Anime Expo 2011

It’s that time of year again! America’s largest anime convention, the Anime Expo 2011 is in town!

The Anime Expo celebrated it’s 20th anniversary this year. Held over the course of four days, it has drawn Japanese anime fans from all over the US.

In the main hall there were approximately 280 corporate exhibitors with everything from anime figurines and posters to illustrations made on the floor by the cartoonist!

Many greats idols have been the main attraction for the expo. In the past, live idols such as Morning Musume and AKB48 have served as the center attraction. But the big subject of conversation is who the attraction will be this year.

This year it’s Virtual Idol, Hatsune Miku!

Hatsune Miku’s 3DCG image was projected onto an on-stage screen and ran seamlessly with the live band in the background. They sang a total of 24 songs in front of a gathering of more than 6,000 screaming fans.

The magic of Miku is that when you enter the lyrics and melody, the computer software creates a voice that sings and sounds much like a real person. Her fame has exploded on Internet video sharing sites such has Youtube. The number of songs Miku has performed, many of which are fan made and created, is more than 30,000 songs.

Now, the momentum of her popularity is spreading here in America. From May this past year, she has become the poster child of Toyota in the US.

This was the first concert Miku has had in America and a history making event for the accomplishments of virtual idols.

JETRO – Anime & Manga Trivia Battle

American anime fans want to send a fresh voice to Japan.

The Anime and Manga Trivia Battle was held during the Anime Expo with this in mind. The Japan External Trade Organization, or JETRO, held the event for the first time this year.

The six panelist, who all do business in the US, represented both the Japanese and American side of the anime and manga industry. The panelist were quizzed on topics from popular anime, after which attendants judged their answers.

Around 200 fans were gathered at the event. During which there was a lively discussion session in which they expressed some of their concerns. The desire to see more unedited and more classic Japanese animation where some of the hot topics that were discussed.

Voice Actress Karaoke

When talking about anime, you cant forget the voice actors.

A couple of the voice actress who do the English dubbings for Japanese anime held a charity event to coincide with the Anime Expo at Max Karaoke in Little Tokyo on June 30th.

Voice Actresses Stephanie Sheh and Christina Vee, from such well-known anime as “Naruto” and “K!” joined a select group of their fans for a night of karaoke on the eve of the expo.

The 20 fans, who pre-registered for the event over the Internet joined the actresses for 2 hours of singing.

This event was sponsored by “We Heart Japan”, which was formed by Stephanie and 8 other anime industry professional volunteers. “We Heart Japan” plans to continue charitable work for the long term in the future.

405 Freeway Closure

The San Diego Freeway, Interstate 405, will be closed next Saturday and Sunday, June 16th and 17th.

Both North and Southbound lanes of the I-405 will be closed to traffic for the 10-mile stretch between I-10 and the 101 Freeway for repairs and the addition of car pool lanes.

The closure is scheduled to begin at 7pm on Friday the 15th, and continue until Monday morning on the 18th.

Also, there will be further detours from Sepulveda Blvd. near the 405 due to traffic limitations and will be open to use by residents only.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority in Los Angeles County suggest the use of alternate freeways or for commuters to take trains or buses. If you must drive, be sure to search ahead of time for alternate routes to your destination.