More Links....

From today's Publisher's Weekly daily email this great picture of John Fuller from Kinokuniya Bookstore! This is awesome, John is a great guy and he was just ribbing me about how I am in PW a lot. Well here you go John, I was not in PW today!

Here is a link to a whole host of pictures on the WMJC web page, check em out right here.

Brigid Alverson at Manga Blog has a nice NYAF round up, but don;t trust me, you can read it here


Kai-Ming Cha wrote a longer piece for PW Comics Week that you can find here. I'd be remiss if I didn't say that I saw Calvin at NYAF too and his name shares the byline!

-Lance

Hideyuki Kikuchi Birthday Party Pics!

Hello, Medium At Large, this is Peter's girlfriend -- Petrina Cheng --
coming to you live from Peter's account. (Yes, I really am Peter's
girlfriend, and yes my name really is Petrina. Really.) So, I took a
lot of pictures at the Anime Festival this weekend and will be sharing
them with you while Peter's currently balled up on the bed with the
covers over his head.

What's first -- Hideyuki Kikuchi's Birthday Party! The shindig went
down on Sunday, Sept. 28 at Jekyll and Hyde Club in NYC. Jekyll and
Hyde is a horror-themed Chuck E Cheese's, and Kikuchi ate the
atmosphere (and the food) up. Behold our pictures from the night right
here...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlest_asian/sets/72157607602354950/

After it wrapped, we brought the rest of the birthday cake to a little
gathering at the New Yorker and filled Bob Napton, Steve Blum, and Gia Manry with buttercream frosting.

You can find more of my pics from NYAF in general at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlest_asian/.

NY Anime Fest Coverage - Links Galore!

My god, I’ve got more links to killer coverage of The Fest than I can keep track of! I’ll try to give you a little synopsis with the link. I’m sure I am missing tons so post a comment or email me if you have more links I should be blogging….

-Lance

Gia’s always got a good take on things, especially after a Dirty Shirley or 3. Chek out her take on the fest right here.

Nice NY Times coverage of Lolita fashion here and a link to photos including one of someone VERY close to the NYAF brain trust here.

PW has a nice recap here.

Milton and the ICV2 crew picked up the attendance numbers from the blog here.

Anime News Network’s coverage is insanely detailed, no wonder these guys are the best in the freakin business, see it all here.

The Otaku has a nice interview with Morimoto, nice how gleefully overwhelmed with the turnout he was, read it here.

Newsarama has a nice wrap up about the fest you can read through here.

Not to be outdone, our official mySpace page got lots and lots of nice comments and thanks from fans, see it here.

Toon Zone got in on the press free for all with some pretty damn comprehensive coverage you can read here and a nice Flickr photo gallery you can ogle here.

Our good friends at Tor Books blogged the ferst on the official Tor blog which you can find right here.

Japanator covered the event (between stops at the New Yorker lobby bar) here.

And lest we forget Nigin which has some pretty intense coverage to be found here.

NYAF 2008 is Over

Well, this is it. The con is over. I made sure guests got to their flights in the morning, had some meetings with industry during the day, and then poured back the Asahi with TMR's peeps all evening long. Just wrapped the meeting and am on the 7 Train heading home. (I learned in the meeting - among other things - that Tide Bleach pens are crazy expensive in Japan.) Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to disappear for 24 hours.
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The Crash

Dear World,

The crash is coming. NYAF was a three day sprint, and while it ended yesterday, I haven't stopped running. See, I'm still bright eyed and brimming with energy, still going with the momentum from the weekend. But this momentum will only carry me so far, and at some point tonight we'll reach the bottom of the well, and when we hit empty - when I discover just how wrecked my arms, my legs, my feet, my fingers, my eyes, and my ass are, it is going to suck.

Don't try to call or email tomorrow. I'm not going to answer.
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Ali T. Kokmen Watch - NYAF Panel Edition

In today’s edition of the Ali T. Kokmen Watch, I’m stealing a picture from our friends at Japanator.com.  Ali wasn’t wearing a tie at the start of NYAF, and it really upset me, but he eventually got all Space Invaders bow tie on me and I quivered a bit.  (What’s with the semi-daily mentions of Ali on the blog?  We friends?  Secret lovers?  Or am I trying to again start up the Great Medium At Large – Del Rey Manga/Suvudu.com Blog War of 2008?  Probably the last one.)

 

PS: Ali, want to do lunch some time this week?  If so, please reply publicly – in sonnet form – on your blog.

Who Wants To Be A Japanese Game Show Host?

Lots about NYAF in a day or so from me.  Or a week.  I need sleep.  Immediately, though, I’ve been talking to some friends who work for a television network I can’t name.  They’re working on a new Japanese-style game show in NYC (it’s not “Hole in the Wall”) and are currently casting the host.  If you’re interested, here’s what ca be said publicly…

 

Television Network is searching for a host for a fun Japanese game show pilot. They're looking for outgoing, articulate, spirited males who appear to be between the ages of 21 - 35 and appear to be Japanese or of Japanese descent. Candidates must possess bold personalities and a devilish sense of humor. 

 

People that exude a lot of enthusiasm, have wicked personalities, distinct styles and possess a unique charm on tape should apply ASAP. They're looking for someone that has an edge and likes to push the envelope. The perfect candidate would have a Johnny Knoxville-like appeal. If this describes you, please email nycastingteam@gmail.com immediately. Candidates with a unique style that is edgy, hipster and/or punk is preferred. 

 

Television credits are not necessary. Improv / comedy backgrounds are a plus. There will be compensation.

 

It is an amazing opportunity for the right talent, so please email nycastingteam@gmail.com with a headshot / pic and let them know why you'd be the perfect game show host. Must be well-versed in the English language.  Applicants don't have to speak Japanese. Union and non-union okay. Taping will be in New York.

 

18,399

The unofficial attendance number for this weekend’s New York Anime Fest is 18,399! The number includes fans, professional attendees, press and exhibit personnel for the weekend. This is a 24% jump from our launch last year which brought in just over 14,000.

We are still waiting on final ticket sales from a few of our retail partners but I don’t expect those returns to move the needle more than a few hundred tickets or so.

