During Crunchyroll Expo 2018, we had the honor of interviewing voice actor Clifford Chapin, most famously known for voicing Connie Springer in Attack On Titan & recently, Bakugo Katsuki in My Hero Academia. Watch as Clifford tells us about his career origins and his experiences voice Connie & Bakugo:
Stay tuned for our NEXT INTERVIEW taking place at Los Angeles Comic Con 2018
Since our initial announcement, the Hello Kitty Grand Cafe officially opened at The Irvine Spectrum in Irvine California!
The Hello Kitty Grand Cafe is now officially opened. Previously, the Irvine Spectrum had a temporary cafe Pop up that was in service for two years and half from 2015 – summer of 2018.
There are two sections of the cafe; One, the cafe which serves cakes, cookies and other Hello Kitty pastries. The second section is The Bow Room, which serves Afternoon Tea or evening Cocktail Service.
Bow Room hours are as follows:
AFTERNOON TEA HOURS:
•Wednesday-Friday: 11am-4pm
• Saturday and Sunday: 10am-4pm
COCKTAIL SERVICE HOURS:
• Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 5pm-9pm
• Friday and Saturday 5pm-11pm
You can also make reservations for the Bow Room here. We suggest you plan out your trip as there are other wonderful place to explore within the Irvine Spectrum.
Here are the official Cafe hours:
Check our photoset from the grand opening:
While you’re visiting Irvine, California, make sure to also visit Hello Kitty’s latest collaboration with Tanaka Farms for their Hello Kitty X Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch. Read our article about that here!
Set to be released on October 6 2018, Fans got the opportunity to watch the first, one-hour season premiere of SAO’s newest season, Sword Art Online Alicization. Along this one-day primere, Japan, Australia, France, Germany, Russia and South Korea also had their own special screening.
Aniplex had exclusive SAO items for those attending this special screening and set up shop, selling SAO exclusives and Alicization merchandise.
![SAO: Alicization poster that was given out to attendees [this particular poster is signed by some of the English cast of SAO]](https://thekitsunetwork.files.wordpress.com/2018/09/dsc1421.jpg?w=269&h=365 "_DSC1421")
![Exclusive Shishiki of Manabu Ono's Kirito sketch [This was signed by Kirito's English voice actor, Bryce Papenbrook]](https://thekitsunetwork.files.wordpress.com/2018/09/dsc1426.jpg?w=327&h=365 "_DSC1426")
Although we will not spoil the episode for you guys, the episode continues from where it left off in Ordinal Scale; This new season shines light on old characters from season one & two as well as, a new series director, Manabu Ono known for Hellsing, Saki, The Asterisk War & Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere.
For those who do not know, Alicization takes place during volumes 9 (Alicization Beginning) through volume 18 (Alicization Lasting) of Reki Kawahara’s Sword Art Online Alicization arc.
After the screening, we meet up with some special surprise guests, Bryce PapenBrook (Kirito) and Michelle Ruff (Sinon)
Check out our photoset for this event:
![SAO: Alicization poster that was given out to attendees [this particular poster is signed by some of the English cast of SAO]](https://thekitsunetwork.files.wordpress.com/2018/09/dsc1421.jpg?w=178&h=242 "_DSC1421")
![Exclusive Shishiki of Manabu Ono's Kirito sketch [This was signed by Kirito's English voice actor, Bryce Papenbrook]](https://thekitsunetwork.files.wordpress.com/2018/09/dsc1426.jpg?w=217&h=242 "_DSC1426")
Aside from newest SAO season, there are loads in store for Kawahara’s series, beginning with its new video game app,
Integral Factor is the newest addition to SAO’s video game apps, taking place during the Aincrad arc. The player takes control of ‘a former beta tester’ who becomes trapped inside Aincrad.
During the game, you meet a young inexperienced female player named, Koharu and much like Kirito and Asuna, they both take on the dangerous world of Aincrad, ‘this is a story that might of happened in Aincrad’
The game is now available for download on Google Play and the Apple Store, make sure to read the official prologue manga, illustrated by Yu Uonuma, here! Learn more about the game on its official website, SAO: Internal Factor.
