AM2 ANNOUNCES 2013 DATES AND NEW CONVENTION MODEL

2013 Convention Dates to be August 23-25 at the Anaheim Convention Center!

Get your General Admission and Passports Today and Experience the Difference!

LOS ANGELES, Calif.- ­ With just under 15,000 in UNIQUE attendance in 2012, AM2 proudly announces August 23-25, 2013 as next year’s official dates for the up and coming Southern California convention focusing on anime, manga and music from Asia. In addition, the convention model will change with a nominal daily admission charge in addition with the popular convention “fast pass” collectible Passports. More info and attendee registration can be found at www.am2con.org .

AM² is changing its model for 2013 to include General Attendance. General Attendance will cost $5.00 for one day and $10.00 for all three days. Attendees who pay this minimal fee will have access to our exhibit hall, artist alley, summer festival, general workshops/panels, autograph sessions, dance, arcade, and other unannounced events. The prices will start at $5/day and $10.00 for all three days prior to the official convention dates with online pre-registration. Prices increase to $10/day during the convention itself.

Attendees can still walk around the areas outside the halls and outside our rooms free of charge. Events such as cosplay gatherings that do not take place in our halls will not require the fee. However, if you intend to visit our halls and rooms for our exhibit hall, artist alley, or panels, you'll need to purchase a general attendance ticket.

What is the difference between general attendance and a premium passport?
· A premium passport gets you into all of our events including special "passport only" events including concerts, special Guest of Honor panels/meet-and-greets as well as screening premieres. It also grants
attendees automatic “front-of-the-line” privileges (in order of attendance) over the general attendance. You DO NOT need to pay for both the general attendance and passport. The passport also gives you many discounts with restaurants, amusements parks and many retail stores in the local Anaheim area as well as a souvenir keep-sake Passport booklet for you to take home.

Why did AM² institute this new general attendance fee?
· As our convention continues to grow, there are certain costs in which we need public support for us to continue providing the quality services and experiences that everyone expects of us including high caliber
guests of honor, movie premieres and other events.

AM2 Passport Prices for 2013
Three Day
2012 Special (through September 30th, 2012): $35.00
Early Pricing (through January 31st, 2013): $40.00
Regular Pricing (through May 31st, 2013): $45.00
Late Pricing (through pre-con): $50.00
At-Con Sales: $55.00

Two Day
2012 Special (through September 30th, 2012): $25.00
Early Pricing (through January 31st, 2013): $30.00
Regular Pricing (through May 31st, 2013): $35.00
Late Pricing (through pre-con): $40.00
At-Con Sales: $45.00

One Day
2012 Special (through September 30th, 2012): $20.00
Early Pricing (through January 31st, 2013): $23.00
Regular Pricing (through May 31st, 2013): $25.00
Late Pricing (through pre-con): $30.00
At-Con Sales: $35.00

Attendees can avoid 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 and experience the difference!

AM2 current activities include Exhibit Hall, AMV’s, Arcade, Summer Festival, Behind the Voice Actors Studio, Masquerade, Dances, Fashion Shows, Table Top, Console Gaming, Workshops, Panels, Concerts and more!

Follow us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/AM2Con

Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/AM2Con

About AM2
Located in Anaheim, California ­ AM2, established in 2010, is a multi-day (3 day) public fan convention aspiring to be a key meeting place for fans that share a common interest in Asian music, Animation/Anime, and Comics/Manga. Nominal entrance fees are charged for certain activities that attendees choose to participate in. AM2 will be held on August 23-25, 2013 at the Anaheim Convention Center in sunny Anaheim, California. More information can be found at www.am2con.org .

Anime Expo (AX) Welcomes Record Number of Attendees to Los Angeles Convention Center

LOS ANGELES (September 19, 2012) – Anime Expo (AX), North America’s largest anime, manga and Japanese pop culture expo, celebrates its most successful event in its 21-year history with a record 49,400+  unique attendees and a turnstile attendance of over 130,000 during its four days at the Los Angeles Convention Center, June 29th – July 2nd, 2012.

Anime screenings, the enormously popular AMV contest, karaoke rooms, Maid Cafe, and AX's new central players' hall featuring table top, console and arcade gaming welcomed the near fifty thousand visitors to the convention while colorful cosplayers flitted across the convention center for photos, meet-ups, and to participate in Anime Expo's annual masquerade competition.

