We had the honor of interviewing actor Reuben Langdon and famed anime director, Hiroshi Nagahama during Ronin Expo 2019 in Little Tokyo, California. Ronin Expo is an annual anime festival located in the heart of the Los Angeles Japanese community, Little Tokyo!
Nagahama sketching for fans
Reuben Langdon signs a slice of pizza for a fan
Hiroshi Nagahama, began his career at Madhouse Studio as a mechanical designer for ‘The Cockpit’, after leaving Madhouse, he became a freelancer. He later went on to direct the highly acclaimed anime series, Mushishi. In recent news, Nagahama was working alongside writer Stan Lee to co-create, The Reflection an anime series surrounding individuals who have superpowers after coming in contact with a mysterious light. More on this in our interview with Hiroshi Nagahama below:
Reuben Langdon is known for voicing Dante (Devil May Cry series), Ken Masters beginning with Street Fighter IV various others. Aside from voicing characters, he’s also a well-known motion capture actor, doing motion capture for Chris Redfield in Resident Evil Code Veronica, 5 & 6. In addition, Langdon is also a stuntman, filmmaker and on-camera actor, working on well-known film titles such as, The Medallion, Spider-Man 2, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Night at the Museum 2, Ant-Man, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and Avatar. In recent news, Langdon was involved in a life-threating armed assault, earlier this year, while filming a documentary in Guatemala, Mexico. This and more in our interview:
We would like to thank Ronin Expo staff for providing the services we needed to execute these interviews. Special thanks to Lisle Wilkerson for interpreting our interview with Nagahama.
Anime Pasadena returned for its 2nd run, Anime Pasadena 2019, held on April 20th at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, CA!
During the convention, we had the pleasure of interviewing voice actors, Nick Apostolides & Jolene Anderson the voices of Leon S. Kennedy and Ada Wong in the Resident Evil II Remake.
Watch as Nick and Jolene tell their stories from their time filming and recording their lines for the game!
The Kitsune Network would like to thank YouTube user, Story Modefor providing the in-game footage and game cut scenes for this interview.
GIVEAWAY
We are giving away an (1) AUTOGRAPHEDResident Evil II Remake print signed by Nick Apostolides (Leon S. Kennedy) & Jolene Anderson (Ada Wong)!
ACTUAL PRIZE PRINT (Print size Approx.: 11×8.5’in)
A week ago we celebrated the release of the long-awaited video game, Kingdom Hearts III at Game Realms, a video game store located in Burbank, California. We had the chance to speak to voice actors, Bill Famer (Goofy) & Quinton Flynn (Axel) and ask them about their experiences playing their roles in the Kingdom Hearts series, this and more in our interview below! Enjoy!
Note:
We apologize for the lighting in our video, due to extreme weather conditions and time restrictions, we were unable to set out lighting equipment, furthermore, the monitors in the background did not help with this situation. We hope that you were still able to enjoy our video!
Photos
Krystal & Bill Farmer – Photo by Alex Entezami
Krystal & Bill Farmer – Photo by Alex Entezami
Bill Farmer – Photo by Alex Entezami
Krystal & Quinton Flynn – Photo by Alex Entezami
Bill Farmer, Krystal & Quinton – Photo by Alex Entezami
Teaser Animated trailer released during Anime expo 2018. Animation by StudioTrigger known for Kill La Kill.
Indivisible is an upcoming, fighting RPG game made by Lab Zero Games, the same developers who made Skullgirls. Although Skullgirls focuses on mainly on fighting skills, Indivisible expands to the platform/RPG genre.
Screen shot from the demo. Download the game on Steam here.
Being a huge fan of the artwork that Lab Zero Games produces in their games, I decided to try the demo out myself. Just as their previous game, Skullgirls, Indivisible was produced using 2D, hand-drawn, techniques. Which in MY opinion Indivisible has one of the best hand animations, it has a art style that is more modern, and unlike other games such as, Cupheadwhich was meant to mimic the 1930s art style, Indivisible is a more modern rendition of that concept. Of course Cuphead is different genre. In comparison, Wakfu, produce by Ankama Games,is another game that is similar to Indivisible in that they both have similar art styles, though have very different gameplays:
Left: Wakfu (Produce in Adobe Flash); Right: Indivisible (Produce using hand drawn 2D traditional animation)
There are many things about Indivisible that I loved, however its art direction and its gameplay is what got me mesmerized. The mixture of beautiful natural artistic direction, the detailed characters & the energetic cast alongside the dynamic Lab Zero Games team make the game a remarkable experience to play. Unfortunately, Lab Zero Games fans will have to wait a bit along as the game’s initial release date, January 2018, was pushed back to some time in mid 2019. Although a specific date hasn’t been set yet.
For now, the demo is available on steam for FREE download and you can visit the game’s official website to be updated on its process here.
GIVEAWAY!
In honour of Indivisible, we’ve are giving away an official Indivisible Original Soundtrack CD brought to you by Lab Zero Games. Indivisible’s in-game music is composed by Hiroki Kikuta, who has worked in Super Nintendo’s Secret of Mana, Seiken Densetsu 3, Soul Calibur V & Koudelka.
Indivisible – Special Sound Selections Official CD
Track List
How to win: Like our facebook page here & Share this article via Twitter or Facebook using the #TKNIndivisible tag. You’ll automatically be entered to win this exclusiveIndivisible Original Soundtrack CD. You have until August 11th 2018 to enter! The winner will be announced on August 12th 2018 via our facebook page. Good luck!
