Events Directory

176 Productions Presents: Live Action Anime Filming

An anime-indy film crew will show live-action footage from their shoots, describe their adventures, and give news on their “Cosplayer Nation” documentary. There will also be a Q&A session and free DVDs!

A Comedic Look at Anime

Join the American Anime Otaku as he takes a humorous look at some of his favorite and not-so-favorite anime shows with a convention exclusive review of Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann.

A Survey of Anime Opening & Ending Themes

Examining opening and ending songs: their history, trends, and the best and worst themes!

A Survey of the Music of Yuki Kajiura

One of the more recognizably prolific anime composers is Yuki Kajiura, whose excellent scores have graced such titles as Noir, .hack//SIGN, and Kara no Kyoukai. Come learn more about her in this panel!

Acting Like A Pro

Learn from a pro on how to make a great impression with people in the anime industry, both in person and online. Learn the trade secrets the industry professionals are looking for!

Aksys Games: Publish Hard With A Vengeance

The stars and planets have aligned, and the portal between worlds has opened! From its gaping, eldritch maw crawl the twisted thralls of Aksys Games, dispatched to this world to inform and entertain.

AMV 101 Workshop

Interested in Anime Music Videos and how they are made? Bring your questions to this Workshop!

Anime Club How-To

Join the officers of Mu Epsilon Kappa, as they present helpful tips on how to start and run your own anime club!

Anime Expo® 20th Anniversary Panel

Join us as we take a retrospective look at the last 20 years of Anime Expo®!

Anime Expo® AMV Chef

An AMV challenger goes head to head against one of the “Iron Chefs” in a battle to see who can make the best music video from scratch. Whose cut will be named “most choice”!? Its epic edit time!

Anime Expo® AMV Contest Rescreen & Awards Ceremony [14+]

Did you miss this year’s AMV contest? Wanna see it all again? Come watch the AMV rescreen in our premier Video Room! The winners of Friday night’s contest will be announced during the showing.

Anime Expo® Anime and Manga Studies Symposium

Anime Expo® proudly presents a new track of programming dedicated to the academic study of Japanese popular culture. See page 25 for more information on our guest speakers!

Anime Expo® Anime Music Videos Contest [14+]

It’s a beloved tradition that pre-dates YouTube. The Anime Music Video Competition, one of the oldest and most cherished events at Anime Expo®, is a synaptic overload of your favorite shows melded with favorite music.

Anime Expo® Anime Trivia Show

The all new Anime Trivia Show with more fun facts for all anime and manga fans. A must see show for all ages!

Anime Expo® Art Auction

Anime Expo® AX Idol

AX Idol gives attendees a unique opportunity to display their voice acting and singing chops in front of both fans and respected industry pros.

Anime Expo® AX Idol Auditions

Anime Expo® AX Live

Come chat with the hosts of AX Live! We will be talking about the history of the show, plus behind-the-scenes stories and possibly some giveaways!

Anime Expo® Battle of the Bands

Powerful titans will clash and musical weapons of myth will be wielded by only the most masterful of muses in preparation for supreme combat. Do you wish to join the insane musical combat? Do you dream about the glory of victory? Then get ready…because this battle is not for the weak!

Anime Expo® Chibi Masquerade

Chibi Masquerade serves as a great way to see great skits without the long lines and the stress of competition. This event is often a starting ground for the best and brightest in Masquerades to come– you can see them first here. Come sign up at the Cosplay Events Check-In and Changing/Repair room to strut your stuff!

Anime Expo® Closing Ceremonies

Anime Expo® Convention Feedback Session

Anime Expo® Dance Workshop

Ever wanted to learn how to step and shuffle like a champ? We’ll show you beginner moves like the basic shuffle style, French jump style, and Korean jump style. Sneakers or tennis shoes are recommended. No sandals, please. See’ya on the dance floor!

Anime Expo® Forum Meet & Greet [14+]

Ever wonder just who is behind those posts of the AX Forums? Come join the fun and meet your fellow AX forumers!

Anime Expo® Last Comic Standing [16+]

So you think you’re funny? We dare you to prove it! This is the show to prove to that you will be the Last Comic Standing!

Anime Expo® Masquerade

The biggest cosplay event in all of Anime Expo®! Extravagant costumes and some of the best cosplay performances can be seen on stage in the Masquerade. Year after year, cosplayers keep coming back to put on a show for you.