From my observations and a detailed look at the registration reports, Friday was a slow day while both Saturday and Sunday dramatically exceeded last year’s numbers. Saturday in particular was an outstanding day. The line for the Masquerade on Saturday night was several thousand people long. We even tried, I admit somewhat ham handedly, to extend the hours of the exhibit floor on Saturday. We attempted this not just to keep the masses milling about the booths, but to try and mitigate the mass exodus from the show floor directly into the masquerade line. The crowd control challenges are reminiscent of New York Comic Con (albeit on a lesser scale and with more ya0i paddles in the crowd).

Without offering a full critique, it does seem clear that we need to look closely at our Friday hours and perhaps run the exhibit hall later on Saturday as well. I also think we need to find a place for Artist Alley to stay open a bit longer. There was some concern about that from the residents of that area.

On the whole though I am thrilled with a 24% attendance increase after just on year of running the event and extremely proud of the way the volunteers and show team ran the event. By most accounts it was an extremely smooth event – no small task to accomplish!

Remember, same time (September 27-29) and same place next year!

-Lance

The People that Make Anime Fest Happen!

Here is the crew that REALLY makes NYAF happen - our truly dazzling team of volunteers! These guys are amazing! They heard crowds, haul boxes, stuff bags, hand out swag and yes bust shoplifters.

I cannot thank this crew nearly enough, they are some of the coolest kids in school and the show would not happen without them.

Have a great time at Anime Fest? Thank a volunteer!

- L

Lance Fensterman
Vice President
BookExpo America
New York ComicCon
New York Anime Fest
Blog: www.mediumatlarge.net
203.840.5507 (o) 203.417.3607 (m)
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Goodbye!

New York Anime Festival 2008 is history! See you at the after party!

Next year, September 27-29, same place!!!!!

Thanks for a great time my fellow Otaku!!!!!

Lance Fensterman
Vice President
BookExpo America
New York ComicCon
New York Anime Fest
Blog: www.mediumatlarge.net
203.840.5507 (o) 203.417.3607 (m)
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Owie, Yaoi!!!!!

Lance Fensterman
Vice President
BookExpo America
New York ComicCon
New York Anime Fest
Blog: www.mediumatlarge.net
203.840.5507 (o) 203.417.3607 (m)
--------------------------
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American Debut of Baby, The Starts Shine Bright Fashion Show

NYAF is honored to present the American Debut of Baby, The Starts Shine Bright with a Fashion Show at Sunday, September 28 at 12:15pm!!

Where: Jacob K. Javits Center, Anime News Network Theater, Room 1A12

Designers from Baby, The Stars Shine Bright – Japan's premier Lolita fashion brand – are sponsoring their FIRST fashion show in America. Born on the streets of Japan, Lolita fashion adopts child-like charms and details from periods such as Rococo France and Victorian England. Developing since the 1970s in Japan, Lolita fashion has gained a HUGE following worldwide.

Anime fans and followers of Asian cinema will recognize Baby, The Stars Shine Bright as the clothing line at the center of the feature film Kamikaze Girls.

The fashion show on September 28 will feature fashion designs from the movie Kamikaze Girls and the popular clothing line Alice and the Pirates!

(The "Who Wants To Be A Voice Actor" contest previously in 1A12 at this time has been moved to 1A21.)

A Huge, Huge Crowd for the Masquerade!

Check it out!

Lance Fensterman
Vice President
BookExpo America
New York ComicCon
New York Anime Fest
Blog: www.mediumatlarge.net
203.840.5507 (o) 203.417.3607 (m)
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Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld - Please excuse any typos!

I Heart Swear Bear

Lance Fensterman
Vice President
BookExpo America
New York ComicCon
New York Anime Fest
Blog: www.mediumatlarge.net
203.840.5507 (o) 203.417.3607 (m)
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld - Please excuse any typos!

Top Secret Panel

The program guide has a mysterious top secret panel today in the anime news network theater. This is NOT taking place. The space is for rie tanaka - who got into nyc last night. The plan was for her to surpise fans with an early panel, but she is instead going to use this hour for additional rehearsal for her performance tonight. She loves you and that's why she's taking this extra time to make sure her concert rocks!
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twittering now

We are actively twittering now. Go to nyanimefestival.com for the details. Head over to further updates on fish boots. (See yesterday's bar posts.)
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Oshii has fish boots!

Oshii has fish boots!
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Where's that twitter?

So, we were supposed to be blogging and twittering today. Instead, we were working. We'll try to be better tomorrow.
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NYAF - back at the bar

Day one is over and Peter is back at the bar, guest starring Oshii!
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The Ribbon Cutting

Check it out! Hideyuki Kikuchi and Vampire Hunter D translator Kevin Leahy cut the ribbon and officially open NY Anime Fest 2008!

L

Lance Fensterman
Vice President
BookExpo America
New York ComicCon
New York Anime Fest
Blog: www.mediumatlarge.net
203.840.5507 (o) 203.417.3607 (m)
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld - Please excuse any typos!

The Doors Are Open!!!!

We are 3 hours into this year New York Anime Fest and the hall is hopping. Things are jamming from the panel rooms to the show floor. Pics of the ribbon cutting shortly!

Lance

Lance Fensterman
Vice President
BookExpo America
New York ComicCon
New York Anime Fest
Blog: www.mediumatlarge.net
203.840.5507 (o) 203.417.3607 (m)
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld - Please excuse any typos!

Good morning, New York!

Good morning, New York!
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Goodnight folks!

See you at 6 am!
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Still not asleep

Trying to get bartender to play Gurren Lagann theme.
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NYAF OMG Update

OMG - Huge feud between Chris at ANN and Toshi at Bandai. Wait, feud resolved. Remain asleep.
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NYAF Update - 1 am, do you know where your Peter is?

So, it's 1 am. Lance and co. have gone to bed, but Peter's still up with ANN, Japanator, Giapet, and Bandai. I've got to figure out Twitter.
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NYAF Update - Live from the New Yorker Bar

Note to self, don't mention Gia's name on the blog
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NYAF Update - Rain is no excuse for being lame

So, there might be a little bit of rain tomorrow. That's no excuse for not coming. If you sit at home 'cause of the rain, you are l-a-m-e.