Anime Expo 2012 continued the convention's tradition of bringing noteworthy Guests of Honor to its attendees, creating a roster of amazing talent featuring Ryo Horikawa, Steve Blum, Jamie Marchi, Monica Rial, Tatsuo Sato, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Rikiya Koyama, Hikaru Kondo, Ei Aoki, Joel McDonald, Ian Sinclair, Madhouse, and Master of Ceremonies Danny Choo, along with memorable concerts from Yuki Kajiura / Fiction Junction, breakout star LiSA, and AniMetal USA.

New for 2012, popular Japanese Lolita model Misako Aoki and Danny Choo hosted Japan Fashion Mix, a global fashion show featuring designs by Galaxxxy, Kapi-Bara-San, and dolldelight, a progressive Lolita label wildly popular among anime and street fashion fans created by another of Anime Expo's Guests of Honor, Cyril Lumboy.

Anime Expo continues to be grateful for all the fans that made AX 2012 an outstanding success and is already working hard to create new and exciting programming for 2013!

About Anime Expo (AX)
Held annually in Los Angeles, Anime Expo is North America’s largest celebration of Japanese culture, giving fans the rare opportunity to meet and hear from some of the most famous anime, manga and musical artists from Japan and get into the action through everything from cosplay, karaoke and video competitions to exclusive screenings, video gaming competitions and the wildly popular Masquerade,  a costume contest in which fans transform themselves into their favorite characters and put on their own show before an audience of thousands.

Anime Expo 2013 will be held July 4 – 7, 2013 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.  To register, or for more information, please visit www.anime-expo.org.

About the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA)
Since 1991, the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) has presented North America with premiere events highlighting the best in Japanese animation, manga, music, fashion and pop culture.  The SPJA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to popularize and educate the American public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its entertainment properties, Anime Expo®, Anime Conji, and Project Anime. For more information, please visit www.spja.org.

SOURCE Anime Expo (AX)

ANIME EXPO 2012 PRESENTS THE PREMIERE OF THE “MUVLUV” SERIES FIRST TV ANIME

LOS ANGELES (June 30, 2012) Anime Expo 2012 (AX) -- North America’s largest anime, manga and Japanese pop culture celebration -- will present the highly-anticipated premiere of "Total Eclipse” on July 1 -- the same day the anime debuts on TV in Japan. Kouki Yoshimune, the anime’s executive producer will appear in a special panel discussion in conjunction with the screening. In addition vocalists featured on the show, Minami Kuribayashi and ayami, will perform in live concert at Anime Expo when it returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 29 – July 2, 2012.

"The stars were truly in alignment to allow Anime Expo to give our attendees the chance to see the first episode of “MuvLuv” on the very same day fans in Japan will view it,” said Marc Perez, CEO of the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, the non-profit that produces Anime Expo.

“Total Eclipse” will be produced by Kouki Yoshimune whose previous productions include “MuvLuv” Series. Based on the popular “MuvLuv” PC Game and visual novel, the anime’s main story takes place in Alaska and its main character, Yuuya Bridges, is Japanese-American. The simultaneous Japanese and American debuts echo the global essence of the anime’s narrative.

Minami Kuribayashi has performed songs for many anime series, including “Carnival Phantasm,” “Infinite Stratos,” “Katanagatari,” “Medaka Box,” “Mobile Suit Gundam AGE,” and “Rumbling Hearts.”

The singer ayami performed on the opening theme song “Freedom” for “Battle Spirits: Heroes” as a vocalist with the musical group RAMM.

The “Total Eclipse” production team joins the previously announced Anime Expo 2012 line-up that includes composer joins the previously announced Anime Expo 2012 line-up that includes composer Yuki Kajiura/”FictionJunction;” anime-inspired heavy metal band ANIMETAL USA; Culture Japan’s Danny Choo; Fate/Zero” creative team Hikaru Konda, Ei Aoki and Rikiya Koyama; Madhouse creative team Morio Asaka, Kunihiko Hamada and Takuya Tsunoki;, animation director Tatsuo Sato; voice actors Ryo Horikawa, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Jamie Marchi, Monica Rial, and Steve Blum; Japanese pop star LiSA, Lolita fashion designer Cyril Lumboy, Lolita model Misako Aoki; Tokyo-based Gallery of Fantastic Art and popular cosplayer Jessica Nigri.

