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!
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!
As we attend RONIN-EXPO 2018, we had the pleasure of interviewing voice actress, Sara Williams! [Don’t forget to check out our related giveaway, details below!]
You may recognize her voice as, Jinx (League of Legends), Midari Ikishima (Kakegurui – Compulsive Gambler), Peacock (SkullGirls), Lisbeth / Rika Shinozaki (Sword Art Online series), Nonon Jakuzure (Kill La Kill), Berserker of Black (Fate/Apocrypha) & most recently as Felix Argyle (RE: Zero)
Me & Sarah Williams during the interview
Watch as Sarah speaks about her career and how she voice a few of her most recent characters:
Sarah Williams & I
Vincent Reyes (My assistant) & Sarah Williams
Felix Argyle Giveaway!
Thanks for reading/watching our interview with Sarah Williams, now here’s your chance to WIN an autographed print of Felix Argyle!
All you have to do is, leave a comment on the interview video & subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Refer to our Giveaway rules for more information.
DEADLINE IS JULY 1ST 2018
Special thanks to RONIN-EXPO & Danny Gonzalez for the opportunity to attend RONIN EXPO!
Since the beginning of Aggretsuko Den of Rage event, we’ve been covering the event as it took place in Little Tokyo in Los Angeles, CA!
Find Aggretsuko
Aggretsuko decor.
On the last day of the event, May 28th 2018, we asked seven different Aggretsuko fans about their love for the METAL red panda, Watch our video, maybe you can relate:
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:
How did Disney celebrate? By making ‘The Big Donut’ come to life!
CR&A Custom, Inc, Disney & Randy’s Donuts all collaborated in making ‘The Big Donut’ a reality. The fantastic graphic was made and printed by CR&A Custom, Inc and was displayed at famous Randy’s Donuts in Inglewood, California near LAX.
‘The Big Donut’ came to life!
During this ‘event’ Disney also celebrated of the one-year anniversary of Zootopia & had a FACEBOOK LIVE Q&A with Nate Torrance (Clawhauser) and Oscar®-winning director Rich Moore at Randy’s!
Although we did not personally cover the Q&A session, we did decide to go down there and cover this fantastic anniversary. Naturally, I cosplayed none other than…
JUDY HOPPS!
Huge Zootopia donut, LIVE Q&A; What else was there, you ask? How about:
The Big Donut’s Donut!
The donut reads “The Big Donut”
There were two different types: Glaced & Sprinkled
For those who don’t know, “The Big Donut” was actually inspired by Randy’s Donuts. Over the past decades, Randy’s Donuts has been known as a famous landmark & film location. its known to have been featured (On location/cameo) in various famous scenes from several successful Hollywood movies/TV Shows such as:
Californication, Iron Man 2, Mars Attacks!, Earth Girls Are Easy & Zootopia
The ‘The Big Donut’ banner is, unfortunately, no longer up for display. We unsure if they will ever put it back up, however If you didn’t get a chance to see it, take a look here:
Maybe when ZOOTOPIA 2 comes out, it’ll go back up again…
Check out our awesome video on this fantastic event!
Next time you’re in Cali or live nearby, hop on by Randy’s Donuts, you won’t be disappointed. …er squished by a huge donut.
Sword Art Online final had its first ever, feature film!
Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale.
Aniplex & Eleven Arts held a red carpet premiere in Hollywood, California at the famous Egyptian Theater!
Fans waiting outside theater. Some are holding freshly bought SAO merch
The exclusive event SOLD OUT within 48 hours after tickets were on sell. With anime’s popularity, its no wonder it sold out quickly! Hundreds of fans gathered for this exclusive one-day event, some came in cosplay.
(Left) Andrew Black Swordsman; (Left Middle) Stella Chuu; (Middle Right) Celty Farron; (Left) Atashi as Silica w/ Pina
Celty Farron as Yuki Asun
Atashi as Silica w/ Pina
Fans were also able to buy new SAO merch at the ‘SAO store’ Aniplex staff set up
The SAO ‘Store’
Fan looking through items
Boxes of SAO merch
Asuna SAO OS Figure B
Asuna SAO OS Figure A
Items I purchased (Money well spent)
The event was filled with special guests, such as:
Yui’s special appearance at the eventMe (Krystal Kitsune) at Red carpet premiere with Kirito & Asuna
For those who missed this fantastic event, you can still catch the movie in theaters THISThursday; March 9th 2017. Tickets on sale here. Catch some of the highlights of this event down below.
We’ll be posting an event video soon, so stay tuned!
Last weekend marked the 20th year Anniversary of Pokemon!
Pokemon has been part of our childhood, at least for most of us, for 20 years now! To celebrate, clothing shop Japan LA located in West Hollywood, held a Pokemon 20th Anniversary event in which they relieved pokemon based clothing
Loads of pokemon fans came far and wide just to celebrate the 20th Anniversary!
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 
You may recognize her voice as, Jinx (League of Legends), Midari Ikishima (Kakegurui – Compulsive Gambler), Peacock (SkullGirls), Lisbeth / Rika Shinozaki (Sword Art Online series), Nonon Jakuzure (Kill La Kill), Berserker of Black (Fate/Apocrypha) & most recently as Felix Argyle (RE: Zero)
![abec [Character design concept]](https://thekitsunetwork.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/dsc_0405.jpg?w=399&h=266 "dsc_0405")
![TOMOHIKO ITO [Film Director]](https://thekitsunetwork.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/dsc_0391.jpg?w=197&h=131 "dsc_0391")
![REKI KAWAHARA [SAO Author/Original Story]](https://thekitsunetwork.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/dsc_0383.jpg?w=197&h=131 "dsc_0383")
![(Left) KAZUMA MIKI [Editor/Producer]; (Right) SHINGO ADACHI [Character Design/Chief Animation Director]](https://thekitsunetwork.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/dsc_0321.jpg?w=320&h=214 "dsc_0321")
![SHINICHIRO KASHIWADA [Producer of Aniplex]](https://thekitsunetwork.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/dsc_0332.jpg?w=276&h=214 "dsc_0332")
![Bryce Papenbrook [Kirito / Kazuto Kirigaya]](https://thekitsunetwork.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/dsc_0453.jpg?w=399&h=266 "dsc_0453")
![Cherami Leigh [Asuna Yuuki]](https://thekitsunetwork.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/dsc_0461.jpg?w=197&h=131 "dsc_0461")
![(Left) Cassandra Lee Morris [Leafa / Suguha Kirigaya]; (Middle) Cherami Leigh [Asuna Yuuki]; (Right) Christine M. Cabanos [Silica / Keiko Ayano]](https://thekitsunetwork.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/dsc_0422.jpg?w=197&h=131 "dsc_0422")
![(Left) Bryce Papenbrook [Kirito / Kazuto Kirigaya]; (Middle) Sarah Williams [Lisbeth / Rika Shinozaki]; (Right) Cassandra Lee Morris [Leafa / Suguha Kirigaya]](https://thekitsunetwork.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/dsc_0449.jpg?w=600&h=400 "dsc_0449")
