News

News from the 19th Impact

This morning was held Japan Expo’s 2018 press conference and it tackled a few subjects that might be of interest to you!

Posted on May 31, 2018

Here is some news right out of the oven! We’ll give you more details about it in the days to come and many more will come in June.

An exceptional panel with exclusive images of Sword Art Online -Alicization- with Shingo Adachi, chara-designer; Masami NIWA, producer; and Manabu ONO, director. In partnership with Wakanim and Aniplex
Thomas ASTRUC, the creator and director of Miraculous, MangaTales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, with signings and a conference.
Two guests attending the Bungo Stray Dogs – DEAD APPLE – premiere: chara-designer Nobuhiro ARAI and producer Mari SUZUKI. In partnership with Crunchyroll and Kadokawa
The first exhibit outside Japan dedicated to director Mamoru HOSODA, featuring illustrations of his past films and his new one, Mirai of the Future. In partnership with Studio Chizu

A draw battle between Atsushi OHKUBO and the Spanish comics artist Jordi LAFEBRE. In partnership with Kana
The illustrator of the manga Final Fantasy Lost Stranger, Itsuki KAMEYA. In partnership with MANA BOOKS

Our J-music Guest of Honor, TRF: a group whose songs and choreographies have made Japan dance for 25 years now.
A musical tribute to the major anime director of Grave of the Firelies, Isao TAKAHATA, who passed away last April 5, with the group Neko Light Orchestra.
callme live with dancing J-pop.
Pikotaro, PPAP superstar!
The R&B singer SWEEP.
Touken Ranbu: The Musical is back at Japan Expo for a panel.

Disgaea producer, Sôhei NIIKAWA, presenting the last opus of the series. In partnership with Koch Media
The producer of THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV and SNK HEROINES, Yasuyuki ODA, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of video game publisher SNK. In partnership with Koch Media
Yakuza designer, Daisuke SATO at signings and a panel. In partnership with Koch Media

The brand new Tourism Area, with 800 sqm welcoming 21 booths for cities and regions, including Tokyo.
As they’re on a world tour with the rickshaw, Tokyo-rickshaw is back!

Of course we talked about this very important event:
11,000 sqm dedicated to culture and traditions.
Over 200 artists on the Sakura stage.
Workshops of traditional music and folk dancing, all brought together for the first time at the Tsunagari Village.
Two official reporters who will follow all related events: Misaki IWASA, enka singer, and CHI, star of manga Chi's Sweet Home.

A few reminder about the Space Opera theme of this year:

Our Manga Guest of Honor, Buichi TERASAWA (Cobra, Takeru, Gun Dragon…), and the exhibit dedicated to his work. In partnership with isan manga
The exceptional gathering of Cowboy Bebop creators, Toshihiro KAWAMOTO, Masahiko MINAMI, Keiko NOBUMOTO, Shinichiro WATANABE, and Kimitoshi YAMANE, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of this legend of anime. In partnership with Dybex and Sunrise
The tribute to the Space Battleship Yamato saga with Nobuyoshi HABARA, Chizuru KOBAYASHI, and Takumo NORITA, all part of the STAR BLAZERS 2202.
NEW! A live drawing with a graphics tablet by Hidetaka TENJIN, a famous mecha-designer who worked on Macross and Yamato. In partnership with Wacom