About Anime Expo
Now in its 21st year, Anime Expo is North America's largest celebration of anime, manga and Japanese pop culture. Anime Expo gives fans the rare opportunity to meet and hear from some of the most famous anime, manga, musical, game and fashion artists from Japan. AX 2012 will feature an exciting schedule of exclusive screenings; artists' panels; live concerts; cosplay, dance parties, karaoke and video competitions; non-stop video gaming and unsurpassed shopping from more than 300 vendors. AX 2012 takes place June 29 – July 2, 2012 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. To register or for more information, please visit www.anime-expo.org. Connect with Anime Expo on Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube.

About the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation
The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to popularize and educate the American public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its entertainment property, Anime Expo®. For more information, please visit www.spja.org.

Anime Expo 2012 Kicks Off With Star-Studded Red Carpet And Opening Ceremony

LOS ANGELES (June 13, 2012) – Anime Expo® -- North America’s largest anime, manga and Japanese pop culture celebration -- officially kicks off Thursday, June 28 with a star-studded Red Carpet and Opening Ceremony at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Anime Expo Official Guests of Honor will greet fans on the red carpet at 6 p.m. with the Opening Ceremony to follow at 7 p.m.

Now in its 21st year, Anime Expo 2012 (AX) will present some of today’s most exciting anime, manga, musical, game and fashion artists from Japan and the U.S.; main event concerts and contests such as the crowd favorite Masquerade; new and exciting interactive offerings and even Lounge 21, where over-21 attendees can enjoy wine, beer and cocktails.

Announced Guests of Honors include composer Yuki Kajiura/”FictionJunction;” anime-inspired heavy metal band ANIMETAL USA; Culture Japan’s Danny Choo; Fate/Zero” creative team Hikaru Konda, Ei Aoki and Rikiya Koyama; Madhouse creative team Asaka Morio, Kunihiko Hamada and Takuya Tsunoki; animation director Tatsuo Sato; voice actors Ryo Horikawa, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Jamie Marchi, Monica Rial, Steve Blum, Joel McDonald and Ian Sinclair; Japanese pop star LiSA, Lolita fashion designer Cyril Lumboy, Lolita model Misako Aoki; Tokyo-based Gallery of Fantastic Art and popular cosplayer Jessica Nigri.

The following are highlights of the AX Main Events, all to be held in Hall G of LACC:

Day Zero: June 28, 2012
6:00 – 6:40 p.m.                      Red Carpet
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.              Opening Ceremonies

Day One: June 29, 2012
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.                      ANIMETAL USA Concert
9:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.            Anime Music Video (AMV) Contest

Day Two: June 30, 2012
7:00 – 8 p.m.                           Yuki Kajiura/”Fiction/Junction” Concert

Day Three: July 1, 2012
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.                       LiSA Concert
3:00 – 4:00 pm.                        Japan Fashion Mix at AX 2012: Fashion Show
                                               hosted by Misako Aoki and Danny Choo with
                                               up-and-coming J-pop singer Kyoka
8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.             Masquerade

Day Four: July 2, 2012
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.                     Art Auction
1:00 – 6:00 p.m.                       SPJA Charity Auction
6:00 p.m.                                 Closing Ceremonies

About Anime Expo
Now in its 21st year, Anime Expo is North America’s largest celebration of anime, manga and Japanese pop culture. AX 2012 will feature and exciting schedule of exclusive screenings; artists’ panels; live concerts; cosplay; dance parties, karaoke, and video competitions; non-stop video gaming and unsurpassed shopping from more than 3,000 vendors. AX 2012 takes place June 29-July 2, 2012 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. To register or for more information, please visit http://www.anime-expo.org/. Connect with Anime Expo on Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube.

About the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation
The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to popularize and educate the America public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its entertainment property, Anime Expo®. For more information, please visit www.spja.org.

Anime Expo Will Feature Voice Actor Steve Blum As An Official Guest Of Honor

LOS ANGELES (April 6, 2012) – Anime Expo, North America’s largest anime, manga and Japanese pop culture celebration, today announced popular voice actor Steve Blum as an Official Guest of Honor. One of anime’s most prolific voice actors, Blum will participate in a meet-and-greet, autograph signing and focus panel at Anime Expo when it returns to the LA Convention Center from June 29 – July 2, 2012.

