Source: MediaLab, BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions Special Thanks to Erik Jansen and Chase Wang SciFi Japan has been receiving press releases and statements from companies and organizations regarding the recent earthquakes and tsunami in Japan. We`re presenting this information for anyone who would like to contribute to relief efforts, and also direct our readers to the banner links posted here at screen right.

Official Statement from VIZ Media Regarding the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan

The terrible events in Japan affects us all at VIZ Media directly, personally and professionally. Our hearts go out to those affected by the tragedy and the ongoing crisis, and we hope for a quick recovery. We know the people of Japan will persevere & prevail. Sincere thanks to all those who have inquired about our parent companies, Shogakukan, Shueisha and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions. Our colleagues in Tokyo are safe and the situation is stabilizing, though resuming normal day-to-day business activities may take a little while. On a company level, we will be coordinating activities with our parent companies to support the disaster victims. The victims of this tragedy are in our thoughts, and our gratitude goes out to all of the heroic people around the world pulling together to help them.

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WE HEART JAPAN Silent Auction with Special Guests, March 17th

In response to the calamitous events unfolding in Japan, individuals and organizations around the world are banding together to show their support and concern with the WE HEART JAPAN project. More information can be found at weheartjapan.com. This Thursday, WE HEART JAPAN brings anime, art, and autographs to Meltdown Comics (7522 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046). Thanks to generous sponsorships and donations from HARMONY GOLD, GENEON ENTERTAINMENT, PACIFIC MEDIA EXPOMX, COSPLAY IN AMERICA, BANDAI ENTERTAINMENT, AM22M, CRUNCHYROLL, NAN DESU KAN, SWEET STREETS LA, LOVE THE TRUTH CLOTHING, and more, WE HEART JAPAN will feature a silent auction with art from Shinichi "Nabeshin" Watanabe, Sweet Streets LA, Cathy Clark, Zane DeGaine, Kevissimo, Dekker Dreyer, Aaron Bjork, Shibuya Girls Pop, Sam Randazzo, Sawdust Bear, Sasha Palacio, Sara Tea, Patrick Smith, Eron Rauch and many more! Dekker Dreyer, Pinguino, Jason Leung, Geoffrey Golden, Sawdust Bear, Patrick Smith, David Mertl, Jane Dope, and more. In addition, prizes will be raffled off over the course of the night. All proceeds will go to the `Japan NGO Earthquake Relief and Recovery Fund` which provides support to organizations in Japan that are taking part in the relief effort, as well as to ensure longer-term support for local organizations working hard to rebuild their communities. Visit jcie.org/earthquake for more details. Special Guests Include: Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) Bryan Lee O`Malley (Scott Pilgrim vs. The World) Stephanie Sheh (Naruto, Bleach, Eureka 7) Troy Baker (Generator Rex, Bleach, The Avengers) Richard Epcar (Ghost in the Shell, Mr. Men, Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe) Wendee Lee (Cowboy Bebop, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Bleach) Mary Elizabeth McGlynn (Naruto, Ghost in the Shell, Silent Hill) Daran Norris (Team America, Fairly Odd Parents, T.U.F.F. Puppy) Liam O`brien (Naruto, Dissidia 012: Final Fantasy, X-men: Destiny) Ellyn Stern (Blue Dragon, Noein, Bleach) Michelle Ruff (Gurren Lagan, Digimon Data Squad, Gungrave) DC Douglas (Resident Evil, Mass Effect 2, Kyo Kara Maoh!) Crispin Freeman (Hellsing, Blood+, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Slayers) Sam Riegel (Naruto, Yûgiô,Texhnolyze, Fallout: New Vegas) JB Blanc (Darksiders, Iron Cross, The Unit, CSI: New York, Nikita) Tony Oliver (Bleach, Robotech, Lucky Star) Featuring music by COUNT NINJULA Food trucks on site: PAPAS TAPAS, JOGASAKI BURRITO, and THE BOBA TRUCK Free drinks provided by ARTA TEQUILA, COMIKAZE EXPO, and H2OM WATER DATE: Thursday, March 17, 2011 TIME: 8:00pm ­ 11:00pm LOCATION: Meltdown Comics, 7522 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046

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X Japan`s Yoshiki to Auction Off His `Crystal` Piano to Aid Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Victims

Yoshiki, leader of the Japanese rock band X Japan, will put his favorite `crystal` piano on the auction block, donating all proceeds to help provide aid to the victims of Japan`s earthquake and tsunami. The custom-made, plexi-glass `Yoshiki Signature Piano by Kawai` with Yoshiki`s name engraved on it, was used when the band played their legendary shows at the Tokyo Dome. The Japanese-born Yoshiki, who lives in Los Angeles, felt the earthquake tremors while in a Tokyo recording studio working on X Japan`s first North American album, and was shocked by the large-scale damage across Japan. "It took awhile to locate my mother, but she is, thankfully, OK", said Yoshiki, "and I`ve spoken with [band members] Toshi, Pata, Sugizo and Heath, and they are all safe as well. I am praying for the people here who are still trying to locate their family and friends." X Japan has decided to postpone the release of their first U.S. single, `Jade`, that had been scheduled to be released today, so that they may focus their time and energies on helping with the recovery. In addition to raising money by auctioning his `crystal` piano, Yoshiki will collect donations for the Japanese disaster relief through the Yoshiki Foundation America, his California non-profit, public benefit corporation with tax-exempt status as a section 501. The Yoshiki Foundation has already donated to American organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, the Grammy Foundation, and St. Vincent Meals on Wheels.

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AM2 to Aid in Tokyo Disaster Relief

As a response to recent events in Japan, AM2 will donate 25% of all Passport sales beginning March 15 through April 30, 2011 directly to Japanese disaster relief funds. 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. Nominal fees are charged for certain activities that attendees choose to participate in. AM2 will be held on July 1-3, 2011 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. More info and attendee registration and benefits can be found at am2con.org AM2 representative Chase Wang states, "I have faith in the anime and manga community of fans, cosplayers and friends who will band together support our efforts, and others, in helping out with the tragedy that has occurred. We will also be assisting with other benefits in the Southern California area and we urge all to support the relief efforts any way you can."