Many of you might already know, (former) JAV actress Kaho Shibuya announced her retirement from all AV (Adult Video) work and, as stated in our previous interview, She’s working on a photo book. During our recent interview, she explained that she’s also working on an erotic novel and writing a book about her life in the JAV industry. Needless to say, she’s expanding her work and becoming an author and professional cosplayer.
BTS – Shibuya & Krystal | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS – Shibuya & Krystal | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
We caught up with Kaho Shibuya during Anime Los Angeles 2019, where she granted us an interview and elaborated further on her AV origins, future plans & her upcoming photo book. Watch our VERY exclusive interview with Kaho Shibuya at Anime Los Angeles 2019 here:
BTS - Shibuya & Krystal | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS - Shibuya & Krystal | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS - Shibuya & Krystal | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS - Shibuya & Krystal | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS - Shibuya & Krystal | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS - Shibuya & Krystal | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS - Shibuya & Krystal | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS - Shibuya & Krystal | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS - Shibuya & Krystal | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS - Shibuya & Krystal | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS - Shibuya & Krystal | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
BTS - Shibuya & Krystal | Photos by: Vincent Reyes
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GIVEAWAY
KAHO SHIBUYA AUTOGRAPH GIVEAWAY!
How to win
Simply subscribe to our channel, The Kitsune Network
Comment on the video’s comment section using the hashtag: #TKNKaho and you’ll be automatically entered to WIN!
One entry per username
There will only be ONE winner. Winner will be contacted via YouTube’s comment reply feature.
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!
Ever wanted to see Japanese manga students at work? Are you a fan of anime art? Are you an artist anime yourself or just enjoy artist alley? Come and join the students from J.A.M. (or the Japanese Animation & Manga College) On Saturday December 1st at Little Tokyo’s Miyako Hotel.
JAM are bringing several of their students from their art college in Japan over to Los Angeles for a ONE DAY fundraiser event. If this is anything as their first fundraiser, last year’s, there’ll be freebies from JAM (Art samples books, DVD Animation demos, ETC) in addition, you’ll be able to purchase art, hangout with manga students, watch live drawings, get your a portrait drawing, photo ops and more!
Last year, we stumbled on their first fundraiser by chance and had so much fun, we figured we’d share this event for more anime fans to join the fun!
Inside Miyako Hotel – Ballroom
Self portrait from JAM student artist
Splatoon sketch made by JAM student artist
See you there! & as always, we’ll be bring coverage from the event.
DISCLAIMER: Before you read on, please beware this is a 18+ topic, if you do not wish to continue with this post, please check our other post from HentaiCon.
During HentaiCon we had the honour of interviewing former JAV (Japanese Adult Video) actress, Kaho Shibuya!
Photo Source: Shibuya’s Blog
Photo Source: Shibuya’s Blog
For those who wish to follow Kaho and her daily adventures, check her blog here. [KAHO HAS SINCE DELETED HER BLOG]
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):
Check our Hentai Con Gallery
Kayli Mills & Me (Krystal)
Dōbutsu Lounge
Me Hentai Con founder, Richie Edquid & Me (Krystal)
Jackie Lastra & Me (Krystal) during our interview
Elizabeth Rage & unknown cosplayer
Kayli Mills & Me (Krystal) during our interview
Kaho Shibuya & Me (Krystal) during our interview
Kayli Mills & Me (Krystal) during our interview
Bunny Ayumi & Swimsuit Succubus
Kayli Mills & Me (Krystal)
Dōbutsu Lounge
Kayli Mills & Me (Krystal) during the last day of Hentai Con
I had threeamazing guest interviews during my time at the fristeverHENTAI CON in Burbank, California! Here’s the first interview from the trio; You may recognize her from, Grand Blue Fantasy as IO, YS VII: Lacrimosa of dana as Ricotta and BeyBlade Burst as Nika Aoi, watch as voice actress, Jackie Lastra speaks about her newest roles in, The Testament Of Sister New Devil & more in this awesome interview.
Remember to subscribe to The Kitsune Network’s YouTube here to get notified of my upcoming interviews from Hentai Con and more!
Sword Art Online: Alicization had its EARLY season premiere on Saturday Sept. 15th 2018 at Hollywood’s The Montalbán theatre!
The Montalbán theatre
The Montalbán theatre
The Montalbán theatre
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.
Fans waiting to enter the Montalbán theater…
Some were in cosplay.
SAO standee that stood outside the theatre
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]
Exclusive Shishiki of Manabu Ono’s Kirito sketch [This was signed by Kirito’s English voice actor, Bryce Papenbrook]
SAO merchandise that was available for purchase during the event, including some exclusive SAO: Alicization merchandise.
An acrylic ‘Alice’ standee, one of few SAO: Alicization merchandise that was available for purchase
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.
Manabu Ono during Japan Expo 2017. Photo Credit: Coyote Mag via Twitter
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.
Sword Art Online Vol. 9 – Alicization Beginning
Sword Art Online Vol. 18 – Alicization Lasting
After the screening, we meet up with some special surprise guests, Bryce PapenBrook (Kirito) and Michelle Ruff (Sinon)
Bryce Papenbrook and I (Krystal)
Michelle Ruff and I (FUN FACT: Me and Michelle go WAY to 2016, She was the very first voice actor we interviewed for The Kitsune Network).
Check out our photoset for this event:
SAO setup inside theatre
Fans filling The Montalbán
Eugeo and Kirito cosplayers
Fans waiting for the episode to begin
Fans waiting for the episode to begin
Title card
An exclusive acrylic ‘Alice’ standee
Alice, Kirito and myself
SAO: Alicization poster that was given out to attendees [this particular poster is signed by some of the English cast of SAO]
Exclusive Shishiki of Manabu Ono’s Kirito sketch [This was signed by Kirito’s English voice actor, Bryce Papenbrook]
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.
Protagonist
Koharu
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;
Sword Art Online: The Television Series.
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.”
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
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.
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!
![SAO: Alicization poster that was given out to attendees [this particular poster is signed by some of the English cast of SAO]](https://i0.wp.com/thekitsunetwork.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/dsc1421.jpg?w=430&h=583&ssl=1 "_DSC1421")
![Exclusive Shishiki of Manabu Ono's Kirito sketch [This was signed by Kirito's English voice actor, Bryce Papenbrook]](https://i0.wp.com/thekitsunetwork.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/dsc1426.jpg?w=522&h=583&ssl=1 "_DSC1426")
![SAO: Alicization poster that was given out to attendees [this particular poster is signed by some of the English cast of SAO]](https://i0.wp.com/thekitsunetwork.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/dsc1421.jpg?w=285&h=388&ssl=1 "_DSC1421")
![Exclusive Shishiki of Manabu Ono's Kirito sketch [This was signed by Kirito's English voice actor, Bryce Papenbrook]](https://i0.wp.com/thekitsunetwork.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/dsc1426.jpg?w=347&h=388&ssl=1 "_DSC1426")