With literally hundreds of credits to his name, Steve Blum is well known as the voice of “Spike Spiegel” from “Cowboy Bebop,” “Wolverine” from several incarnations of X-Men (animated movies, games, the Wolverine and the X-Men TV Series, The Super Hero Squad Show and X-Men Anime) and “Orochimaru,” “Zabuza,” and others from “Naruto” -- to name a few. His has also lent his distinctive deep voice to 7-11 television and radio ads, dozens of Digimon and a gigantic list of other characters from anime, video games, TV and film. Currently fans can catch him on the new super-charged CGI series “Transformers: Prime,” playing the sometimes delusional but always deadly Decepticon “Starscream”, as “Heatwave” on the brand new kid-friendly, “Transformers: Rescue Bots!” and joining the cast of “Avatar: The Legend of Korra” as the evil “Amon.”

About Anime Expo

Now in its 21st year, Anime Expo is North America’s largest celebration of anime, manga and Japanese pop culture. Anime Expo gives fans the rare opportunity to meet and hear from some of the most famous anime, manga, musical, game and fashion artists from Japan. AX 2012 will feature an exciting schedule of exclusive screenings; artists’ panels; live concerts; cosplay, dance parties, karaoke and video competitions; non-stop video gaming and unsurpassed shopping from more than 300 vendors. AX 2012 takes place June 29 – July 2, 2012 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. To register or for more information, please visit www.anime-expo.org. Connect with Anime Expo on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

About the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation

The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to popularize and educate the American public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its entertainment property, Anime Expo®. For more information, please visit www.spja.org.

ANIME EXPO PRESENTS U.S. DEBUT CONCERT OF JAPANESE POP STAR LiSA

LOS ANGELES (April 2, 2012) – Anime Expo, North America’s largest anime, manga and Japanese pop culture celebration, will present the U.S. debut concert of Japanese recording artist LiSA, whose chart-topping single “Oath Sign” is the theme song for the wildly popular anime series Fate/Zero.  In addition, LiSA will be a Guest of Honor participating in a meet-and-greet, autograph signings and focus panels at Anime Expo, when it returns to the LA Convention Center from June 29 – July 2, 2012.


LiSA burst onto the Japanese music scene with her role on the hit anime Angel Beats! as the singing voice for Yui, one of the vocalists in the in-show band “Girls Dead Monster.”  Beyond being chosen as the theme song to Fate/Zero, her first single entered the Japanese Oricon weekly charts at #5, and went on to capture the #2 spot on the daily charts.  In advance of her Anime Expo appearance, Aniplex of America will bring four of LISA’s releases to the US including her full-length album and Special Edition combos on Blu-Ray or DVD giving fans an exciting preview of this engaging singer.

“Anime Expo has a long history of introducing the hottest, new musical acts to North American audiences by presenting their debut performances on our stages,” said Marc Perez, CEO of the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, the non-profit that produces Anime Expo. “This tradition continues in 2012 with LiSA who promises to thrill the Anime Expo attendees.”

The date and time of the LiSA concert will be announced shortly.  For more information, visit www.anime-expo.org.

About Anime Expo
Now in its 21st year, Anime Expo is North America’s largest celebration of anime, manga and Japanese pop culture.  Anime Expo gives fans the rare opportunity to meet and hear from some of the most famous anime, manga, musical, game and fashion artists from Japan.  AX 2012 will feature an exciting schedule of exclusive screenings; artists’ panels; live concerts; cosplay, dance parties, karaoke and video competitions; non-stop video gaming and unsurpassed shopping from more than 300 vendors.  AX 2012 takes place June 29 – July 2, 2012 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. To register or for more information, please visit www.anime-expo.org.  Connect with Anime Expo on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

About the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation
The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to popularize and educate the American public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its entertainment property, Anime Expo®.   For more information, please visit www.spja.org.

SOURCE Anime Expo

AM2 Proudly Announces Interactive Events For The Highly Anticipated Convention This June 15-17, 2012 At The Anaheim Convention Center And Hilton

Twilight Tea, Iron Cosplay, Masquerade Ball, Masquerade, Console Game Room and More at This Summer’s Hottest Ticket! Get your Passports Today and Experience the Difference!

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (March 27, 2012) ­ Fans can expect more fun this summer at AM2, this summer’s most anticipated anime, manga and music convention, coming June 15-17, 2012 at the Anaheim Convention Center and Hilton with an array of activities for cosplayers and gamers in addition to the already announced premiere screenings and activities. More info and event rules can be found at www.am2con.org .

