3-Day Anime, Music, and Manga Event in Anaheim this 4th of July Weekend Source: BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions press releases Official Site: am2con.org Special Thanks to Chase Wang AM² kicks off its 3-day, 24 hour event July 1st at the Anaheim Convention Center in sunny Anaheim, California. Current Guest of Honors include Masao Maruyama, Sunao Katabuchi, Akihiko Yamashita, Miho Shimogasa, Scandal, Sadie, Kanon Wakeshima, kanon x kanon, heidi., Gashicon, IBI and MINT. AM² activities include Exhibit Hall, AMV`s, Arcade, Summer Festival, World Cosplay Summit, Behind the Voice Actors Studio, Rum Party Pirates, Masquerade, Cosplay Chess, Dances, Fashion Shows, Table Top, Console Gaming, AniMaid Café, AniMaid Café Host Club, Workshops, Panels, Concerts and more! Entrance to the event is free, but attendees the anticipated huge lines at autographs, premiere screenings, workshops, main events, concerts and panels by purchasing a Passport fast pass for the event. The Passport fast pass will also provide holders with premier seating options at Main Events and at Concert events as well as major discounts with theme parks, retailers and local restaurants. Bypass the lines and get your Passport today. AM² WELCOMES MADHOUSE`S CELEBRATED CREATIVE PRODUCER MARUYAMA-SAN AND DIRECTOR KATABUCHI-SAN AM² proudly welcomes celebrated Madhouse studio producer Masao Maruyama and famed director Sunao Katabuchi (MAI MAI MIRACLE and BLACK LAGOON) as official Guests of Honor at this year event. The founder of animation studio Madhouse, Masao Maruyama has had a hand in the Japanese animation industry for almost forty years. Maruyama-san was born in 1941 in the Miyagi Prefecture. After graduation from Hosei University, he went to work for Mushi Production. He later went on to help produce UNICO, based on a story by Osamu Tezuka. In 1972, Maruyama-san had a direct hand in the establishment of the burgeoning new animation studio Madhouse. Regardless of the subject matter, Masao Maruyama always brings something new to the table and is internationally known for exceptional animation. Maruyama is also acknowledged for his eye in finding young talent to bring into world of animation; under his creative guidance, talents like (the departed) Satoshi Kon, Tetsuro Araki and Atsuko Ishizuka have flourished. Maruyama-san has produced an amazing library of animation past and currently aired titles in Japan including BAREFOOT GEN, DAGGER OF KAMUI, RECORD OF LODOSS WAR, VAMPIRE HUNTER D: BLOODLUST, NINJA SCROLL, CARD CAPTOR SAKURA, TRIGUN, PERFECT BLUE, X, BOOGIEPOP PHANTOM, CHOBITS, PITA-TEN, ABENOBASHI MAHO SHOTENGAI, GUNGRAVE, GUNSLINGER GIRL, BLACK LAGOON, KIBA, NANA, TOKYO TRIBE 2, BECK, MONSTER, HIGHLANDER: THE SEARCH FOR VENGEANCE, DEVIL MAY CRY, DEATH NOTE, RAINBOW, TATAMI GALAXY, SUPERNATURAL THE ANIMATION AND KAIJI. Maruyama has also overseen production of critically acclaimed films such as PAPRIKA, SUMMER WARS, THE GIRL WHO LEAPT THROUGH TIME, REDLINE AND MAI MAI SHINKO. Sunao Katabuchi graduated from Nihon University Academy with degree of Motion Film fro Academy of Art. He worked with Hayao Miyazaki on the Japan-Italy collaboration TV series SAHERLOCK HOUND as a script and assistant director. He also worked with Miyazaki on his 1998 film KIKI`S MAGICAL DELIVERY as assistant director. He has also directed, composed and wrote the hit animation series BLACK LAGOON, directed the world classic series FAMOUS DOG LASSIE, directed and wrote PRINCESS ARETE in 2001 and also participated with the development of the popular video game title ACE COMBAT 04: SHATTERED SKY. His recent works include directing MAI MAI MIRACLE and the OVA series BLACK LAGOON-Roberta`s Blood Trail-. AM² TO SCREEN MAHDOUSE`S YONA YONA PENGUIN AM² proudly announces the Southern California EXCLUSIVE "Passport Only" screening of the first Full CGI film, YONA YONA PENGUIN, by famed animation house, Madhouse, by famed director Rintaro (GALAXY EXPRESS 999 and METROPOLIS). The story is about the adventure of Coco, a small girl who walks around the town night by night, always