Monthly Archives: January 2023

The Con season begins in L.A.: Anime Los Angeles 2023

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2023 kicked off for Californian Otakus with Anime Los Angeles 18 held from January 4th through 8th, at the Long Beach Convention Center. The LBCC has been ALA’s home for the past 3 years, since 2018. Anime Los Angeles had over 12K+ attendees and over 20 guests who included voice actress Kayleigh McKee, anime influencer Kaho Shibuya And japanese animators Mamoru Yokota & Kenji Yokoyama, among others.

INTERVIEWS

During the convention we sat down to speak with guest of honor, Kayleigh McKee. Kayleigh is best known for playing the fan favorite character Yuta Okkotsu in the hit anime movie Jujutsu Kaisen 0, as Pina in Netflix’s highly successful BEASTARS, and as Testament in the classic fighting game Guilty Gear Strive. She is one of few Transgender women in professional voice over blazing a new path in the realm of acting for anime, cartoons, and games. Watch our exclusive interview with Kayleigh, as we discuss about her role in Guilty Gear Strive as Testament!

This interview has an on-going giveaway opportunity, visit our giveaway page for more details.

Anime Legends – Mamoru Yokota & Kenji Yokoyama

Where would anime be without its legendary animators; during ALA 2023, we had the opportunity to speak with Japanese animators Mamoru Yokota & Kenji Yokoyama about their working in the anime industry for over 25 years. Mamoru Yokota has been involved in a great number of shows mainly as animator, but also as producer, character designer, illustrator and game director. As animation director, he’s best known for multiple episodes of Death Note, NARUTO Shippuden, and 2020’s Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai. He was also one of the animation directors for ONE PIECE STAMPEDE and most recently, ONE PIECE FILM: RED.

Kenji Yokoyama made his very first appearance at anime convention, after more than 40 years of dedication in the industry as a noted animator. Mr.Yokoyama. has worked on Gatchaman II and F, Dragon Ball Z, Dr. Slump, Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai, Jigoku Sensei Nūbē and SLAM DUNK, Toriko throughout 1970s and 1990s additionally, he has worked on One Piece in the last 25 years and most recently, in Yashahime.

We apologize for potato audio quality.

Anime Los Angeles 2023 Cosplay, Ani-Ambiance & More

Our coverage of Anime Los Angeles 2023, would not be complete without cosplay photos! During our Journey at this year’s ALA, we collaborated with cosplay photographer Jonathcon Photography. Check out his work at this year’s ALA 2023 with these amazing con photos!

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Jonathcon Photography has been taking on any & every cosplay photo gig during Anime Conventions for the last two years. He’s often known for being a fan’s photographer, not only scouting the perfect locations for shoots but also researching the subject and material source of each cosplay. If you’re interested in hiring him as your personal cosplay photographer in or outside of convention, visit his official Instagram at, https://www.instagram.com/jonatcon_photos/ and sent him a direct message to schedule your next, spectacular cosplay photoshoot!

Thank you for reading our article, for more interviews visit our interview page

Totally Spies Interview – 20 Years Later

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Anime-Inspired cartoons

Many cartoons of the day were an introduction to the world of anime, even if those series were not considered traditional anime. Wakfu, Martin Mystery, Code Lyoko & Totally Spies were all considered anime-influenced or anime-inspired cartoons, often produced in Italy or France. Some of us fondly remember these cartoons, even when we were unaware of what anime or cosplay was. Today we are focusing on one of these series, Totally Spies.

Totally Spies Season 2 Promo Image

Remembering Totally Spies

Totally Spies is a series that has gathered a large fan base throughout the year, since it first aired in 2001 on ABC Family. Often described as ‘Charlie’s Angels for kids”, the series revolved around three high school girls who would be literally sucked into a world of evil plots, goofy evil villains, and of course, boy problems. Popularity grew as the seasons passed due to the show’s witty humor and intriguing missions. In 2009, the series had its first motion picture which had a limited theatrical release in the U.S., followed by a 6th season in 2013.

Totally Spies The Movie U.S. Promo Banner

Totally Spies, Totally Today!

Totally Spies remains alive and well-loved thanks to its large fanbase, sharing fan art, AMVs (Anime Music Videos) and fan-made merchandise. In late 2022, Zodiak Kids and Family Distribution, the current series owners, announced a new 7th season titled Totally Spies! Woohp World. This brand new season will feature brand new character designs for its protagonist and brand new characters. After 20 years, this is literally childhoods in the making. The new season is set to be release sometime this year with no official date announced as of the release of this article. 

Totally Spies Season 7 Keyart

While you wait, watch as Alex and Clover discuss their involvement in the series and their experiences being a WOOHP agent. We got the totally amazing opportunity to interview voice actors Katie Leigh (Alex) and Andrea Baker (Clover) about their roles and experiences behind the mic in the series:

Win an autograph from ANDREA BAKER, the voice of Clover! All you have to do is retweet our interview on TWITTER OR TUMBLR with #TKNTotallySpies, and you’ll automatically be entered to win! Make sure to tag us!

ACTUAL GIVEAWAY ITEM(S)

Two winners will be selected (1 from Twitter & 1 from Tumblr), DEADLINE 1/28/2023.

LEARN ABOUT OUR RULES & CONDITIONS: https://thekitsunetwork.net/giveaways