Since its initial release, Sword Art Online has been Kawahara’s most popular series with Accel World as a runner up and much like many popular mainstream anime series, they get a live action adaptation;
Back in 2016, Television production company SkyDance Media, announced that they’ve acquired the rights to Sword Art Online and are currently working with producer & writer, Patrick Massett, John Zinman (Lara Croft: Tomb Raider; The Blacklist; Friday Night Lights) & Laeta Kalogridis (Alita: Battle Angel; Terminator Genisys) whom are currently writing the pilot episode. Since the announcement, not much as been released regarding the progress of the series, however SkyDance Media release a small summary via the series’s official IMDB page stating:
“The series will follow a brilliant young beta tester Kirito and his group of friends when they are trapped – alongside 10,000 other people – in a next-generation virtual reality online role-playing game. The game is a world unto itself: filled with sword fighting, monsters and mystery, where the stakes are life and death. Kirito and an ensemble of diverse characters must fight their way through this hostile environment while making lives for themselves in the fantastical world that is known as Sword Art Online.”
The cast is yet to be revealed.
Who do you think will prefect for Kirito and Asuna? Comment below, we’d love to hear your opinions!
Set to Premiere in Japan in October 2018, You can catch Sword Art Online: Alicization (Season 3) EARLY in Los Angeles on September 15th!
Join AniPlex USA & SAO fans in this special exclusive screening of Sword Art Online: Alicization at The Montalbán!
In addition to this screening, SOA fan will be receiving a ‘free gift and have the opportunity to purchase a variety of Sword Art Online merchandise, including new products of the upcoming season from Japan.’
Tickets are only $20 after fees, Get ticket here, they’re going quick!
here’s the facebook event page
Back at AniManga 2018, two weeks ago, we had the honour of interviewing voice actor, JOSH GRELLE. Grelle’s extensive resumes includes: Yuri Katsuki (Yuri On Ice), Tokoyami (My Hero Academia), Issei Hyodo (Highschool DxD), Demon King Satan (Devil as a part-timer) & Armin Arlert (Attack On Titan).
join us! As we speak about Grelle’s Career, his origins & his experiences voicing Yuri Katsuki (Yuri On Ice):
AniManga (Not to be confused with AniManga held in Melbourne, Australia) is a summer oriented, 3 day anime convention held at Fairplex in Pomona, California. AniManga, Founded in 2017, is combines Anime & Manga AND gaming into a fun weekend and was first held on August 3rd – 5th 2018.
A relatively low-key convention, AniManga began with a slow start however it rapidly picked up on Saturday with many cosplayers and guests joining the fun.
For those whom never been to Fairplex, Fairplex is compose of different ‘halls’ and sections. AniManga was held in Hall 4 which is a fairly big hall:
AniManga’s voice actor Guests included: Max Mittelman, Kyle McCarley, Zach Aguilar & Josh Grelle.
While at there, we had the honor of interviewing voice actor Josh Grelle:
Overall, our experience at AniManga was good. It began slow and picked up Saturday. Only time will tell if they’ll become bigger and better. We will most definitely return next year. Take a look at their website for upcoming detail for AniManga 2019.
Since 2013, Gudetama (ぐでたま) made its debut as a Sanrio character. Gudetama became an instant STAR with Gudetama theme cafes, stores and even a Gudetama themed menu in Los Angeles back in 2015.
Gudetama’s origins begin with a character design contest held by Sanrio back in 2013, coming in 2nd to Kirimi-chan.
Fastword to 2018, Gudetama’s creator/designer, AMY (Emi Nagashima) visits the Sanrio store in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, making this her first visit ever.
Gudetama fans stood in line to receive a signed drawing of Gudetama from AMY.
As AMY made a special appearance in Los Angeles, Aggretsuko creator/designer visited the Sanrio store in San Francisco for the continuation of Aggretsuko’s Den Of Rage event.
With Gudetama & Aggretsuko becoming instant stars & both characters getting their own TV series (Gudetama: TBS & Aggretsuko: Netflix), it’s only a matter of time before Sanrio develops yet another super cute and adorable character we can all be be obsessed with.
Here’s our photoset from AMY’s visit:
Take a look at out video as well:
Who’s your favorite SANRIO character? Comment below!
Anime Expo 2018 was a complete success!
For the 27th time, Anime Expo came back with full force from July 4th – July 8th drawing fans from 70 different countries. This year over 110,000 people attended Anime Expo, thats 2,342 more attendees than in Anime Expo 2017, making a local economic impact of $100 million to the city of Los Angeles.
Although Anime Expo went off without a hitch, there were a few slight inconveniences.