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
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.
an authentic Archie Sonic the Hedgehog comic #24
Sonic Mania Sega Gen. s Cartridge w/ metal gold ring
Inside NICK KICKS during the event
Inside NICK KICKS during the event
Inside NICK KICKS during the event (Eggman section)
SONIC RS-0 by digital artist, Jeff Cole
Inside NICEKICKS (before event began)
Promo Hatsune Miku banner
Store’s game station
Sega Genesis Flashback HD 2017 Console
Sega Genesis original poster
My assistant, Vincent Reyes
Myself
Fans waiting to see CRUSH 40
SEGA staff setting up event/stage
Sonic the Hedgehog board game from Brazil
Fan hold Jeff Cole’s artwork that he won
The stage
Sonic The Hedgehog backdrop
Myself & the fastest thing alive, Sonic!
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:
Johnny Gioeli (Crush 40 Vocals)
Jun Senoue (Crush 40 guitarist)
Crush 40 performing “Sonic Boom” cover
Jun Senoue (Crush 40 guitarist) with SONIC guitar
Crush 40 performing “Live & Learn”
Me filming the entire concert for you guys.
GOOD NIGHT, LOS ANGELES!
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.
(Left to Right) Mr.Iizuka Takashi; Johnny Gioeli; Krystal & Jun Senoue
You may not recognize his face but you’ll definitely recognize his voice! Join us in our quick interview with Pokemon Theme song singer, JASON PAIGE:
We interviewed Jason Paige at AniFest 2018 in Torrance, California. Although we were there primarily for Jason, here are some photos from Anifest & a quick video.
Interviewing Jason
Interviewing Jason
Interviewing Jason
Weeb Car 1
Weeb Car 2
This guy! VOOM! VOOM!
This guy! VOOM! VOOM!
Me & Tony Taku
Me & Tony Taku
Me & Beari King (Event Organizer)
Ash’s League Expo hat autographed by JASON PAIGE
Ash’s League Expo hat autographed by JASON PAIGE
Check this short video of some of the booth at AniFest:
The anticipated arcade game developed into a full blown PS4 game, Final Fantasy Dissidia: NT is finally coming to the US on January 30th 2018!
And much like Final Fantasy XV, Nissin Foods collaborated with Square Enix to bring you;
Nissin Foods x Dissidia
Buy oneof these specially marked Final Fantasy Cup Noodles and get an exclusive Noctis Royal Raiment download! This is an exclusive Dissidia Final Fantasy NT content.
…and yes, its the same code for each and every specially marked Final Fantasy Cup Noodles.
Noctis Royal Raiment
According the Nissin’s official website, you MUST ” saved your receipt to redeem your code” For more details & FAQ about this offer, visit the official site here. Deadline to redeem codes is 06/30/2018 and codes expire on 1/30/2028.
Here’s a preview of the specially marked Final Fantasy Cup Noodles (click to expand):
Warrior of Light
Cloud Strife
Lightning ( Claire Farron)
Sephiroth, Warrior of Light & Tidus (possibly other characters) are featured on the top the packaging.
“That’s nice but where can I buy them?” You can buy at the following locations:
Food4Less, Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, basically ANYWHEREyou’d find Cup Noodles. Find the nearest store on Nissin’s store locator!
Take a look at our short, little trip to hunt these down:
We had the honor to Interview FINAL FANTASY XV cast members, RAY CHASE & ROBBIE DAYMOND aka Noctis and Promto! Check out our interview below, make sure to end til the end to learn how to enter into our FINAL FANTASY XV autograph giveaway!
I would to personally thank, Ray and Robbie; for accepting our interview request, Alondra; for being an awesome assistant, Gregorio Escalante Gallery; for letting us film on location and finally, special thanks to YouTube Channel, Pauly Mike for providing the in-game footage used in our interview. Thank Everyone!
Check these awesome photo taken by our lovely photographer, Alondra!
FINAL FANTASY XV autograph giveaway!
Share, comment, & subscribe to our channel and you may have a chance to win THIS autographed print from Noctis and Promto!
Deadline Jan.10th 2017!
Speaking of SQUARE ENIX related giveaways, we are giving this one-of-a-kind, Life Is Strange VideoPak STRAIGHT from the Los Angeles SQUARE ENIX OFFICES!
This is a reusable mini tablet with 2 pre-loaded Life Is Strange videos. You can use a standard USB charging cable to charge and add limited videos of your own via your PC!
This beautifully well-made Tracer statue appeared on Hollywood Blvd on May 21st!
Placed there by the Overwatch team at Blizzard ent. This statue weighs about 3 tons and according to Twitter user, @The_bluejacket it took 3 forklifts to set up this amazing statue!
In total, there are 3 Overwatch figure statues around the world, standing around 15 feet tall! Characters & locations are as follows:
Character
Location
TRACER
Hollywood & Highland, CA
GENJI
The Centre Pompidou; Paris, France
PHARAH
Busan, Korea
We currently have no information as to when will the statues be gone, If you want to visit this awesome statue, do so by going to Hollywood & Highland (Or the other locations depending where you are). If you live in the Los Angeles area, there will be a fan gathering being planned on Tuesday; May 24 FROM 5 PM – 8 PM, check out the facebook event page for more details.
Enjoy our slideshow of the photos I took during my visit to see the TRACER statue!
(50+ Photos)
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
If you visit and take a selfie with the statue, post it on our FACEBOOK WALL, we’d love see it!
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 