More than that, please note I'm programming manager of New York Comic Con, too, and if you don't show up for NYAF, you can bet your ass I'm going to program NYCC with 150 hours of my college pet project - Johnny Robo.

YouTube it. I can give the cast and crew a call tomorrow night for a big reunion panel - followed by 149 more reunion panels.
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NYAF Update - Premieres!

Want to see the dub of Bandai's Freedom or see Amano's NY Salad? You'll want to be at NYAF. Details coming in the morning.
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NYAF Update - Goal

The Rangers are up, 2-1. That is all.
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FUNi to reveal Darker Than Black and Claymore casts at NYAF

Like the title says, FUNi will be revealing these casts at NYAF - and they'll be here, too. Surprise!
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Seiji Horibuchi is at NYAF

So, Taro Aso isn't coming but VIZ big man Seiji Horibuchi will be. Seiji is going to be at NYAF on Sunday to be a part of Baby's panel. Rumor is the VIZ Pictures J-Pop Center in San Fran will include a Baby, The Stars Bright boutique. Lolitas, start your squeeing.
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NYAF Update - Taro Aso isn't coming

So, this morning we threw a Hail Mary to try to get Japanese PM Taro Aso to come to NYAF. Aso is an anime fan and in NYC for the UN. We actually got surprisingly far along, but Aso's people just let us know he's already on his way back to Japan. Current mood - Mucho depressed.
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The Prime Minister Has Left - and never entered - The Building

Our crack PR man, Roger Bilheimer was writing all morning with the Japanese Consulate to invite Manga loving Prime Minister Aso to the NY Anime Fest (he was in town visiting the UN). Alas, he has other plans. But we tried, see the email below!

-L

Mr. Bilheimer,

Your invitation was passed along to the appropriate officers here at the Consulate. I was just informed that PM Aso will return to Japan today, so he will be unable to attend the festival.

Thank you again for the invitation.

Japan Information Center


Lance Fensterman
Vice President
BookExpo America
New York ComicCon
New York Anime Fest
Blog: www.mediumatlarge.net
203.840.5507 (o) 203.417.3607 (m)
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NY Anime Fest - behind the scenes, take 3

Lance Fensterman
Vice President
BookExpo America
New York ComicCon
New York Anime Fest
Blog: www.mediumatlarge.net
203.840.5507 (o) 203.417.3607 (m)
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld - Please excuse any typos!

NY Anime Fest - behind the scenes, take 2

Lance Fensterman
Vice President
BookExpo America
New York ComicCon
New York Anime Fest
Blog: www.mediumatlarge.net
203.840.5507 (o) 203.417.3607 (m)
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld - Please excuse any typos!

NY Anime Fest - behind the scenes!

Set up for the big fest is looking good, I can only post one pic per post, so I'll make a few posts......
NY Anime Fest - behind the scenes!


Lance Fensterman
Vice President
BookExpo America
New York ComicCon
New York Anime Fest
Blog: www.mediumatlarge.net
203.840.5507 (o) 203.417.3607 (m)
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld - Please excuse any typos!

NYAF Update - Tiny Hats

ANN is in the building. Baby is at their hotel. Baby has tiny hats.
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NYAF update

Kikuchi and Baby are on the ground. Both have arrived and are in NYC. Also, Ali T. Kokmen isn't wearing any kind of tie today. Current mood - Depressed.
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A Wild Weekend Begins......

I caught Weezer tonight at Madison Square Garden and they kicked ass. Though the sound kinda sucked. Nonetheless it was an excellent kick off to a crazy weekend. Tomorrow is filled with some big meetings, including a visit with my friends at the Javits Center to convince them to give NY Comic Con primo dates and space. Friday is of course the Anime Fest.

So how better to prepare than with a concert, a Brooklyn Lager and a few White Castles (mustard no pickle of course). Yes, its good to be me. Sometimes.

Enjoy my blurry shot of Weezer and txt me or tweet me via Twitter if you are coming to the Anime Fest this weekend. Don't forget the super fantastic after party at Morimoto Restaurant with Chef Morimoto. I'll be there too, but I'm not an Iron Chef......

-L

Lance Fensterman
Vice President
BookExpo America
New York ComicCon
New York Anime Fest
Blog: www.mediumatlarge.net
203.840.5507 (o) 203.417.3607 (m)
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld - Please excuse any typos!

Suck it, Fensterman!

The good folks at AnimeNewsNetwork.com just posted an interview with the two chaps in charge of the New York Anime Festival. Looks like Peter got top billing -- and the only billing -- on the main page. Snap.

Science!

This is a test. Peter's attempting to do some mobile blogging while at NYAF this weekend. Should this post be successful, know it means a myriad of poorly spelled posts about Ali T. Kokmen's tie.

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NYAF is in the air

From today's Daily Sun.

NY Anime Fest Update - It's only 2 Days Away!!!!

So as much as I am watching my Twins in the AL Central pennant race, I am committing some of my spare time to the NY Anime Fest! The show opens Friday at noon and I really think it’s going to be a hell of a show. My blog partner, Peter Tatara has assembled an exceptional line up of guests and talent and we literally have stuff happening all weekend long from morning til night…..It's an amazing celebration of not just Anime but all Japanese Pop Culture.

Right now our registration is up about 20% from last year, but I except to see big registration numbers over the next 24 hours.

A few things to remember for all you Anime fans out there:

• Tickets are more expensive at the show, so buy them online now!
• You don’t have to wait outside at all! We have a nice big cozy hall for everyone to line
  up in and my partner Ice Pick and I will be offering entertainment for you while you wait.
• If you are a professional in the industry (or a bookseller ,librarian, what have you) you can get a free badge at the show. Just bring a business card or credential!

When we launched the NY Anime Fest last year we were the 4th largest Anime show in the country after just one year. How big will we be come Sunday night? Who knows!!!!!

See you at the fest,

Lance

It's Down To The Wire!!!!