Anime Expo® Midnight Tea

Welcome to our tea party. Venture from table to table in this interior design challenge where each party has its own story to tell, limited only by the creator’s imagination and skill. NOTE: No food or drink will be served.

Anime Expo® Open Industry Dialogue Session

An open discussion about piracy and its effects between the fans and representatives of the Anime Industry.

Anime Expo® Opening Ceremonies

Anime Expo® Otaku Parliamentary Debate [14+]

Are you passionate about anime? Do you like to express your views on hot topics? OPD is the place to get that last word in!

Anime Expo® Pop Shock Masquerade

Cosplay is much more than Anime and Manga. Give me Lolitas, Steampunk, or Morning Musume cosplay troupes! This competition showcases fans of a wide spectrum of fashion genres and celebrities that shape our fandom.

Anime Expo® Singled Out [18+]

Lonely? Depressed? Looking for the otaku of your dreams? Then AX Singled out is the show for you. Compete against hundreds of other attendees for a chance to win your dream girl or guy!

Anime Genesis Live: Benu’s Violent Torpedo of Moe

Come to Benu’s first-ever live solo show! Will there be guests? Will there be squirrels? Will there be moe… wait, squirrels?

Anime Genesis Presents: How To Fail At Anime Podcasting

Join Benu from Anime Genesis in a follow up to “Habits of Successful Anime Podcasting & Blogging” from last year, with talks about failure, why you shouldn’t be afraid to “fail” at podcasting, and how to handle criticism.

Anime Manga Trivia Battle: U.S. Executives vs. Japanese Executives

Industry professionals will gather to present ideas in developing the next best online business model, discuss recent trends and the next steps to make anime and manga content more accessible to your consumer demands.

Anime News Network

Meet the executive staff of Anime News Network and win some free stuff!

Anime News Network Presents: ANNCast Live!

A live taping of Anime News Network’s podcast ANNCast.

Anime Tips and Techniques with Prismacolor

Prismacolor artist Shelley Minnis demonstrates tips and techniques on how to create your favorite anime or manga character using Prismacolor products. Get expert advice on blending, shading, coloring, outlining, and other animation technique!

Anime Tune-Up: Exploring Animation Through Music

Examine styles of animation in anime and how music reflects those techniques.

Anime TV

Join the ATV crew to get the lowdown on anime from a professional and fan perspective.

Anime-zing Ways to Protect Your Intellectual Property

An educational discussion on what intellectual property considerations creators and owners of content should be aware of and how a solid intellectual property strategy can positively affect the industry as a whole.

Aniplex of America

Check out the latest features and special announcements from Aniplex of America. Please join us to see what’s new in 2011!

Azure Lorica Presents: DIY Advertising!

Learn how to advertise at a professional level in your trade and industry!

BabbleOn Studios Presents: Who Wants To Be A Voice Actor?

Focus on the ins and outs of voice acting: what to do and what not to do. Participants take part in voiceover exercises, learn techniques, and try their hand (or voice, as it were) at mock anime auditions!

Bandai Entertainment Industry Panel

A preview of what’s in store for the second half of 2011 for Bandai Entertainment!

Bandai Entertainment Presents: Gundam Unicorn Focus Panel

Gundam Unicorn has taken Japan and North America by storm! Delve into the secrets of the latest installment in the Gundam saga with special guests and surprise announcements!

Bang Zoom! Entertainment Panel

Bang Zoom! Studios presents updates on our latest projects, never-before-seen clips and much more! Learn about the voice acting ‘biz & have fun doing it.

BJD Basics

Learn all the basic information about Super Dollfies and BJDs in this interactive workshop–the good, the bad, and the ugly. Discuss stringing, painting, buying, and selling!

Broken Spirits Live Action Film

See Broken Spirits stars and notable anime voice actors Vic Mignogna, Cristina Vee, Spike Spencer, Richard Epcar, and more! Check out footage from the movie and get behind the scenes with the stars!

Building the World’s First Mecha

MPS is building the world’s first real, anime-style mecha. Come see our latest progress and find out how you can become a part of the world’s first mecha company.

Confessions of a Super Dollfie Collector

Let’s bust the myths and dispel the rumors about Super Dollfie and BJD collecting, learn ways to convince people how rad these dolls are, and together help rid the world of the doll collecting stigmas

Conversation with J-Pop Singer Stephanie Yanez & Producer Polo

From AX Idol 2004, to singing with Virtual J-Pop Star Hatsune Miku, Yanez talks about her passion for music, and how she continues her path in the independent music scene Copic Marker Beginner Workshop Anyone wanting to learn the basics of Copic Markers should not miss this beginner workshop. From picking papers and inking pens, to coloring and airbrushing, this class covers it all.

