and she stated, “I am excited to meet American anime fans! Let’s enjoy Anime Expo together!”
Aimi is a guest of Bushiroad, Co. and will be available for autographs at Bushiroad booth #1501.
Official Blog: http://ameblo.jp/aimi-sound/
Illustrator / Manga Artist
Yosuke Adachi is an illustrator and manga artist. Debuting as an illustrator for the role-playing game “Angel Gear” in 2003, he has drawn monsters and character images for various card games and hobby games. Mr. Adachi is currently working on his manga series “Quick Start!!”, as well as illustrating for the card game Cardfight!! Vanguard.
Mr. Adachi’s Cardfight!! Vanguard illustrations include: “Bringer of Good Luck, Epona,” “Lizard Runner, Undeux,” “Sonic Noa,” “Witch Doctor of the Abyss, Negromarl,” “Pixy Fife and Drum,” “Djinn of the Lightning Flash,” “Djinn of the Lightning Flare,” “Djinn of the Lightning Spark,” “Greed Shade” and “Kungｆu Kid, Bolta.”
Mr. Adachi is a guest of Cardfight!! Vanguard publisher Bushiroad, Co. Mr. Adachi will be available for autographs at the Bushiroad booth #1501.
Yosuke Adachi’s web site: http://www.senobi.com/s4/
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.
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