Am I referring to the NY Anime Fest which begins in just 48 straight hours which will bring around 20,000 screaming rabid Anime fans pouring through the gates? Well, kinda, but mostly I'm referring to my beloved Small Market Hero's, the Minnesota Twins! One win down and 2 more games to be played against the division leading Mighty Whitey's of the South Side (they are now just 1.5 out from first place!). Oh baby this is gonna be good. MVP for Morneau, batting title for Mauer and a division crown for my Twins? 2 More games and then the Royals for 3 will determine the fate of these Small Market Hero's! God I love baseball......

And of yeah, the Anime Fest too. Crap, I better get workign on that......

-L

Catch The Anime Fest on Your Cell – Updates, Giveaways, Meet Up’s & More

Don’t forget to add me to your Twitter account so you can stay up to date during the fest on your mobile. Huh? You aren’t on Twitter? Well snap to it kiddos. I’ll be tweeting updates live during the NY Anime Fest and I’ll also be giving away cool stuff, setting up meet ups at the show and god know what else….All right on your cell.

Get started now so you don’t miss out on the mobile fun!

Here’s how:

1) Go to www.twitter.com
2) Create a free account
3) Follow NY_Anime_Fest
4) Go to the “device” tab under settings and make sure your mobile number is uploaded and alerts are set to “on”

That’s it! Do it and get all the latest updates on your mobile during NY Anime Fest.

Also, keep an eye on the blog here for mugging updates and plenty of live shots from the show. It promises to be supreme……

-L

More fun with mobile pic blogging

Now that I know my fancy new Blackberry can blog pics from anywhere, here's another. My boss (Greg, or as I now call him Maestro) and I at PAX having high level meeting on the bean bags..........imagine the decisions being made while laying around in Seattle......

-L

Lance Fensterman
Vice President
BookExpo America
New York ComicCon
New York Anime Fest
Blog: www.mediumatlarge.net
203.840.5507 (o) 203.417.3607 (m)
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The NYAF Braintrust

I'm testing my mobile picture blogging to see if it works!

Lance Fensterman
Vice President
BookExpo America
New York ComicCon
New York Anime Fest
Blog: www.mediumatlarge.net
203.840.5507 (o) 203.417.3607 (m)
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld - Please excuse any typos!

Happy Birthday, Nishikawa-san!

So, we're posting a bit of T.M.Revolution news today. Anything special about today? Only that it's T.M.R's birthday! That's right! Happy Birthday, Nishikawa-san! And, with T.M.R's folks checking out www.mediumatlarge.net, if you have any birthday wishes for Nishikawa-san, feel free to add them to the end of this message.

As we've said before, we're big fans of T.M.R and are very excited his staff are coming out to NYAF this year. They'll have a booth, be giving a panel, and presenting a screening. AND THEN STICKING AROUND FOR THE US PREMIERE OF NISHIKAWA-SAN'S NEW FILM -- CORAZON DE MELON!

Nishikawa's Corazon de Melon will be premiering on Sunday, September 28 in NYC at the New York-Tokyo Film Grand Prix! This film festival from our friends at New York-Tokyo is bringing together some of Japan's biggest, best, and most-cutting edge movies, and we're all delighted Corazon de Melon is part of the event!

Corazon de Melon is the story of Izumi and her boyfriend Hiromi (T.M.R). Hiromi, horribly ill, dreams of eating a delicious, exotic melon, and Izumi goes to greath lengths to try to find it.

You can learn more about the Grand Prix here...
www.newyork-tokyo.com/wp/nytfgp2008-festival

You can order tickets here...
http://www.inticketing.com/evinfo.php?eventid=28436

Big in Japan

We like TMR. TMR likes us. Everyone had a blast at his concert at New York Comic Con earlier in the year, and as a result, his staff are coming out to hang out at the New York Anime Festival. They’ve got a lot of events going on – some of which I’ve talked about before – but they’ve just now uploaded a website detailing everything relating to T.M.Revolution and abingdon boys school at NYAF…

http://www.discovery-japan.com/nyanifes08/index.html

What To Do This Saturday? An Anime Fundraiser!

Orphans International Worldwide (OIWW) presents "The First Annual Anime and Manga Fundraiser”. It will be a fun filled evening for all ages. Cosplay-lovers are encouraged to showcase their talents and costumes at a Cosplay Fashion Show, while the party is brought to life by the music of Echostream.

Funimation, ITO EN, AnimEigo, Gaiaonline, Planet Hollywood, and Tokyo Pop have donated valuable gifts for raffle prizes and goodie bags. Partygoers will enjoy Japanese snacks and beverages. Raffle prizes include 10 free tickets ($55.each) donated, to the NY Anime Fest on the following weekend.

Lisa Hammer, who does character voice-over work on the new Cartoon Network show The Venture Brothers, playing Triana Orpheus, will be our honored guest and MC.

OIWW First Annual Anime and Manga Fundraiser:
September 20, 2008 from 6 to 8pm
China 1 Party Rooms
50 Avenue B, Between 3rd & 4th Saturday

The ticket price is $25 and includes food, drink and raffle tickets worth $10. Gift bags will be given to the first 100 who register and pay on-line.

Go to PayPal.com and make the payment to anime@oiww.org. You can also link to PayPal from our event website http://www.oiww.org/events.html

Animation Collective is at NYAF!

NYAF’s coming up fast, and we’ve got a lot of amazing talent and panelists from all over the planet. What gets me excited? A hell of a lot, but I take special pleasure in putting a spotlight on the guests and companies from right here in NYC. In this last week leading to NYAF, I want to highlight some of NYAF’s amazing, hometown heroes.

Up first -- Animation Collective! Everyone dreams of making their own television shows, and Animation Collective is doing it. Animation Collective is the creative team behind shows including Kappa Mikey, Speed Racer: The Next Generation, Three Delivery, and Thumb Wrestling Federation: TWF. And, they’re based smack dab in the middle of Manhattan.

