Fans may recognize him for his work as the voice director on B: The Beginning, The Sky Crawlers, and recently, Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir. He’s also provided the voices of Kaname Kuran (Vampire Knight), Junketsu (Kill La Kill) & Yylfordt Granz (Bleach).
BTS – Ezra Weisz Interview | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS – Ezra Weisz Interview | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS – Ezra Weisz Interview | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS – Ezra Weisz Interview | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS – Ezra Weisz Interview | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS – Ezra Weisz Interview | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS – Ezra Weisz Interview | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
Ezra Weizs
Ladies & gentlemen, its Ezra Weisz!
We had the honor of interviewing Ezra Weisz during Anime Los Angeles 2019! Intrigued by his involvement in the Miraculous Ladybug series, we asked Ezra on some insight on what goes on behind the scenes of Miraculous Ladybug! All this and more on our interview:
A new year has begun and the Con season rolls out, beginning with Anime Los Angeles 2019 held at Ontario’s Convention Center.
Anime Los Angeles or ALA is known for their enthusiastic atmosphere and since their relocation from the LAX Marriott, ALA has no trouble keeping up with traditions.
RIBBONS!
Over 150+ Ribbons (We counted)
Look at that smile though. Accomplished Otaku.
During the con, we had the honor of interviewing Miraculous Ladybug voice director and voice actor himself, EZRA WEISZ!
We also had the chance to catch with a special friend of ours, KAHO SHIBUYA, who granted us an exclusive interview!
As you may remember, we unexpectedly got the chance to interview Kaho Shibuya in November of last year during HentaiCon 2018.
Even though ALA had exciting parties and exhibits to attend, the most eventful part of the weekend, occurred throughout the early morning hours of Day 3; Sunday. A man, now dubbed theAnime Los Angeles stalker, targeted a con attendee’s car and set it ablaze.
The blaze not only destroyed the victim’s car but destroyed 6 other cars parked next to it. For more information, CLICK HERE for the FULL report.
Overall, Anime Los Angeles 2019 was a huge hit! Great parties, an amazing artist alley, and great cosplays which can see on our Anime Los Angeles 2019 Gallery below! ’til next year!
Anime conventions are no stranger to unexpected events, but early Sunday morning at approximately 1:30 AM, attendees of Anime Los Angeles, along with other guests at the Folk Inn Hotel in Ontario, CA, were startled awake by what was initially believed to be an active shooter situation.
However, it was later confirmed that the disturbance was not due to an active shooter but rather a deliberate act of arson, destroying seven vehicles.
Both the Folk Inn Hotel and its neighboring Azure Hotel & Suites were evacuated. According to eyewitness Nora Moto, who was staying at the Azure Hotel, hotel staff and residents knocked on doors, urging people to evacuate immediately. “People were panicking because they thought it was an active shooter,” Moto told The Kitsune Network. “The fire burst the tires, and people thought someone was shooting up the place.”
The false reports of an active shooter caused further panic, leading guests in the Azure Hotel lobby to flee into the streets. Some rushed toward the nearby Gateway Hotel, adjacent to the Ontario Convention Center, in an effort to escape what they believed was a life-threatening situation.
Suspect Arrested in Connection with the Fire
After the fire was extinguished, law enforcement detained a person of interest. According to a police officer at the scene, a witness saw an individual pouring gasoline on a vehicle before setting it on fire. The flames quickly spread to adjacent cars. The suspect then fled the scene in an unidentified vehicle, but not before a witness recorded the license plate number.
The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Matt Masumi Toyotome, an Anime Los Angeles attendee, was later arrested at his Riverside home without incident. He is currently being held at the West Valley Detention Center on suspicion of arson, with bail set at $250,000.
Motive: A Years-Long Obsession
Sources indicate that Toyotome deliberately targeted a 2015 Subaru Outback belonging to fellow convention attendee Julia Moreno Jenkins, with whom he had been obsessed for years.
Jenkins’ Facebook profile photo
A friend of the victim, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that Toyotome had been harassing Jenkins for over three years. The two initially met while collaborating on a fan-made YouTube series called Armored Rangers, a project created by a group of Power Rangers fans.
During the production, Toyotome became infatuated with Jenkins, despite the fact that she had been in a long-term relationship since 2013. After the series ended, the group went their separate ways, but Jenkins remained active in the YouTube community and gained notable recognition within the Power Rangers fandom.
Escalating Harassment and a Disturbing Attack
Over time, Toyotome’s obsession escalated into jealousy and harassment. He allegedly repeatedly visited Jenkins’ home uninvited, left unsolicited gifts, and followed her at conventions.
While the specific trigger for the arson remains unclear, speculation suggests that Toyotome’s advances were firmly rejected by Jenkins during Anime Los Angeles 2019, potentially leading to the attack.
What’s left of Jenkins’ 2015 Subaru Outback; Although an eyewitness did see Matt pour gasoline to the car, Matt possibly bought gasoline from the adjacent, Quick Gasoline gas station.
Other Victims of the Fire
Jenkins was not the only victim of this incident. Several of the destroyed vehicles belonged to other Anime Los Angeles attendees, including Sabrina Snowdon, whose 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport was completely burned.
