AnimeNEXT Welcomes Japanese All-girl Rock Band Stereopony to its 2010 Convention

New York, NY and Somerset, NJ - April 2, 2010 - AnimeNEXT, the largest independent, fan based anime convention in the New York metropolitan area, announced today that it is welcoming Japanese all-girl rock band Stereopony to its 2010 convention. Stereopony is a Japanese all-girl rock band that was formed in Okinawa in 2007. The band consists of AIMI on vocals and guitar, NOHANA on bass and SHIHO on drums.

Stereopony's debut single Hitohira No Hanabira was selected as the ending theme for the famous anime series BLEACH. It was released on November 5th, 2008 and ranked #25 on the Japanese Oricon weekly charts. Their second single Namida No Muko, was chosen as the second opening theme for the second season of the Sunrise series Mobile Suit Gundam 00. This single ranked #2 in the Oricon weekly charts. Their fifth single TSUKIAKARI NO MICHISHIRUBE was released in time with the second season of the hit anime series Darker than Black; it ranked #8 on the Oricon charts.

This is the first time that the band will be performing at an anime convention in the United States. The band is looking forward to performing in front of a crowd of their fans at a US anime convention. In fact, the band has even recorded a video greeting their US fans which is posted on the AnimeNEXT web site.

Robert Rustay, the Convention Chairman for AnimeNEXT 2010 and Board Member of Universal Animation, the not for profit corporation which owns and operates the convention, said "We are extremely happy to welcome Stereopony to AnimeNEXT 2010. The convention has had several great bands over the years and AnimeNEXT is one of the only conventions to have featured musical guests from its first year. Stereopony is a significant band in Japan and to anime in particular. I'm sure that all the fans at AnimeNEXT will greet Stereopony and love their concert during the convention."

Stereopony will perform on Friday night, June 18, 2010 during AnimeNEXT. The band will also make an appearance during panel discussions and autograph sessions at the New Jersey convention. Stereopony's appearance at AnimeNEXT is brought to you through the kind cooperation of JHouse-Rock ENT, SONY, Universal Animation, Inc. and AnimeNEXT.

About AnimeNEXT
AnimeNEXT is the largest independently organized anime convention in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area. AnimeNEXT 2010 will be held at the Garden State Expo Center in Somerset, New Jersey on June 18-20. The convention features Japanese creators of anime and manga, voice actors from anime series, Japanese musical acts, artists, vendors and exhibits, panels, workshops, and gaming. Events all focus on aspects of anime, manga, and Japanese culture. With the popularity of anime and manga growing in the 1990's and 2000's, anime conventions have seen positive growth in their attendance; AnimeNEXT is no exception.

About Universal Animation, Inc.
Universal Animation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the appreciation of Anime and Manga in the United States. Founded in 2002 in NYC, Universal Animation is responsible for planning the AnimeNEXT Anime Convention and MangaNEXT Manga Convention, which are held annually in the Tri-state (NY/NJ/CT) area. Universal Animation is an independent organization with no affiliation to any commercial entities. The Board of Directors is composed of professionals in many disparate industries, including Finance, the US Government, Education, and Information Technology.