Animation Collective is coming to NYAF to host a panel from 7:45-8:45 PM on Friday, Sept 26 in the Anime Panel Room (1A06). Panelists include directors from Kappa Mikey, Speed Racer: TNG (Steven Moverley and Henry Hilaire), and Three Delivery (Alan Foreman) as well as lead animators and layout artists from both shows, and a producer from Kappa Mikey and Speed Racer (Amy Ackerman). This is a great chance for those interested in the animation industry to learn just how its done from. How do you actually make an animated TV show? How do you get a job in the industry? Find out on Friday at 7:45 on Friday at the New York Anime Festival!

Rie Tanaka Answers Your Questions

A few weeks back, we asked fans to send us the questions they’d like us to ask voice actress Rie Tanaka. We got lots and lots and lots and sent our favorites over to Rie. Below you’ll find Rie’s answers. If you didn’t get you questions answered – or if you have others you’d like to ask, you’ll have you chance on Sunday, Sept. 28 when Rie Tanaka comes to NYAF!

Q: Is there anything about the character Hiroko Matsukata from Hataraki Man that you can identify with in your personal career as a working woman?

A: I try a lot, very hard, and sometimes more than necessary. That’s definitely a trait Hiroko and I share in common.

Q: What was the moment that inspired you to become a voice actress?

A: There wasn't one moment. Instead, it's because I listen to so many Drama CDs that I decided to become a voice actress.

Q: If you could have any other job in the world, what would it be?

A: I’d love to work in a toy store!

Q: Are there any foreign actors or actresses you admire?

A: Nicole Kidman!

Q: What’s your favorite Gundam?

A: Easy! Strike Gundam!

Q: What is your single most favorite song you have sung?

A: I can’t pick one. I have special feelings for every song I sing.

Q: How do you prepare to play villainous roles? How does it differ from playing heroines?

A: With every character – good or bad – I spend time and make sure to learn their back stories and study what makes the character tick.

Q: What were the roles that you changed you the most as a person?

A: There are too many characters to name which have inspired me.

Q: If you could send a message to yourself ten years in the future, what would it would be?

A: Am I still genki?

NYAF - Powered By Girly Drinks

So, it's 3:30 AM right now. I've just uploaded a blog post or two and am powering through the 300 e-mails in my inbox. This is the exciting life of an anime convention organizer. All around me, the world's asleep. Lance has probably even turned in by now, curled up with Bob the Cat. What keeps me going at these late/early hours?

1) Alton Brown. I heart Alton Brown

2) Tony Bourdain. I heart Tony Bourdain.

3) The Torchwood CERN Audio Drama. I heart Captain Jack.

4) Girly Drinks. I don't think I could pull these all-nighters without neon pink cocktails.

...Actually, I'm powered tonight by three cups of green tea and half a pint of Haggen Daz ice cream I stole from my girlfriend. She doesn't know I took her ice cream yet, but if I finish it and run to a bodega before she wakes up, she'll never, ever know.

Ghost Slayers Haunts NYAF!

If you looked to the NYAF Sunday schedule yesterday, you’d have seen a two hour block of Gurren Lagann on Sunday afternoon. (We’re first showing Gurren Lagann on Saturday, and we put it on our Sunday schedule hoping to maybe get a nod to do the movie. This ain’t happening.) If you look at the NYAF Sunday schedule now – pending whenever the file gets uploaded to our server – you’ll see this block of hot blooded robot action has been replaced with a little something different from our friends at Bandai.

The premiere of Ghost Slayers Ayashi!

NYAF and Bandai Entertainment will premiere the English language version of the Studio Bones series Ghost Slayers Ayashi from 2 to 4 PM on Sunday, September 28 in the Anime News Network Theater (1A12). What’s it about? For nearly 25 years Yukiatsu Ryuuda, (Steve Blum) has wandered the countrysides of Japan posing as a bodyguard, living the life of a gambler and thief, all the while denying his true name. Through a chance encounter with Youi (supernatural creatures) and the members of the Office of Barbarian Knowledge Enforcement, Yuki is forced to face the life he’s been running from and rediscover his long hidden power of Ayagami, the ability to find true names and use them as a weapon to exorcise demon beasts plaguing the material world. And with Steve Blum being a guest at NYAF, he might just wander into the premiere.

TMR Returns To NYC

If you've looked over the NYAF schedule, you may have noticed a T.M.Revolution panel from 12:15 to 1:15 on Saturday and an abingdon boys school concert from 1:30 to 3:30 on Sunday. Yet, TMR and his band -- abs -- aren't listed as guests. What's up? What TMR stuff is going on at NYAF?

We brought T.M.Revolution to New York City for New York Comic Con earlier in the year. He had a great time. We had a great time. And we had a dinner of pizza and champagne once it was all over. Really.

TMR's staff is coming back to NYC for NYAF, and they've got some special footage recorded just for us. They'll be talking about TMR's plans for the USA on their Saturday panel and also show off a video greeting TMR shot for NYAF, and on Sunday, they'll be presenting a virtual concert with footage taken from the abingdon boys school Zepp Tokyo concert from earlier in the year.

TMR's staff will also be on the show floor with a booth and limited-edition merchandise all three days.

Who Wants To Be A Voice Actor?

Who wants to be a voice actor? It's the dream of so very many, many anime fans, and now, the New York Anime Festival with our friends at New York City studios NYAV Post and TripWire Productions will be giving NYAF attendees the chance to fulfill this dream! Hosted by NYAV Post founder Michael Sinterniklaas and TripWire Productions founder Tom Wayland, Who Wants To Be A Voice Actor? will give NYAF attendees the change to win a paid voice acting role in an upcoming NYAV Post and/or TripWire Productions project!

Who Wants To Be A Voice Actor? will take place at 11:15 AM on Sunday, September 28 in the Anime News Network Theater (Room 1A12).

Mike and Tom will put attendees through a series of contests, testing their vocal skills and range, narrowing the voice actor hopefuls down until only one remains. The contest will consist of three rounds: Prepared Material, Versatility, and Automatic Dialogue Replacement.

Round 1 – Prepared Material
Contestants will perform a monologue or scene no longer than one minute in duration. The material can be taken from any source (film, theater, anime, original works, etc.). Contestants must provide their own material for this round.

