Anime Expo® 2008 Preview
Excitement Builds for Nation's Largest Anime and Manga Convention
Los Angeles, California (July 1, 2008) — With a huge colorful 200 foot long banner proudly facing major L.A. freeways, a fantastic list of talent from the U.S. and Japan, 2 huge concerts, Convention favorites like the Masquerade and AX Idol, 11 major hotels in the Downtown Los Angeles area, free 24 hour shuttle services, almost 200 exhibitors (with many of the major industry players) and a state of the art registration system, Anime Expo® 2008 is looking to be, once again, the nation's premiere anime and manga convention of the year. Anime Expo® 2008 will be held from July 3-6, 2008 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA. More information can be found on the website <www.anime-expo.org> .
Attendee numbers continue to grow by the hour in anticipation of one of the most colorful conventions in the nation. “Our current pre-registration numbers are amazing and surpass that of last year, we are really excited that so many fans are coming to celebrate the popularity of anime and manga in the U.S. To those who have yet to register, come and join us for one of the most memorable experiences ever” states Liyin Liang Anime Expo® 2008's Convention Chairwoman.
“With such huge support from the city of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles Convention Center, Experient and LA Inc. we are very excited and are sure that our attendees will have one of the most enjoyable and fantastic convention experiences to date” states Trulee Karahashi SPJA CEO.
The two (2) new sneak peeks will introduce some of this year's AXBackstage hosts as well as some tips on obtaining “good and cheap eats” for con-goers.
AXBackstage offers visitors an insider's look at the hottest anime/manga titles, exclusive interviews with Guests attending this year's hottest convention, video coverage of convention activities, attendee and convention photos/images, news and related peripherals. In addition, visitors can download up to date information and change/corrections in scheduled events, activities and much more. AXBackstage will launch July 2, 2008 on the world wide web at www.axbackstage.org.
The full list of official Anime Expo® 2008 Guests of Honor include up and coming director Masahiro Andō, legendary American voice actor David Hayter, famed POKEMON director Masamitsu Hidaka, the dynamic duo known as Jyukai, renowned animator Hiromi Kato, celebrated veteran voice actor Toshihiko Seki, the new Japanese “It-Girl” Shokotan and the legendary character designer Takada Akemi.
Attendees that have pre-registered can also update their information and add on orders for main event tickets via the Anime Expo® 2008 Online Registration Area at <www.anime-expo.org> .
Free shuttle services for all hotel attendees will be provided. Regular non-hotel attendees will have access to utilize the free shuttle services during designated hours as well. All schedules and routes will be posted in the lobby of each shuttle hotel. Frequency of service is pending local traffic, road conditions and can change without notice. Also, no shuttle service provided to the Holiday Inn City Center and the Figueroa Hotel (both are within walking distance of the Los Angeles Convention Center).
Attendees, Press and Industry Members are also encouraged to view the video coverage site of the 2007 convention at <www.AXBackstage.org> .
This year's Red & Black Sponsors are FUNimation and ImaginAsian Television. Platinum Sponsor is IMAGI Studios. Gold Sponsor is Digital Manga Publishing. Silver Sponsor is Gaia Online. Patron Sponsors are Central Park Media and COPIC Markers.
About Anime Expo® Located in Los Angeles, California - Anime Expo®, the nation's largest anime/manga convention, serves to foster trade, commerce and the interests of the general public and animation/ comics industry. This event serves as a key meeting place for the general public to express their interest and explore various aspects of anime/manga, as well as for members of the industry to conduct business. AX 2008 will be held July 3 – July 6, 2008 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Southern California. More information can be found at its website (www.anime-expo.org).
About Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization with a mission to popularize and educate the American public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its entertainment property – Anime Expo®. More information can be found at its website (<www.spja.org> ).
The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important factors could cause Anime Expo®/SPJA's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation, product delays, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions. The Company may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in the Company's assumptions or otherwise. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.Notice of Confidentiality This transmission contains information that may be confidential and that may also be privileged. Unless you are the intended recipient of the message (or authorized to receive it for the intended recipient), you may not copy, forward, or otherwise use it, or disclose its contents to anyone else. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify us immediately and delete it from your system.