in the penguin coat that her late father had given to her. Through the meetings with those diverse types of people and those magical events, it tells the ingenuousness of the children everywhere and the importance and strength, leaving the heart-warming impressions to those who watch this animation. YONA YONA PENGUIN, brings anime into the world of Full CGI in which attention is focused on bringing the feel of a traditionally-made anime to a completely computerized production. Famed for its 2D anime, YONA YONA PENGUIN is Madhouse`s first ever Full CGI film. EXCLUSIVE "SNEAK PEEK" OF HIGHLY ANTICIPATED COMPUTER-ANIMATED LIVE ACTION FANTASY FILM BUNRAKU AM² announces a one time EXCLUSIVE "Passport-only" screening of the martial-arts action fantasy film BUNRAKU starring Josh Hartnett (SIN CITY, LOST IN TRANSLATION, BLACK HAWK DOWN), Demi Moore (CHARLIE`S ANGEL: FULL THROTTLE, AUSTIN POWERS IN GOLDMEMBER, GHOST), Woody Harrelson (ZOMBIELAND, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, CHEERS), Ron Perlman (SCORPION KING: BOOK OF THE DEAD, HELLBOY II: THE GOLDEN ARMY, HELLBOY) and international Japanese rock-star Gackt! Based on a 400-year-old form of Japanese puppet theatre, BUNRAKU is a classic tale re-imagined into an entirely fresh visual context. Set in a unique world that mixes skewed reality with shadow-play fantasy, a place where even the landscape can betray you. Heroes triumph here only because the force of their will transforms and transcends both space and time. The world of BUNRAKU is past and present, fantasy and reality, Samurai and Western all combined. Like SIN CITY and 300, it gives classic conflict a whole new graphically supercharged dynamic. Resonating through a wide range of cultures and showcasing a mind-blowing array of martial arts disciplines, BUNRAKU is a fresh arena for breathtaking fight action. A mysterious drifter (Josh Hartnett) and an ardent young Japanese warrior Yoshi (Gackt) both arrive in a town that has been terrorized by outrageous and virulent criminals. Each is obsessed with his separate mission, and guided by the wisdom of The Bartender (Woody Harrelson) at the Horseless Horseman Saloon, the two eventually join forces to bring down the corrupt and contemptuous reign of Nicola (Ron Perlman), the awesomely evil "woodcutter" and his lady Alexandra (Demi Moore), a femme fatale with a secret past. "We are honored to have the exclusive screening of this highly anticipated film", states Chase Wang. "The story line is amazing, the visual effects are stunning and the talent is impeccable! BUNRAKU is definitely a must see!" Screening Date: Sunday; July 3, 2011 Screening Time: 3:00 pm Screening Location: Video Room 1 AM² ANNOUNCES CELEBRATED ACTOR, REUBEN LANGDON Dante has arrived. Although you may not recognize him, you have recently more than likely seen Reuben Langdon in the most talked about films of the decade; James Cameron`s AVATAR. Complimenting his success in the worlds of film and television, Langdon has performed in and coordinated a number of motion capture shoots for interactive video games including LOST PLANET 2, RESIDENT EVIL: 5, THE BOURNE CONSPIRACY, TAO FANG, STAR WARS: JEDI KNIGHT II, CASTLEVANIA: CURSE OF DARKNESS, and DEAD RISING. In DEVIL MAY CRY 3 and 4 he was both the motion capture actor and the English voice of Dante, the Gun/Sword toting hero of the franchise. Reuben`s recent projects include brief appearances in the live action adaptation of Bryan Lee O`Malley`s graphic novel Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, director Michel Gundry`s film adaptation of the classic TV show GREEN HORNET, and the latest from D.J. Caruso, I AM NUMBER 4. He also reprises his role as Dante in the highly anticipated MARVEL VS CAPCOM 3. Mr. Langdon will be hosting a panel on Sunday on his past and upcoming work. ACO3 PRESENTS: WHOSE LINE IS IT? ANIME! "ACO3 Presents: Whose Line Is It? Anime!" is a comedy show done in the styling of the famous TV show of similar but less punny name, with a hint of Anime and a Japanese/Gaming pop culture references mixed in. They