Round 2 – Versatility Challenge
For the delight of the audience and the embarrassment of the contestants, those remaining in the game will be provided with a passage and a specific character-type to use when reading their text. This wild and wacky event is all about speed, poise, and having a good sense of humor as our contestants will have to instantly conjure up characters from every corner of the imagination.

Round 3 – ADR
ADR is short for Automatic Dialogue Replacement, and it's what voice acting is all about. This is where the final group of contestants must lend their voices to an actual anime character. No prep, no rehearsal, no sweat… right?

The winner, determined by a panel of voice actor judges, will receive a paid voice acting role in an upcoming NYAV Post and/or TripWire Productions project.

The Official Entry form is located on the Contest Page at NewYorkAnimeFestival.com. To enter Who Wants To Be A Voice Actor? you must complete this form and drop it off at the New York Anime Festival Programming Office any time before 10:30 AM on Sunday, September 28.

Catch Us On Anime Today!

Peter and I had a rousing, meandering yet ultimately fun interview with Anime Today this week. You can find it at RightStuf.com or with this handy link right here. To really make things easy for you, I'll embed a player at the bottom of this post.

I've never done an interview with Peter (or really with anyone before) but it was kinda fun. Peter's a pretty good yakker, but when I visited the web site to check out the audio my ego recoiled as I saw he got top billing on the graphic they created. I don't want to start a feud of any kind, but these are the kinds of the things that spur "creative differences" and break up bands. We are planning on doing a fun interview with Anime News Network, but now I'm not sure I'll be coming out of my dressing room until all of the green m&m's are removed, rose petals are sprinkled in my path and I'm promised top billing.......Until all my demands are met (and it could be years) try listing to our chat with Right Stuf/Anime Today.....

L

PS - The music on the episode is from the kick ass all girl band Tsu Shi Ma Mi Re who will be playing Saturday night of NY Anime Fest at the Knitting Factory in the Far East to East Showcase we've created with Karate Rice - follow this link for more details on the concert.

Death Note Day is Sunday!

Death Note Day is coming up fast! But what exactly is Death Note Day? The live-action Death Note motion picture comes out on DVD on September 16, and if you want it early, there's only one place to go -- Kinokuniya Bookstore. Kinokuniya Bookstore, located at 1073 Avenue of the Americas in Manhattan, will be the only US store to have the Death Note movie in stock on Sunday, September 14!

Kinokuniya Bookstore, VIZ Pictures, and the New York Anime Festival will present a day-long series of events celebrating the US DVD release of the Death Note motion picture by VIZ Pictures, and the first 50 fans to purchase the Death Note movie on DVD at Kinokuniya on September 14 will receive a limited-edition Death Note theatrical poster from VIZ Pictures.

Kinokuniya's Death Note Day will include special all-day activities as well as a series of Death Note-themed presentations…

Kinokuniya Death Note Day All-Day Events

Manga Discount: Any customer who comes into Kinokuniya Bookstore at 1073 Avenue of the Americas on Sunday, September 14 wearing Death Note cosplay will receive 10% off all VIZ manga purchases.

L's Sweet Treats: In honor of L, Death Note's genius boy detective with a sweet tooth, Kinokuniya's Café Zaiya will be giving away Japanese sweets with every order.

Death Note Day Giveaway: All customers who come into Kinokuniya Bookstore can enter to win a number of prizes from VIZ Pictures and the New York Anime Festival. Winners will be drawn at 5:00 PM, and customers must be present to claim their prizes.

Kinokuniya Death Note Day Event Schedule

2:00 to 4:00 PM: Death Note Anime Screening. Take in the first few episode's of VIZ Media's Death Note anime. See Light and L leap off the page in this acclaimed animated adventure.

4:00 to 4:30 PM: Samurai Beat Radio. Samurai Beat Radio, broadcast in 26 cities in Japan, comes to Kinokuniya to record a special Death Note show. They're here to learn about what's hooked America on this Japanese phenomenon

4:30 to 5:00 PM: Death Note Behind The Scenes. First it was a manga. Then, it turned into an anime. Now, Death Note becomes flesh and blood. Learn what it took to bring this anime and manga to the big screen with this special Behind The Scenes footage!

5:00 PM: Death Note Raffle. We've got goodies from the realm of the Death Gods as well as free tickets to the New York Anime Festival, and (if you're lucky enough) they're all for you! Customers can enter all day long, and to win, they'll have to be present for the drawing.

Kinokuniya Bookstore, VIZ Pictures, and the New York Anime Festival invite anime fans and New Yorkers up for a unique and unforgettable experience to come out to Death Note Day at Kinokuniya on Sunday, September 14!

Dance Like You Want To Win - Winners!

For the past month, NYAF and Bandai Entertainment have been asking fans to dance like they want to win for a stack of NYAF tickets and Bandai DVDs. Well the contest has come to the close and after listening to the Lucky Star theme enough times to make our ears bleed, we have a winner!

A big huzzah and kudos to Jenny Liu for her winning video!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UOHh8e4-mE&fmt=18

Just as big praise go to our three runners-up, Erica Cotte, Bella Li, and Alina Vukel!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRexc_hWup8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syxr3ssO8oc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUnXZxAsXXU

Vampire Japanese Girl Punk!

Our friends at Karaterice will be rocking NYAF with the Far East to East Showcase, but they’re busy folks and have not only NYAF this month, but they’re putting on another show this Thursday! NYAF and Karaterice invite you to come down to the Knitting Factory on Thursday for the return of Karaterice’s “We Rock You Long Time” concert.

The concert features 50's High Teens from Japan, an all girls retro garage punk band that dresses up as vampires (really), and opening for the High Teens is Beluga, voted one of The Deli Magazine's top bands of NYC. NYC veterans, Gelatine, is also part of the show, and Kissy Kamikaze rounds out the lineup.Doors or at 7:30 PM and the show starts at 8:30.

It’s all at the Knitting Factory (74 Leonard Street, NYC), and you can learn more at karaterice.com.

Detective Jermain Release Party!