TWILIGHT TEATIME

Date / Time: Twilight teatime will be on Friday June 15th at 9pm
Place: TBA

Attention Lolita enthusiasts! Put on your very own tea party as Elegant Gothic Lolita / Elegant Gothic Aristocrat versions of your favorite anime, manga, or video game characters in this competitive or exhibitive event!

IRON COSPLAY

Time/Date: To Be Announced
Location: Matsuri Festival

Work in teams under the watchful eyes of the judges, audience and chairman of Cosplay using non-conventional items to create wonderful cosplay outfits and accessories. See which team’s skills reign supreme and earn the title of Iron Cosplay Champion!

MASQUERADE BALL

Time/Date: Friday, June 15th
Location: AM2 Dance
Theme: Horror

Convert you favorite Scary character into Horror elegance and see if your work can make you the King and Queen of the Ball. This is a noncompetitive and competitive event. To compete in the event, create an original ballroom costume based on this year’s theme. Please only sign up if you are competing.

MASQUERADE

Time/Date: Saturday, June 16th.
Place: TBA

The Masquerade is the event where costumers and cosplayers from around the world bring out their best costumes and performances to try to be the Best in Show.

CONSOLE GAME ROOM

Sponsored by Snake Byte

No anime convention would be complete without competitive and interactive video games. AM2 is no exception to this. Are you tough enough to challenge adversaries to these games? To those elite few, we will be offering various gaming tournaments throughout the weekend. Amazing prizes can be won.

Tournament Schedule* Street Fighter Third Strike Friday
* Cyberbots Friday
* Street Fighter X Tekken Saturday
* Gundam Extreme Versus Saturday
* Smash Brothers Brawl Sunday
* Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Sunday

All Tournaments require a valid passport to participat, and a $3.00 fee to enter. 3 day passport holders get an additional $1.00 discount of tournament entry.

“Cosplay and games are a staple for AM2,” states Miko Khun AM2 Interactive Division Head, “cosplayers can make arrangements for gatherings and celebrate all that is wonderful and fun by seeing old friends and making new ones! And gaming fans will rejoice with all the amazing tournaments and prizing provided by our official console game sponsor Snakebyte USA. AM2 will be the place to be with all the amazing guests of honors, concerts, exhibit hall and other amazing activities for fans and enthusiasts! Get your Passports today and experience the difference!”

Please note that ALL Guest of Honor activities (i.e. panels, autographs, appearances, etc.) are ALL Passport preferred activities. There will also be a private Meet & Greet event for Anaheim Hilton Room Block Attendees (room key proof is required).

Attendees can avoid 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 (including Disneyland and the grand opening of Cars Land, Knotts Berry Farm, etc.), retailers and local restaurants. Bypass the lines and get your Passport today and experience the difference!

AM2 current activities include Exhibit Hall, AMV’s, Arcade, Summer Festival, Behind the Voice Actors Studio, Masquerade, Dances, Fashion Shows, Table Top, Console Gaming, Workshops, Panels, Concerts and more!

AM2 Official Guests of Honor includes Andrea Libman, Quinton Flynn and Toshihiro Kawamoto.

AM2 Premieres, screenings and exclusive screenings include ACE ATTORNEY, FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE STAR OF MILOS, KAIBUTSU-KUN THE MOVIE, KAIJI 2 and more!

Follow us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/AM2Con .

Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/AM2Con .

About AM2
Located in Anaheim, California ­ AM2, established in 2010, is a multi-day (3 days) 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 June 15-17, 2012 at the Anaheim Convention Center in sunny Anaheim, California. More information can be found at www.am2con.org .

AM2 Provides More Fun For Passport Holders And Attendees with More Purikura

Purikura Machines Will be Made Available for Passport Holders to Create Their Official Passport Images! Get your Passports Today and Experience the Difference!

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (March 21, 2012) ­ Some of the most popular and latest Purikura machines will be available for attendees and Passport holders to utilize for their memories at AM2 - this summer's most anticipated anime, manga and music convention this coming June 15-17, 2012 at the Anaheim Convention Center and Hilton. More info can be found at www.am2con.org .

Much like passports used for international travel, the Purikura images can be used by 3-Day Passport holders as part of their official 3-Day Passport photo within their booklets and will make each 3-Day Passport unique and custom to its holder. All attendees are still free to utilize the Purikura Machines as well.

