Source: Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation press release Official Site: anime-expo.org Special Thanks to Kimberly Groomes Anime Expo (AX), North America’s largest anime and manga event, has concluded its most successful event ever – a four-day event at the Los Angeles Convention Center that drew over 100,000 fans of Japanese animation, manga (comic books) and pop culture. Featuring the largest program and exhibition in its 19-year history, Anime Expo, sponsored by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA), hosted over 165 exhibitors showcasing tens of thousands of products and a sold-out Artist Alley, a venue for amateur and semi-professional artists to celebrate Japanese pop culture through fantastic works of art. Anime Expo also enabled fans to meet the creative forces behind the art form and participate in costume play, karaoke and video competitions, exclusive screenings, artist panels and autograph sessions. For the first time AX featured concerts, dancing and events at the Nokia Theater, Nokia Plaza and J.W. Marriott Ballroom. This included the AX Idol Contest, Battle of the Bands and the wildly popular Masquerade, in which fans transformed themselves into their favorite anime and manga characters through creative costuming, accessories and make-up. “We’re delighted that so many lovers of this extraordinary art form were able to travel from the four corners of the globe to join us for this spectacular extravaganza,” said Michael Lattanzio, the non-profit SPJA’s President and CEO. “Hollywood is ground zero for the entertainment world and the world of anime is so very special to so many people. It has really evolved into an absolutely amazing event.” Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa visited Anime Expo 2010 and joined Lattanzio in making the announcement that Anime Expo will be in Los Angeles through 2013. Collectively, the event is expected to generate more than $100 million citywide in the next three years.

About the 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 spja.org.