Cosplay Chess! Heroes vs. Villains

Cosplay Chess is a game of chess in which cosplayers are used as the game pieces. In this year’s event, it shall be the ultimate match between heroes and villains!

Cosplay Comedian Joe Presents: Anime Opening/Closing Themes

Come see some of your favorite anime songs and share your thoughts on your favorite! Which ones haven’t gotten enough credit? Which ones would you recommend to others?

Cosplay Photography

Ever wanted to improve your cosplay photography? Bryan Yang and Kris Zoleta will give tips and tricks for cosplayers and cosplay photographers to get better pictures.

Crunchyroll Panel

Come check out the latest news and announcements from Crunchyroll.

Culture Clash! [14+]

Founding members of the hit show “Whose Line is it Anime?” return to present the next generation in anime improv in this hilarious not-to-be missed spectacular!

Death Note Mafia [14+]

Death Note characters take the roles in this interpretation of the Mafia game, where betrayal can happen at any time! Prior knowledge of the game and the series is not required.

Digital Manga Publishing Presents the Digital Manga Guild

Learn more about the Manga Guild, the new community initiative to bring thousands of untranslated manga to fans like you, from DMP and eManga!

Dischan Media Presents: Cradle Song and Visual Novel Development

Come for a sneak peek of Cradle Song, an upcoming visual novel from Dischan Media, and a general discussion on visual novel development.

Dragonsong Forge Presents the Katana

A brief history, application, use, and care workshop. And, yes we will be cutting things .

Durarara!! Panel! Hosted by Aniplex of America

Featuring special features and bloopers from the hit show Durarara!!, fans of the series will enjoy tons of fun and prizes at this exciting panel! Come in your best Durarara!! cosplay.

eigoMANGA In 2011: Games, Anime, Manga, and Mobile Releases

Doujin games, first-ever anime releases, iPad/tablet and Android app launches, and mainstream graphic novel releases–WOW! 2011 has been a break-through year for eigoMANGA! So, what’s next?

eigoMANGA Presents: Bringing Doujin Gaming to the US

eigoMANGA and its associates discuss the opportunities and challenges of bringing doujin games (independent Japanese games) to the U.S. market.

eigoMANGA Presents: How To Draw Manga And Portfolio Review

Artists and editors from eigoMANGA’s comic book publications RUMBLE PAK and SAKURA PAKK teach the fundamentals of manga illustration and storytelling.

FAKKU Presents: Hentai Worth Watching [18+]

Several hentai anime titles are frequently overlooked by the community, and to spread the word, Jacob Grady and Mike Ingraham of FAKKU will provide hilariously informative commentary, preview select titles, and share stories of how they discovered hentai and what kept them coming back for more!

FAKKU Presents: Visual Novels and Eroge [18+]

As we discuss some of the most popular visual novels in Japan (Fate Stay Night, Clannad, Sengoku Rance, and so forth), we’ll describe the differences between visual novels and eroge, how the industry is growing outside of Japan, and what the future might hold.

FAKKU Q & A [18+]

General question and answer session with the creator and moderators of FAKKU, the largest English speaking hentai website in the world.

FAKKU x Culture Japan Meet & Greet

Jacob from FAKKU and Danny Choo from Culture Japan will be having a meet and greet with comrades where you will be able to mingle with not only Jacob and Danny but also a load of other like-minded folks too who love Japanese Pop Culture! All ages welcome!

FUNimation Industry Panel

The state of the industry direct from FUNimation. Get the latest news and announcements on upcoming FUNimation releases and acquisitions live!

FUNimation Presents: noitaminA

Dedicated to the “noitaminA” anime programming block, members of the Japanese and American anime industry will give a historical retrospective and a look to the future of simulcasts.

FUNimation Sneak Peek

Not sure what anime to pick up next? Come by and check out some of the newest anime titles from FUNimation Entertainment. We will be showing different clips from some of our newest shows

Gaia Interactive Presents: Gaia Feedback Social

GaiaOnline runs on user feedback, and now’s your chance to give it in person–let us know what you think of upcoming page designs, items, events, games, and features.

