Anime Expo Announces Producer and Director Nobuhiro Kikuchi as Guest of Honor for AX 2013

LOS ANGELES, CA, June 5th, 2013 – Anime Expo proudly announces Producer and Coordinator Nobuhiro Kikuchi of the animation production company P.A. Works as a Guest of Honor for AX2013! Known for P.A. Works anime such as Angel Beats!,True Tears, and Hanasaku Iroha - Blossoms for Tomorrow ~, Mr. Kikuchi's works often feature beautiful real-life landmarks throughout Japan, inspiring fans to visit the natural beauty of Japan, as well as developing an interest in the countless cultural traditions of the Japanese people..

The festival in the anime Hana-Saku Iroha actually inspired an annual event in the original location in Ishikawa Prefecture, drawing countless fans. The “Bonbori Festival” drew about 5,000 attendees its first year, and around 7,000 in its second year. This year, they are planning to have “the Third Bonbori Festival” in October!

Mr. Kikuchi joined the “Bonbori Festival” as an executive committee member in charge of planning and operations. He has also served as a liaison between the anime industry and the landmark.

In addition to these projects, Mr. Kikuchi also participates in local revitalization efforts, insuring that the locations in Japan that inspire, and are featured in hit anime are promoted and preserved.

Anime Expo is excited to welcome Nobuhiro Kikuchi as a Guest of Honor to AX 2013, where attendees can connect with their favorite artists, voice actors, and musicians from Japan, display their amazing cosplay and other artistic creations, and enjoy the best in Japanese anime and pop culture. Connect. Create. Culture. All at Anime Expo!

About Anime Expo
Hosted annually in Los Angeles, Anime Expo is North America's largest celebration of Japanese culture. Anime Expo 2013 will be held July 4 - 7, 2013 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. To register, or for more information, please visit the Anime Expo website.

About the SPJA
The SPJA ("Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation") is a non-profit organization whose mission is to popularize and educate the American public about Japanese entertainment culture, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. For more information, please visit the SPJA website.