"Fans are going to have an amazing time taking memorable Purikura photos with their friends at AM2", states Chase Wang AM2 representative, "AM2 will be the place to be with all the amazing guests of honors, concerts, exhibit hall and other amazing activities for fans and enthusiasts! Get your Passports today and experience the difference!"

Attendees can avoid 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 (including Disneyland and the grand opening of Cars Land, Knotts Berry Farm, etc.), retailers and local restaurants. Bypass the lines and get your Passport today and experience the difference!

AM2 current activities include Exhibit Hall, AMV's, Arcade, Summer Festival, Behind the Voice Actors Studio, Masquerade, Dances, Fashion Shows, Table Top, Console Gaming, Workshops, Panels, Concerts and more!

AM2 Official Guests of Honor includes Quinton Flynn and Toshihiro Kawamoto (Bones).

AM2 Premieres, screenings and exclusive screenings include ACE ATTORNEY, FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE STAR OF MILOS, KAIBUTSU-KUN THE MOVIE, KAIJI 2 and more!

Follow us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/AM2Con .

Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/AM2Con .

About AM2
Located in Anaheim, California ­ AM2, established in 2010, is a multi-day (3 days) 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 June 15-17, 2012 at the Anaheim Convention Center in sunny Anaheim, California. More information can be found at www.am2con.org .

THE STAKES ARE HIGH AS AM2 ANNOUNCES US CALIFORNIA PREMIERE OF THE KODANSHA MANGA BASED LIVE ACTION THRILLER FILM SEQUEL KAIJI 2

One of Many U.S. Convention Film Premieres Happening this June 15-17, 2012 at the Anaheim Convention Center and Anaheim Hilton! Get your Passports Today and Experience the Difference!

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (March 3, 2012) – The extremely popular and highly anticipated sequel KAIJI 2 (2011/Drama, Thriller/Approx. 133 min) to be screened EXCLUSIVELY at this summer’s most anticipated Anime, Manga and Music event AM2. Two screenings will be available-one EXCLUSIVELY for Passport holders ONLY and the second for Passport holders preferred (with general attendees as seating permits).. Ever since first appearing in 1996 as a serial manga in Kodansha’s Young Magazine, KAIJI has amassed a cult-like following, recording book sales of over 18 million copies and leading to a box office hit film adaptation in 2009 entitled: KAIJI. More info and attendee registration can be found at www.am2con.org .

“With our growing guest list, screenings and activities AM2 will be the place to be this summer in Southern California for all that is anime and manga,” states Chase Wang of AM2, “Get your Passports today and join us for all the fun!”

The much-awaited second film is set to hit the screens as KAIJI 2, based on what many assert is the most popular episode from the comic book series, “The Greed Swamp”. Kaiji author Nobuyuki Fukumoto was at the center of the screenplay writing process for the sequel, adding a new high-risk game of his invention to ratchet up the psychological intensity. There’s Chinchirorin, the “dice game from Hell” that lifts Kaiji out of an underground slave labor existence to take part in Princess and Slave, a live-or-die game of choice, and finally, the “Man-eating Swamp” – a monstrous pachinko machine capable of instantly destroying lives of anyone dazzled by its big payoff. On his own, Kaiji stands little chance of beating any of these games. But that won’t stop him from staking his life on saving his friends and restoring everyone’s lives!

SYNOPSIS
3 years after the ultimate life-or-death game with Teiai Group, Kaiji (Tatsuya Fujiwara) was entrapped by Teiai and again back in the underground, forced to do hard labor.

One day, Kaiji wins a bet to get out of the underground with 1 million yen, and promises the other workers that he will save them. But to do so, he only has 14 days and needs 200 million yen! Kaiji meets his former rival Tonegawa (Teruyuki Kagawa) and learns that there is a chance to turn the tables in the game. It was a monster
casino machine that will make 1 billion yen if you win…Can Kaiji make enough money in the limited time?!

GAME DESCRIPTIONS
GAME 1
Escape from Underground with (Hell’s Dice “Chinchirorin”)
Chinchirorin is a traditional dice game long popular with the masses involving 3 dice and a rice bowl to shake them up in. But here in the underground mining camps of the Teiai corporate empire, the game has been given some new rules. One man plays the “house” while the rest are his clients. A client stands to earn a multiple of the amount bet depending on the dice roll. For example, if he rolls a 4, 5 and 6 (called a “gigolo”), it pays off double; a triple roll of the same number between 2 and 6 earns him 3 times his bet, and all ones has a 5-fold payoff. But a roll of 1, 2, 3 (“hifumi”) and a client must pay the house twice what he bet. Any cheating or foul play discovered results in the perpetrator paying back 4 times the bet. The client determines how much he wants to bet up to a maximum of 100,000 “pelicas”.