Gaia Interactive Presents: Gaia Variety Hour

If you enjoy fun games, amusing contests, and random awesomeness, come to the Gaia Variety Hour. We’ve got some cool surprises and fantastic prizes up our sleeves, so be prepared for a good time!

Gaia Interactive Presents: Official Gaia Panel

Come meet Gaia’s staff, and get a sneak peek at upcoming features, games, and events. Stick around for the open-mic Q and A session, and get your burning questions answered! Expect plenty of fun and some great prizes!

Ganbare! Japanese Presents: Survival Japanese

Interested in learning Japanese? Our survival course will prepare you with basic phrases including asking directions, getting places, buying things and making new friends. Make your next trip to Japan a fun and meaningful experience with knowledge of the Japanese language!

GameTrailers.com Presents: Pop-Fiction

The experts at Gametrailers.com investigate some of the biggest video game myths of all time from series such as Pokémon, Zelda, Final Fantasy, Sonic the Hedgehog, and more in this popular video feature series.

Getting into the Animation Industry

Have you ever thought about making cartoons for a living? Then come by and check out what our panelist has to say! Guests will consist of current working professionals, involved with different aspects of animation.

Good Smile Company x Nitroplus

Takanori Aki from Good Smile Company and Takaki Digitarou Kosaka from Nitroplus will talk about their careers and experiences as well as their recent works. They will share their future visions in the industry.

Gundam Official Panel by SUNRISE and BEI

The very first Official Gundam panel presented by Sunrise and BEI.

Yasuo Miyakawa (Senior Managing Director) and Shin Sasaki (General Manager of the Gundam Division) from SUNRISE will be attending to speak about Gundam’s fascinating features and hold a Q&A with the fans.

Gunpla Model Building Seminar

Seminar for beginning to advanced gunpla model building techniques.

Harmony Gold Presents: Robotech Industry Panel

Get the latest info on all current Robotech productions.

Harmony Gold Presents: THE GIANT ROBOT RUMBLE

Sixteen robots will enter the arena, but only one will emerge as the victor!

Hetalia History

A look at the real history and cultural references behind some of the scenes, jokes, and costumes in Axis Powers Hetalia! Learn who this “Frederick the Great” is in all that Prussia fanart!

How to Create Animation on a Budget

Animator and designer, Dahveed Kolodny-Nagy will present recent projects and demonstrate how they were done on a tight budgets with little time!

Idea Factory! The Making of the Record of Agarest War Series

Meet Director Kenta Sugano and Character Designer Katsuyuki Hirano. Participate in their panel and Q&A dedicated to the making of the popular Strategy RPG series Record of Agarest War!

Inside the Voice Actors Studio

Here’s an opportunity for attendees interested in the voice acting profession to get first-hand advice and experience from the pros in an intimate setting.

Japanese Figures and Collecting

A fun and dynamic discussion into the alluring world of Japanese figures: hot new releases, shopping savvy, collector stories, favorite figures, and more! A must-go for new and experienced collectors!

JAST USA Bishoujo Games Panel [18+]

Join JAST USA staff for a look at the past year in bishoujo games and visual novels, along with exclusive previews of what’s in store! Come for the moe, stay for the cool swag giveaway. Adults only.

Jrock Revolution

Learn about Jrock Revolution’s evolution! We’re bringing you updates and what’s new on all things Jrock and Visual Kei in 2011, from artists to relief efforts of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

KinouGames Presents: How to Make Your Own Doujin Games!

What are doujin games/visual novels? What are some popular games? How are they made? Get some background info and find out how you can create your own game using free internet resources!

Konoha Corner: Live, Unedited, and Uncensored [14+]

Join the cast of the “Konoha Corner” for a live, fun filled podcast.

Magic Macabre [16+]

Internationally recognized magicians Paul Draper and William Draven team up to bring you evening of bizarre and mental magic that will blow your mind!

Manga Gamer Presents: The Now and Future of Bishoujo Games [18+]

Bishoujo games are type of games where the story revolves around attractive anime girls. Inviting the leading developers of the industry, MangaGamers will uncover the present and future of “bishoujo games.

Masquerade 101

Ever wanted to participate in Masquerade? Here’s a basic introduction to masquerade, from conceiving and fleshing out an idea, recording and rehearsing, and the final performance on stage!

Mega64 Panel 6.44: You Will (Not) Enjoy This [14+]

If Mega64 were an anime, it would have lots of guys charging up energy. It’s not though, so we brought video game joke videos as a real-world replacement for charging up energy.