Before Anime Expo even began, they were altered to a possible threat made against AX and its attendees. According to Anime New Network, the threat was made by a man who allegedly stated via text, “These cons are due for a high school shooting, by a high school kidd [sic]. I’m working on a case at the moment. Shit u [sic] not.” although he did not specifically stated Anime Expo as a target, Anime Expo responded by promptly by ‘alerting local law enforcement to take appropriate actions in accordance with their procedures.‘ in a statement the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) said:
“Just as in 2017, we are working with security teams and local law enforcement, including K9 teams and traffic control officers, to maintain the safety of our event. Additionally, as previously announced, we are utilizing RFID badges for AX this year and will have security checks at each entrance. We encourage attendees to check our mobile app and maps to get familiarized with the various designated entrances.”
Thankfully, AX came and went without incident. Although the seriousness of this threat wasn’t felt among con goers; With public shootings happening all over the country on a daily basis, ‘indirect’ threats such as these, should NOT be taken with grain of salt. Though it may be a slight inconvenience, security checks at AX do their job by preventing such incidents to ever happen. If you would like to read more details on this situation please read Anime News Network’s article here.
Moving on to more lighter but heated topics:
Los Angeles suffered a huge heat wave during day 2 & day 3 of Anime Expo with temperatures reaching up to 108°. Although the convention center had functioning air conditioning, outside the heat was unbearable. Mailing AX badges eliminated “LineCon” or the long tedious, on-site registration line. Attendees were still not happy about waiting in line to get inside the convention center due to bag checks. Attendees also took to social to suggest that Anime Expo should cap their tickets due to overcrowding.
Do agree that Anime Expo should cap their badges? leave a comment below, we’d love to hear your opinions.
Be as it may, the heatwave was no match for hard working, determined cosplayers, whom in the middle of the scorching sun, went all out in their cosplays. Check these awesome cosplays:
We interviewed some of these wonderful cosplayers and this is what they had to say, about why they attended Anime Expo 2018 and how we dealt with the heat weave:
Before I jump on to a different topic, a HUGE shoutout to these guys at Alove yogurt, who, in the middle of the scorching sun, passed out these delicious yogurts to con goers
In addition to the 110K attendees, over 150 guests and industry made appearances including, Go Nagai, Hiromi Wakabayashi, Mari Okada, Sean Danconia, Santa Inoue, and SUSHIO. Booths also held guest appearances as with, Project Sekai who had Nekopara’s creator, Sayori in attendance for fan autographs.
The Exhibit & Entertainment Halls also featured more than 524 Exhibitors (74 Exhibitors more than AX 2017) Among them was AnimePls, a new Anime brand that is dedicated to bringing you exclusive merchandise from various anime series including: Hatsune Miku, Attack On Titan, Yugioh, My Hero Academia & Aggretsuko! Check their booth from AX 2018.
Near the end of Anime Expo; Funimation and LootCrate collaborated on an AX Afterparty held at the Globe Theater in Downtown Los Angeles during the night of Day 3.
Attendees able to receive a free goodie bag which contained Loot Crate exclusives
There were so many things that went down at this year’s anime. From newly produced anime series to exclusive Anime Expo events and merchandise. If you missed out this year, don’t worry, Anime Expo will be back in 2019! Tickets are now on sale! For now enjoy our entire Anime Expo 2018 photoset:
Special Thanks to:
Author’s Note:
This year’s Anime Expo was special mainly because we, My assistant & I, attended AX as Press, which was such an honor! We hope to attend next year as Press as well. Unfortunately, I got very ill between Day 0 – Day 2 and although we were able to take photos and film, I wasn’t able to fully capture everything I wanted at AX nor accomplish. During Day 3, I was feeling much better, we ended up filming the last day of AX, alongside, interviewing awesome cosplayers! I hope you enjoyed our mini AX video (found above) and I’ll personally bring you much more Anime Con coverage beginning with ANIMANGA 2018 coming this August!
MIKU EXPO RETURN TO LOS ANGELES!
Miku’s last LA appearance was during Miku Expo 2016, now she’s back again with Miku Expo 2018. This year’s theme: “Can’t Make A Song!!” by beat_shobon.
As you read this, Miku Expo is still on going with tours left in New York, NY & Mexico City alongside Miku’s first european concerts beginning on December 1st in Paris, France, followed by, Cologne, Germany & London, United Kingdom.