Misako Rocks! is coming to NYAF in just a few weeks. Before she comes to NYAF, though, she's launching a new book -- Detective Jermain. Misako's Detective Jermain is going to be in stores on September 16th, and to celebrate, she's throwing a Release Party a few days later.

If you're free on Thursday, September 18th, head up to the 96th Street Library (112 E 96th Street) for a party from 4 to 7 PM. There'll be art, music, books, prizes, and free food. Yup, free food. Ya gotta go now.

New York TV Festival

So, the New York Anime Festival’s coming up fast, but something is coming up even faster – the New York Television Festival! The NYTVF is September 12-17 and is a massive television event that’s essentially the Sundance of TV.

The NYTVF features panels on writing and producing for television and new media and screenings of the best independent content anywhere. Also, celebrities.

New York Comic Con is co-presenting the panel “Writing for Video Games and Comic Books" on Tuesday, September 16 at 12:30, and we'd love for you to come! Panelists include the creator of Ben 10 and writers for video games including Gears of War 2, Ratchet and Clank, and The Resistance 2. You can reserve your ticket at http://www.nytvf.com/2008_boxoffice.htm.

And, because the NYTVF is awesome, they’re giving away 5 pairs of tickets to the red carpet Fringe screening on Saturday, September 13 at 8 PM. The first 5 people to send their name and email to rsvp@nytvf.com with the subject line "NYCC Fringe give-away" will each receive a pair of tickets to the screening and Q&A session featuring cast and crew behind the show!

We don’t run the NYTVF. We’re fans.

Hey, Mr. Lazy

If you're a professional or member of the press and haven't registered for the New York Anime Festival yet -- get to work. Our online press and professional registration ends on the 10th. After that, if you want a press or pro pass, you'll have to register on-site.

So, hurry over to newyorkanimefestival.com now.

Hidefumi Ino Listening Party

What are you doing September 10? Hopefully heading to Kinokuniya Bookstore (1073 Ave of Americas), as Kinokuniya's cooking up a special event featuring artist Hidefumi Ino.

Hidefumi Ino is a Japanese musician known through the fashion community around the globe -- He's collaborated with French designer Jean Touitou, and his work's been featured by UNIQLO. His music is airy, playful, enchanting, and delightful, and you can hear it for the first time at Kinokuniya.

Kinokuniya Bookstore, Innocent Records, and Samurai Beat Radio will be presenting a Hidefumi Ino Listening Party at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, September 10 featuring Hidefumi's albums Living Messages and Satisfaction. This is the first time Hidefumi's music will be played in the US, and it's something any fan of good music shouldn't miss.

Fun With YouTube - Continued

Here's YouTube video number three. We'll probably get some complaints about this one.



Of course, for us to get complaints, someone's going to have to watch it. And, honestly, who's going to watch this thing?

Maybe you? Maybe you'll post it on your blog, too? Don't make me beg. Please.

Fun With YouTube

So, the New York Anime Festival's only a few weeks away.  What do we do to keep from cracking up?  We go out back, beat the snot out of each other, and throw it up on YouTube.  Presenting the 2008 New York Anime Festival viral videos.  I apologize in advance.





There may be a third on its way. Or, maybe, we'll get back to work.

I’m Not In China – But BEA Is……

For the last two years, much to the Editor-in-Chief’s chagrin, I have spent Labor Day weekend in Beijing talking with Chinese publishers about BEA and the U.S. publishing business in general. I’ve served on panels at the Institute of Chinese Publishing Science, I’ve slammed glass after glass of Chinese red wine with leading Chinese publishing execs, I’ve walked the great wall and I’ve even eaten sea slugs, but this year I’m on U.S. Soil while Rüdiger Wischenbart, BEA’s Director of International Affairs takes the reins in China for me. Why do I get to stay in the Western hemisphere this year? Something bigger than the largest nation in the world – Penny Arcade Expo. I couldn’t be in Seattle and Tianjin at the same time, hard as I tried……

So instead of tasting yummy Peking Duck and waiting through simultaneous translation, I’ll be reading about the current state of publishing in China via Rüdiger’s blog, Booklab, and so should you. BEA has been working with Rudy for about 4 years now and his insights into the international publishing world are as keen as anyone’s I have met. He’s also one of the most well networked guys on the international literary scene that I know.

Give it a read, it’s no sea slug, but maybe that’s a good thing……

Lance

PS – I noticed in some of Rudy’s pictures on the blog that you can see the blue sky in Tianjin, that never happened to me in Beijing!

A Book - And Author - We Love......

The BEA team, especially our sales execs, talk to nearly every exhibitor in the show – all 2,000 of them – multiple times in the months leading up to the show. We all know about Random House, Harper Collins, Ingram and so on, but a big part of the show are dozens of smaller companies made up of independent publishers, gift providers and yes, first time authors. Many of these authors are likely to never publish multiple books (due to money, time, how many stories they “have in them” and so on) but they are pursuing a dream. These authors need more time and attention than some of our other customers as this world is new to them and navigating it can be a confusing chore. However, every year, there are a few stories of amazing success from these groups. Maybe they get signed to a deal by a major publisher or the gift product they create is ordered by Borders or maybe it’s some media pick up they never expected……

This year, Deb from our sales team was incredibly passionate about helping one author in particular leading up to BEA. She spent hours on the phone with his publisher, went out to lunch with them, one day flowers showed up at her desk from the author, it was obvious this was more than just a customer to her. Deb even worked with Publishers Weekly to have the author highlighted in the BEA Show Daily. I was proud of the passion and hard work she was displaying to help this author be successful at BEA.

When I got to BEA I got to meet the author that Deb had been working so hard on behalf of – Connor Gifford, author of America According to Connor Gifford. I was amazed by Connors passion for his book, his desire for it to be read by everyone, his honestly and insightfulness and I could definitely see where Deb wanted to do everything she could to help Connor succeed with his dream to publish a book that would be read by thousands upon thousands.

Since BEA, Connor’s book has been featured in Shelf Awareness (twice), Publishers Weekly and even featured on the Today Show (follow the links to see the coverage). All of this is directly attributable to Connor and his abilities and personality, but I’m also struck by just how hard Deb worked to bring opportunities and attention to Connors book and I’m pleased to again illustrate that small authors can use BEA as a springboard to something bigger……



So why do we love Connor?