Miku Dance Competition with DANCEROID

Odottemita (I danced) has become a big hit around the world with the rise of Hatsune Miku. Open to the first 15 group and solo entries—join DANCEROID, the premier group of Odottemita, as they host a dance competition with a Hatsune Miku Nendoroid as the prize! Also featuring a special performance by DANCEROID!

MikuMikuDance Workshop

MikuMikuDance is often used as promotional video clips and short films, and is also becoming “the most used 3D animation tool in the world.” A popular MMD creator will teach you everything you need to know about the program from how to use it and the secret of its popularity.

Mirai no Neiro – The Sound of the Future – Parts 1 & 2

Watch and discuss Vocaloid (singing synthesizer application software) videos, and listen to a special lecture from one of the creators!

Name That Anime Tune

How well do you know your anime themes? Find out in this adaptation of the classic game show that challenges you to identify songs ranging from the obvious to the obscure.

Naruto Shippuden: Dreamers Fight – Sneak Peek

The Leaf Clan’s Naruto Uzumaki and Rock Lee spar in the premiere of this action-packed, 20-minute live action short film created by the Thousand

Pounds Action Company.

NicoNico.com Beta

With the release of the English language version of NicoNicoDouga, we will review the functionality and broadcast of NicoNico.com.

NIS America: All About NISA Anime!

NIS America will discuss their current and upcoming anime titles for 2010-11. There will be some special announcements for brand-new titles, as well! You won’t want to miss it!

NIS America: All About NISA Video Games!

NIS America will be showcasing some of their upcoming titles. There will also be a special guest appearance from Nippon Ichi Software president Sohei Niikawa, as well as a fan Q&A session!

Office Party – A Kuroshitsuji / Black Butler Fan Panel [16+]

A Kuroshitsuji/Black Butler panel hosted by the series’ lovable Grim Reapers. Everyone’s invited to the party to discuss the series as a whole and participate in fun activities. (16+)

Origami Workshop

ParaCenter Presents: ParaPara Dancing 101

Have you ever wanted to learn how to dance ParaPara, or just want to learn a new routine or two? Come and we will teach you everything you need to know!

Production I.G. Panel

Please come join Maki Terashima-Furuta, the Vice President of Production I.G. USA, as she introduces new and current titles, with lots and lots of giveaways. There might even be a surprise guest!

Professor Neidenbach’s Phantasmagorical AMV Exposition

View AMVs from across the country-videos old and new, including classics from AX past, and audience requests!

Researching Anime: Where I Should Start?

Would you like to start your own research in anime for your major, college, or new project? Then join us!

RiskCard Productions Presents: K-Pop 101

Have all your Anime and J-Rock buddies suddenly flocked to artists like DBSK and Big Bang? Come to K-Pop 101, and find out what the fuss is all about.

Right Stuf & Nozomi Entertainment Industry Panel

Find out more about the latest projects for Right Stuf’s Nozomi Entertainment, including a sneak peek at Nozomi’s newest shows and acquisitions and a Q&A session.

Right Stuf / Nozomi Entertainment Premieres

The re-mastered edition of Revolutionary Girl Utena makes its Anime Expo debut! Plus, get a sneak peek at the home video release of Sound of the Sky (Sora no Woto)!

Risembool Rangers Panel and Recruitment

Are you a BIG fan of Vic Mignogna? Are you in his fan club? Then, stop by as we talk about our favorite VA and the epic Risembool Rangers.

Scarlet Rhapsody Presents: Moon Prism Poptarts!

A history of the English adaptation of Sailor Moon in the North America, discussing how the show was changed and how moonie fandom evolved in the mid-90s.

Scope of Stereoscopic 3D Animation Production in Present Scenario

Discover Stereoscopic 3D animation production and its inner workings!

Sentai Filmworks

Bringing you series such as Clannad, Needless, Guin Saga, High School of the Dead, Angel Beats, and much more, come find out what the future holds in store for Sentai Filmworks.

Shin Chan Writers Panel Presented by FUNimation [14+]

Meet the creative writing team behind FUNimation’s Shin Chan, as seen on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim. Discover the challenges of turning Japanese cultural jokes into American referential humor.

Shira Oka: Second Chances – A Date Sim by Okashi Studios [18+]

Shira Oka is an anime-themed dating sim game. This panel is presented by staff from Okashi Studios, the indie startup that made the game. Find out more about Shira Oka, our creation process, and more.