Photo provided to us by Sabrina
VIDEO FOOTAGE:
“I only had liability insurance, so my insurance will not cover me and I got it for $27,000. It was a really good working 2015 Subaru Outback. [. . .]I appreciate everyone who has helped be here for me during this ordeal, and thank you all for encouraging me to go through with starting a go fund me. I can’t say thank you enough for the cosplay community being so supportive and helpful to me in just every way.”
– Julia Jenkins via Go-FundMe
This shocking event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked obsession and harassment within fan communities.
Watch the final interview we had during Hentai Con 2018 with a special guest of honour, voice actress, Kayli Mills! Watch as she sits down with Krystal and speaks about her roles as Emilia in RE:Zero, Fiore in Fate/Apocrypha, & her newest role in The Testament of Sister New Devil BURST as Yuki Nonaka. Stay til the end of the video for a special announcement!
~Catch up on our other interview filmed during Hentai Con 2018 ~
KAHO SHIBUYA
Newly retired JAV actress, speaks about her future life outside AV and current projects in this エッチ and fun interview!
JACKIE LASTRA
Watch as voice actress, Jackie Lastra speaks about her roles in: The Testament Of Sister New Devil, GranBlue Fantasy, YS VII & more in our first interview from Hentai Con 2018
Missed Hentai Con? Take a look at our Hentai Con video showcasing the con’s exhibit hall (Video has been Age-restricted, youtube account required):
We had the honor of interviewing voice actors, Debi Derryberry, Mark DeCarlo & Megan Cavanagh, during this year’s Los Angeles Comic Con, just in time for Jimmy Neutron’s 15th Anniversary!
Watch our coverage of the JIMMY NEUTRON Panel featuring voice actors: Debi Derryberry (Jimmy Neutron), Mark DeCarlo (Hugh Neutron), Megan Cavanagh (Judy Neutron), Rob Paulsen (Carl Weezer), Candi Milo (Cindy Campbell) & Jeff Garcia (Sheen)
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.
AniManga’s Entrance
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.
AniManga’s interactive Inflatable Wrecking Ball & Maze Game
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.
Me, Zach Aguilar & Cosplayer: Mystic Taku
While at there, we had the honor of interviewing voice actor Josh Grelle:
Josh Grelle and I
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.
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.
Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018
Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018
Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018
Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018
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:
Photo credit: Mystic Taku
Photo credit: Mystic Taku
Best cosplay of AX 2018?
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
Thanks guys! (Peach Flavor was the best!)
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.
Since taking photos of Sayori was prohibited, here’s her signature dedicated to me, Krystal.
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.
Check them out at: Animepls.com
AnimePls has licensed all these series, so far!
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.
FunimationXSonicBoomBoxXLootCrate AX After Party!
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:
Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018
Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018
Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018
Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018
Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018
Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018
Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018
Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018
Day -1 of Anime Expo 2018
Day 1 of Anime BrExpo 2018
The Entertainment Hall
The Entertainment Hall – OVERWATCH booth
FATE: Grand Order VR booth
FATE: Grand Order VR booth
Feel like playing Kingdom Hearts III?
Feel like playing Kingdom Hearts III?
Brought to you by, Arby’s
Brought to you by, Arby’s
Brought to you by, Arby’s
Filming for our AX video
Brought to you by, Arby’s
My assistant, Vincent
My assistant, Vincent
Back to you, buddy.
BTS – Deku Inter.
Mystic Taku as Casual Deku
BTS – Deku Inter.
Interviewing Aggretsuko
Why would you toss fapping paper away?
Not really that packed…
…or maybe…
………
……..
FunimationXSonicBoomBoxXLootCrate AX After Party!
SWAG BAGS!
Me in my Astolfo Cosplay. Check out my cosplay page here: Facebook.com/ThaTrapArtist
Me in my Astolfo Cosplay. Check out my cosplay page here: Facebook.com/ThaTrapArtist
Me in my Astolfo Cosplay. Check out my cosplay page here: Facebook.com/ThaTrapArtist
Me in my Astolfo Cosplay. Check out my cosplay page here: Facebook.com/ThaTrapArtist
Ronin-Expo was held on June 02 of 2018, at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles.
So what is Ronin-Expo, you may ask? Ronin-Expo is a celebration of Asian culture, this includes anime, video games, movies, & even a bit history of Japan itself. What makes this expo so interesting though, is the fact that it’s in the center of Little Tokyo district in the city of angels (Los Angeles). This makes it a diverse spot for Ronin Expo to be in, as attendees can further explore Little Tokyo by visiting the surrounding museums and local restaurants.
Here are some more pictures from the event including: cosplayers, event guests, attendees and staff members.
Felt like you missed out? Don’t worry, Ronin Expo will return spring 2019, so mark your calendars and take a trip to Little Tokyo, Los Angeles & make sure to stop by Ronin-Expo!
Join us at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center this May 5th 2018 for the first ever Anifest!
AniFest is a brand new one-day Anime Festival where you can find all the great things of a convention but with a matsuri twist, right in Torrance California! Take a look around to see all the great things you can do, and for only $15! Get your ticket here: AniFest.org/tickets. See you there!
We will be interviewing Michelle Ruff She has voice numinous characters, from video games to anime. As usual, If you have any questions for Michelle Ruff, please submit them by commenting below, E-mailing us OR posting your question on our Facebook page! The following are a few of the most popular characters she’s voiced:
