The Izumo scene performed by the Japanese acting students had character
designs from artist Kazue Yamamoto, who said "I'm looking forward to
the chance to be able to see real-life bishonen up close, so I can use
them for reference material."
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Akihiko Yamashita, who directed animation on both the Gaint Robo series
and the Howl's Moving Castle feature, was one of several guests who was
impressed by the enthusiasm shown by the opening ceremonies audience.
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Artist Miho Shimogasa traveled to California in the midst of working on
the forthcoming Power Puff Girls Z series. "American born, made in
Japan, announced on April Fool's Daym the Power Puff Girls Z series is
for real," she announced.
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Ugetsu Hakua brought his exceptional female character designs for the
Burst Angel series to the convention. They were so exceptional that
the artist joked that his presentation on those designs might "...be
more for mature audiences."
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Tiny yet powerful singer Kotoko, perfomer of Please Teacher and
Starship Operator theme songs, greeted the audience in advance of her
weekend concert - her first in the U.S.
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Animator Osamu Kobayashi directed the Beck TV series and also worked on Paradise Kiss.
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