Shoot the Hostage: An Adventure in Marketing Anime Presented by FUNimation Entertainment

A workshop about the unknown wonders of the anime industry–marketing the launch of an anime DVD.

Smith Micro Software, Inc. Presents: Join the 2D Animation Revolution

Fahim Niaz, Sr. Director of Smith Micro Software’s Productivity & Graphics Div., will discuss how software resources can give artists all the tools, they need to create their own 2D masterpieces & jump on TV’s hottest trend.

So Cal Figure Collectors Presents: Figure Collecting 101

Join Frances from AX Live’s Toybox and Howagirlfigures.com and her co-host as they expose the dark side of Japanese figurine collecting: survival tips and what to be aware of.

So now you have an Anime Club (or web, or something)…

This is a workshop for learning the basics on how to produce entertainment, content, and activities for anime audiences.

Sonny Strait’s Swinging Sidekicks Intro Panel

Sonny’s Sidekicks are dedicated to celebrating the work that Sonny Strait does in voice acting, comics, and music. Come find out what the club is all about and make some new friends!

SPJA Charity Auction

SPJA Open Board Meeting

Square Enix, Inc. Presents: An Introduction to the World of WAKFU

Learn about the world of WAKFU, a brand-new tactical MMORPG from Square Enix and Ankama.

Starchild Records

Bringing you many classic anime series such as Neon Genesis Evangelion , Fruits Basket, Negima!, Toradora!, Corpse Princess and Arakawa Under the Bridge. We will be introducing some of our upcoming anime series with trailers, including Mawaru Penguin Drum, C3 and Mouretsu Pirates.

Storytelling in Comics: From Writing to Penciling and Coloring

Two skilled artists, both with American comic industry and independent publishing experience, will share secrets on how to start your own comic–from inception to completion and publication!

Sugoi Books industry panel: Explore the “Sugoi” World of SUGOI BOOKS!

NEC Biglobe presents SUGOI BOOKS, an Android-based digital book store application, that offers a huge library of manga titles translated into English. Come and find out about this exciting app for reading manga on your smart phone and/or tablet!

Super Ashphord Pro. Presents : I Wish My Life Was a RPG

What was it like being a “nerd” before it was cool? Follow performer Ashphord Jacoway into a world of magic and wonder as we conquer cultural stereotypes and level up our confidence through poetry, spoken word, and movement.

Super Happy Awesome Fun Time (SHAFT) with Sean and Alice

The former 3-time convention chairman of Otakon, and the former President of Otakorp Inc. present a panel on their travels in Japan and life in Gunma-Ken, Japan. Clips from their upcoming show on EXTV will be shown, as well as Q&A about SHAFT, the JET program, and traveling abroad!

Taiko Drumming Workshop

The Cosplay Comedian Joe AMV Hour [18+]

We’ve all seen AMVs, but how often do we get to hear from the people who make them? Join Cosplay Comedian Joe as he shares some of his AMV creations!

The Gundam.com Panel

The staff and members of Gundam.com come together again for another interactive panel discussing the current happenings in the Gundam fandom.

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET)

All the information you’ll want to know about the JET Program! Plus, hear stories and experiences from past participants.

The One Piece Podcast

Calling out to the One Piece fans! Reflect on the inner aspects of the series and actively interact with others in the One Piece community in a live and open forum.

The Psychotaku: A Look at Import Video Games [14+]

The Psychotaku, an extremist Japanese import reviewer, explores the world of anime and video games that never made it to America.

The Vocaloid Fan Phenomenon

Have you heard of supercell or Hatsune Miku? Learn how the virtual singing idol software Vocaloid has forever impacted Japanese popular culture and the future of the music industry.

Uncool Japan: The Trials and Tribulations of Japanese Pop Culture

Think otaku are cool? Think again. This is the story of “Japan Cool” through regulation and exclusion.

Video Game Voice Acting with Kyle Herbert

What’s it like for the pros? Join voice actor, Kyle Hebert (Ryu from Marvel Vs. Capcom 3) as he leads volunteers from the audience in a mock audition/recording session. You’ll need a good set of lungs as you put your vocal fight reaction skills to the test!

VIZ Media Panel

The VIZ Media team gives you the latest scoop on everything from acquisitions to key marketing campaigns for both manga and anime!

What the heck is Touhou?

You might have heard of Touhou Project, a frighteningly popular video game series. Come learn about how and why it is the #1 most popular fan franchise in history!