have been entertaining audiences all over Southern California for the past seven years. "Whose Line Is It? Anime!" has been a runaway success at major conventions all over California. "Fans are in for a rip-roaring time with the team of `ACO3 Presents: Whose Line Is It? Anime!", states Chase Wang AM2 representative, "Now a huge convention staple and a fan favorite event!" Join your host, JJ and the comedic actors of "ACO3 Presents: Whose Line Is It? Anime!" for one of the most hilarious and rib-busting fun you will ever have! Big, enthusiastic audience A MUST! AM² ANNOUNCES EVEN MORE PERFORMERS FOR THE SUMMER FESTIVAL STAGE AM2 announces more performers including MC/Singer/Songwriter/Beatmaker Ryo Vibes, composer Ryoko Amadee Goguen, Singer/Songwriter/Pianist Kaoru Enjoji, upcoming band Impackt and L.A. based rock duo Layla Lane who are coming to the coveted Summer Festival stage this July 1-3, 2011 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Singer/songwriter/pianist, Kaoru originally from Sapporo, Japan, was attracted to the musical culture`s of the US, particularly Los Angeles. Being there to experience and absorb the different styles of music, she has now recorded her first CD, with a sound that`s being described as J-pop/LA sound. Feeling it`s a good time to share the music lifestyles and sounds. Poel is a Los Angeles based compuser/guitarist/singer-songwriter and plays pop and rock with influences from Japanese pop/rock and world music. Poel will be backed by Masa Nishimura (Electric Starfish) on bass and Raanen Bozzio on drums during his performance on the Summer Festival Stage. Amy Singer is a musician and the lead singer of the J-Pop cover-band the "Pink Amys" and will be performing classic and current popular J-Pop favorites! A fun experience for all that are into Japanese pop music! Ryo Vibes is MC, Singer, Songwriter and Beatmaker from Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, based in LA Reggae scene but also actively performing in Japan and Jamaica, performing in Hip Hop events. Her goal is to stage power performances with positive vibes. Ryoko Amadee Goguen is a composer, pianist and vocalist, and a Visiting Scholar at UCSD. She lived in Japan until 1999, where she composed and performed extensively, including composing eight music theater pieces, of which two Kabuki Theater pieces were the largest. She performed at memorial ceremonies for the Kobe earthquake, and wrote its official theme song, which in 1994 won a contest judged by the well known producer David Foster. She is a copyrighter for JASRAC (the Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers), received a scholarship from the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs, and joined the International Association for the Study of Popular Music, the Japanese Association for the Study of Popular Music, the Japanese Music Education Society, and the International Council for Traditional Music. Performing throughout Southern California and Las Vegas, Miyuki Geta created her own performing art called Geta Dance ­ a dance style which blends elements of Japanese traditional dance, modern dance, and Japanese poetry with acting techniques, to make a dance style that expresses powerful emotional show-stopping theater pieces. Geta Dance is performed to the sounds of Japanese taiko drums, Minyo (Japanese folk music) shakuhachi (bamboo flute) and shamisen. Impakt is a teen rock band comprised of young musicians ranging from 12-16 years old. At first glance, you wouldn¹t expect much from a band with such young musicians but, as soon as Impakt begins to play, all doubts are gone when you watch them perform. Their shows filled with energy and their songs have powerful messages with catchy rhythms. You¹ll notice every audience member at some point dancing or nodding their heads as if they`ve discovered the next best thing. Somewhere in the bustling alleys of the pop music metropolis lies L.A.