FanCons.com Press Releases


June 6, 2005

News for Anime Expo 2005:

Anime Expo announces the North American debut of musician Kotoko

Anaheim, California (June 7, 2005) — Anime Expo® 2005 (AX2005), the largest anime convention in the world devoted to Japanese animation and manga (comic books), continues to build anticipation among anime music fans with the exclusive North American debut performance of Japan's driving new J-pop and Techno/Trance musician, KOTOKO. Hosted by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, AX2005 takes place July 1-4 at the Anaheim Convention Center and is expecting nearly 35,000 fans and anime industry professionals to attend. For more information, visit http://www.anime-expo.org.

Firmly established in Japan as a driving new force in the J-pop and techno/trance culture, and performing top hit songs from her current releases and upcoming album, Japan's rising new music artist, KOTOKO, will be appearing live in concert on Saturday afternoon, July 2, as part of the "Geneon Anime Festival" (starting at 1pm inside the Anaheim Convention Center's live programming room) at Anime Expo®.

In addition to a full-scale concert, the Geneon event will showcase sneak-peek screenings of the latest and hottest anime features licensed by the company, as well as a bomb-shell surprise appearance by an anime industry guest involved with the much-anticipated new HELLSING ULTIMATE OAV SERIES. In keeping with the program's anime theme, popular anime voice actors Johnny Yong Bosch and Wendee Lee will be hosting this event spectacular.

Located in Anaheim, California - Anime Expo®, the world’s largest anime/manga convention, serves to foster trade, commerce and the interests of the general public and animation/ comics industry. This event serves as a key meeting place for the general public to express their interest and explore various aspects of anime/ manga, as well as for members of the industry to conduct business. AX 2005 will be held July 1 – 4, 2005 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Sponsors include Viz Media L.L.C., Animerica, ADV Films, Geneon, Tofu Records, Newtype USA and Anime Network. Sponsor hotels include Anaheim Hilton, Anaheim Marriott, or Anaheim Coast Hotels. The cost to attend the three-day expo is $45; One Day Pass: $25; Two Day Pass: $40; Children: $20 (12 years and under; 5 and under free if accompanied by member). Parental advisory: Some anime and manga content contains adult themes. More information can be found at its website (www.anime-expo.org).

The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization with a mission 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®.

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