If you’re interested in attending any of these shows, click here for showtimes:
Miku Expo 2018 (USA&Mexico)/Miku Expo 2018(Europe)
Miku Expo 2018 (excluding San Jose/Austin) song list:
-I’ll Miku Miku You (For Reals) | Miku (ika)
-Thousand Cherry Blossoms | Miku (Kurousa-P)
-Ghost Rule | Miku (DECO*27)
-Ageage Again | Miku (Mitchie M)
-Meltdown | Rin (iroha(sasaki))
-Law-evading Rock | Len (Neru)
-Doctor=Funk Beat | KAITO (Nyanyannya)
-Lover’s Suicide Oblivion | MEIKO (OPA)
-Glow | Miku (keeno)
-Through The Night | Miku (Slushii)
-Romeo and Cinderella | Miku (doriko)
-Envy Catwalk | Miku (Tohma)
-Can’t Make a Song | Miku (Moi)
-Double Lariat | Luka (Agoaniki-P)
-8HIT | Rin, Len (Wonderful☆Opportunity)
-Remote Control | Rin, Len (Wonderful☆Opportunity)
-Gemini | Rin, Len (Dixie Flatline)
-Nyanyanyanyanyanyanya! | Miku (daniwellP)
-Satisfaction | Miku (kz)
-Whimsical Mercy | Miku (Hachioji-P)
-Luka Luka Night Fever | Luka (samfree)
-World is Mine | Miku (ryo)
-Rain of Cherry Blossom Petals | Miku (halyosy, absorb)
-Decade | Miku (Dixie Flatline)
-DUNE | Miku (Hachi)
-Miku | Miku (Anamanaguchi)
-Tell Your World | Miku (kz)
-Melt | Miku (ryo
F.Y.E. Let’s Paint Miku Event
Following the concert in Los Angeles, electronics store. FYE (For Your Entertainment) in collaboration with Crypton Future Media INC organized an in-store event where Hatsune Miku fans were to purchase a blank Miku figurine and participated in various artistic activities such as, figure painting, coloring and Japanese traditional Chigiri-e (Art made with coloured paper that is torn to create images, and may resemble a water colour paintings.)
Once the figure was painted, it was then filmed for an upcoming video alongside the colouring sheets & Chigiri-e which were kept by Crypton Future Media INC for said upcoming video.
Here’s our Miku Expo 2018 video:
Author’s Note:
Thanks for reading my post, due to time restrictions, I couldn’t take as many photos as I wanted to before the concert began in LA. I do hope you enjoyed our video. Be on the lookout for our Anime Expo 2018 post, coming soon!
Sega & shoe brand, Puma teamed up to make the best collaboration SEGA has ever been involved in:
Classic SONIC THE HEDGEHOG RS-0 inspired Shoes!
These nostalgic RS-0 shoes were released on Tuesday, June 12th, 2018*
DETAILS:
-RS-0 Sonic takes inspiration from Sonic the Hedgehog and the world he protects
-The upper’s textured suede represents Sonic’s fur
-Upper also features micro ventilation perforations, embroidered PUMA Formstrip, deboss of Sonic’s head and gold rings
-Metallic gold rings on lace ends – relates to the classic gold rings collected in the video game
-16Bit Grass Print on heel is a nod to the Green Hill Zone
-Checkered footbed is inspired by the roads Sonic runs on
-Outsole features translucent red rubber + Sonic logo Under Print
-Tongue label features the collaboration logo and RS-0 binary number branding
These shoes are currently SOLD OUT. A Puma representative made a statement regarding the future availability of these shoes, and stated “This was a limited release, and there will be no additional production of the shoe”, It is, however, available to purchase on these following platforms at buyer’s own risk: E-bay, Amazon & stockx.com.
Following the release of these shoes, Nice Kicks, a popular shoe store in Downtown Los Angeles, held a HUGE SEGA party with VERY special guests.
Special guests included, game designer/game director, S & Japanese-American rock band, Crush 40 (Jun Senoue & Johnny Gioeli)! For the first time, in a long time, Crush 40 performed LIVE in Los Angeles. Performing Sonic classics such as, Open your Heart, Live and Learn, I am…All of Me, and their new song, Green Light Ride for the new sonic game, Sonic Racing! Watch the entire concert provided by yours truly, The Kitsune Network:
check out our photos from the concert:
Personal Afterthoughts
Watching Crush 40 and meeting band members, Johnny and Jun was surreal. As a child I remember playing Sonic Adventure XD and Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, I remember not skipping title screen just to hear Crush 40’s theme. I would like to Thank you Crush 40, for making my childhood great with their catchy rockin songs and Thank you Mr.Iizuka, for making the greatest Sonic game ever; the Adventure series.