-based rock duo Layla Lane. With a catalogue of songs in three languages and a live show that can charm even the most resilient crowd, members Heday and Valerie have mastered their instruments to deliver a one-of-a-kind brand of dueling piano-guitar revelry. Layla Lane combines exquisite arrangements and clever harmonies for a style that is equal parts 1960`s pop, gypsy swing, and good old-fashioned rock n` roll. All in the context of catchy pop tunes that rarely clock in past three minutes, the resulting sound is both playfully nostalgic and uncommonly fresh. AM² ANNOUNCES CHARITY AUCTION BENEFICIARIES JAPAN EMERGENCY NGOS AND CHILDREN`S HOSPITAL ORANGE COUNTY AM² announces Japan Emergency NGOs (JEN) and Children`s Hospital Orange County (CHOC) as official beneficiaries for this year`s charity auction to be held on Sunday (July 3, 2011) at the Anaheim Convention Center. Japan Emergency NGOs, founded in 1994, is considered one of the largest, highly efficient Japanese NGOs experienced in emergency and long-term disaster relief and support. They have offered 5-years worth of support to the victims of the 2004 and 2007 Niigata earthquakes in collaboration with the Japanese government and also assisted in community recovery efforts. Current activities include sending and distributing emergency relief items according to the needs of the affected areas based on weekly assessments of changing emergency relief needs for Miyagi and Fukushima Prefectures and expanding road and infrastructure restoration support to least accessible areas affected by the disaster. Their mid/long term plans include to provide psychosocial care and other needed support to help victims rebuild their lives with the ultimate goal to help victims re-establish a sustainable local economy and livelihood. With their mission to nurture, advance and protect the health and well being of children, Children`s Hospital Orange County (CHOC) is dedicated to work cooperatively ­ assisting and enriching existing services as well as developing programs to benefit over two million children across four counties regardless of their family`s ability to pay. CHOC has been named one of the best children`s hospitals in eight specialities by U.S. News & World Report and was also the only children`s hospital in California to have earned the Silver Level CAPE Award from the California Council of Excellence. CHOC has also been awarded the Magnet designation, the highest honor bestowed to hospitals for nursing excellence and has been recognized for extraordinary commitment to high-quality critical care standards with the U.S. Beacon Award for Critical Care Excellence. "AM² really wants to do as much as we can for these two wonderful organizations", states Chase Wang. "Get a signed original drawing, poster or other items of memorabilia from one of our guests and more at the charity auction!"

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About AM²

Located in Anaheim, California, ­ AM² is a 3-day, 24 hour event with no general attendance/badge purchase requirement and is aspiring to be a key meeting place for fans that share a common interest in Asian music, Animation/Anime, and Comics/Manga. Established in 2010, AM² will be held on July 1-3, 2011 at the Anaheim Convention Center in sunny Anaheim, California. AM² current activities include Exhibit Hall, AMV`s, Arcade, Summer Festival, World Cosplay Summit, Rum Party Pirates, Cosplay Chess, Dances, Fashion Shows, Table Top, Console Gaming, AniMaid Café, Workshops, Panels, Concerts and more! Entrance to the event is free, but attendees can avoid the huge lines by obtaining a Passport fast pass for the event. The Passport fast pass will also provide holders with premier seating options at Main Events and at Concert events as well as major discounts with theme parks, retailers and local restaurants. More information can be found at am2con.org.

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For more information on AM² please see the earlier coverage here on SciFi Japan:

• Animation, Manga, and Music at AM² Convention
• AM² Announces Film Festival Screening Titles
• AM² Unveils Main Events Schedule
• AM² Updates
• AM² Not Cancelled; Hackers Post Lies About Festival