Not because he used BEA to help launch his book. Not because he’s a young man with down syndrome that has fought through the publishing jungle to print 30,000 copies of his book. We love Connor because he’s a great guy who’s written an exceptional book about America through his eyes.

Give it a read, you might be surprised by just how clear Connor’s vision of our country is.

NYAF Charity Pre-Party!

The New York Anime Festival starts September 26, but we've got something special for New Yorkers who want to get the party started a little earlier -- the NYAF Charity Pre-Party!

The New York Anime Festival has teamed up with AnimEigo, FUNimation, ITO EN, Planet Hollywood, TOKYOPOP, and VIZ Media for a special night benefiting the UN-recognized charity Orphans International Worldwide (www.oiww.org) on Saturday, September 20 at China 1 (50 Avenue B, Between 3rd & 4th St) from 6 to 8 PM. All proceeds from the night will go to Orphans International Worldwide.

Tickets are priced at $25 and include food, drinks, and a raffle ticket for prizes donated by the sponsors. Special gift bags will also be given to the first 100 who register online.

The evening will feature contests, cosplay, and concerts by Echosteam and Uzuki.

You can learn more and sign-up for the NYAF Charity Pre-Party here...

http://www.oiww.org/events.html

Orphans International Worldwide is a non-governmental organization associated with the UN Department of Public Information and a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. OIWW has established a network of legal, locally incorporated projects to house and educate children orphaned and abandoned after the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka and Indonesia and hurricane Jeanne in Haiti. In 2009, it will be caring for AIDS affected orphans in Moshi, Tanzania. OIWW provides aid to the world's most disadvantaged children with the donated services of 90 volunteers, on an annual budget of less than a half-million dollars.

Death Note Day at Kinokuniya!

The live-action Death Note motion picture comes out on DVD on September 16. Want it early? There's only one place to go -- Kinokuniya Bookstore. Kinokuniya Bookstore, located at 1073 Avenue of the Americas in Manhattan, will be the only US store to have the Death Note movie in stock on Sunday, September 14! What's the occasion? Death Note Day!

Kinokuniya Bookstore, VIZ Pictures, and the New York Anime Festival will present a day-long series of events celebrating the US DVD release of the Death Note motion picture by VIZ Pictures, and the first 50 fans to purchase the Death Note movie on DVD at Kinokuniya on September 14 will receive a limited-edition Death Note theatrical poster from VIZ Pictures.

Kinokuniya's Death Note Day will include special all-day activities as well as a series of Death Note-themed presentations…

Kinokuniya Death Note Day All-Day Events

Manga Discount: Any customer who comes into Kinokuniya Bookstore at 1073 Avenue of the Americas on Sunday, September 14 wearing Death Note cosplay will receive 10% off all VIZ manga purchases.

L's Sweet Treats: In honor of L, Death Note's genius boy detective with a sweet tooth, Kinokuniya's Café Zaiya will be giving away Japanese sweets with every order.

Death Note Day Giveaway: All customers who come into Kinokuniya Bookstore can enter to win a number of prizes from VIZ Pictures and the New York Anime Festival. Winners will be drawn at 5:00 PM, and customers must be present to claim their prizes.

Kinokuniya Death Note Day Event Schedule

2:00 to 4:00 PM: Death Note Anime Screening. Take in the first few episode's of VIZ Media's Death Note anime. See Light and L leap off the page in this acclaimed animated adventure.

4:00 to 4:30 PM: Samurai Beat Radio. Samurai Beat Radio, broadcast in 26 cities in Japan, comes to Kinokuniya to record a special Death Note show. They're here to learn about what's hooked America on this Japanese phenomenon

4:30 to 5:00 PM: Death Note Behind The Scenes. First it was a manga. Then, it turned into an anime. Now, Death Note becomes flesh and blood. Learn what it took to bring this anime and manga to the big screen with this special Behind The Scenes footage!

5:00 PM: Death Note Raffle. We've got goodies from the realm of the Death Gods as well as free tickets to the New York Anime Festival, and (if you're lucky enough) they're all for you! Customers can enter all day long, and to win, they'll have to be present for the drawing.

Kinokuniya Bookstore, VIZ Pictures, and the New York Anime Festival invite anime fans and New Yorkers up for a unique and unforgettable experience to come out to Death Note Day at Kinokuniya on Sunday, September 14!

Kinokuniya Rocks And Goes Gothic!

The New York Anime Festival holds a lot of events at Kinokuniya Bookstore (1073 Ave of Americas) in New York City. We just did a Cosplay Day and we'll be announcing another special gathering in the coming days. Of course, NYAF isn't the only one working to Kinokuniya. Nope, the store has a busy schedule of special events all year round. What's coming up?

GOTHIC: DARK GLAMOUR - September 9
From its origins in 18th century literature to its contemporary manifestations in vampire fiction, art, and cinema, gothic style has transformed the powers of horror and the macabre into something beautiful. Valerie Steele and Jennifer Park -- authors of the new book "Gothic: Dark Glamour" -- will speak at Kinokuniya at 5:30 PM on Tuesday, September 9 about the world of gothic design from its ancient origins, to black-clad teenagers, to its influence on designers including Christian Dior, Rick Owens, and Olivier Theyskens. Gothic: Dark Glamour isn't yet in stores, but attendees of the discussion will be able to pre-order Steele and Park's book at a special price.

THE MUSIC OF HIDEFUMI INO - September 10
Hidefumi Ino is a Japanese artist known through the fashion community around the globe -- He's collaborated with French designer Jean Touitou, and his work's been featured by UNIQLO. His music is airy, playful, enchanting, and delightful, and you can hear it for the first time at Kinokuniya. Kinokuniya Bookstore, Innocent Records, and Samurai Beat Radio will be presenting a Hidefumi Ino Listening Party at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, September 10 featuring Hidefumi's albums Living Messages and Satisfaction. This is the first time Hidefumi's music will be played in the US, and it's something any fan of good music shouldn't miss.