GAME 2
The Ultimate Multiple Choice “Princess and Slave”An original game dreamed up by Nobuyuki Fukumoto that is not found in the original story, the “Princess and Slave” plays on a primal life-or-death decision. The “slave” (player) is locked in a chamber surrounded by 3 doors.

Behind one of the doors is his beautiful princess. But behind the other two doors lie ferocious and starved lions. The slave must push the button on a panel opening one of those doors. If he opens the door to the princess, he (and the princess) earns their freedom. The twist is that the princess actually knows which number door she stands behind and can tell the slave whatever she wants. But will she tell him the truth?

GAME 3
Monster pachinko machine: “The Man-eating Swamp”
A standard pachinko machine pays off 4 yen for every metal ball that falls into a retrieval hole. By contrast, a ball won on the Monster Pachinko machine pays 1,000 times that, or 4,000 yen. Hit the jackpot and a player can take home a billion yen ($10 million). But there are two major obstacles to overcome. The first is a “forest of nails” on the pachinko board that is designed to send the pachinko balls in every direction but the right one.

Any balls that manage to clear the forest then enter the 3-level “kroon” – three concave dishes that funnel the balls into winning and losing holes: 3 holes on the top level, 4 holes on the middle tier and 5 holes on the third and lowest kroon. With only one winning hole per level, the odds of a ball passing through all three to earn the jackpot is 60 to 1. Doesn’t sound too bad. But is that all there is to it?

Staff

Directed by Toyo Sato

Screenplay by Nobuyuki Fukumoto, Junya Yamazaki, Sachiko Oguchi

Music by Yugo Kanno

Attendees can avoid 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 and experience the difference!

AM2 current activities include Exhibit Hall, AMV’s, Arcade, Summer Festival, Behind the Voice Actors Studio, Masquerade, Dances, Fashion Shows, Table Top, Console Gaming, Workshops, Panels, Concerts and more!

Follow us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/AM2Con .

Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/AM2Con .

About AM2
Located in Anaheim, California – AM2, established in 2010, is a multi-day (3 days) 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 June 15-17, 2012 at the Anaheim Convention Center in sunny Anaheim, California. More information can be found at www.am2con.org .

AM2 ANNOUNCES MORE FUN FOR ATTENDEES WITH ITS MATSURI SUMMER FEST 2012

The Rodin of Lollipop Returns and Brings the Ancient Candy Making Art of Amezaiku to this Summer's Most Anticipated Anime, Music and Manga Convention in Southern California, June 15-17, 2012 in Anaheim, California!

Get your Passports Today and Experience the Difference!

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (January 31, 2012) ­- The ancient folk art of candy
sculpting, Amezaiku ("sweet candy craft"), is one of the most beautiful art forms that involves delectable edibles in which only a few master performers
exist in the world. One of these masters is Shan Ichiyanagi aka the Rodin of Lollipop will be attending this summer's most anticipated animation, music
and manga event's, AM2, Summer Festival to the delight of attendees. More
info can be found at www.am2con.org .

With a large palette of boiling corn syrup and a variety of precision tools,
Shan utilizes highly choreographed gestures and flourishes as he dips,
molds, pinches and pulls at the jewel-toned "goo" while it cools and hardens
into astonishingly intricate sculptures of fantastic animals and objects
that are worthy of almost any mantel. While he has sculpted well over 100
different objects, Shan can sculpt any object his audience can think of. A
unique and appealing candy sculpture can be magically made in less than 5
minutes as you watch with fascination!

"Fans are in for a real Œtreat," states Chase Wang, AM2 representative,
"Shan is an amazing artist that will create some of the most beautiful
pieces of edible art. Come check out one of the few remaining masters of
candy art. Get your Passports today and experience the difference!"

Attendees can avoid 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 and experience the difference!

AM2 current activities include Exhibit Hall, AMV's, Arcade, Summer Festival,
Behind the Voice Actors Studio, Masquerade, Dances, Fashion Shows, Table
Top, Console Gaming, Workshops, Panels, Concerts and more!

Follow us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/AM2Con

Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/AM2Con

About AM2Located in Anaheim, California ­ AM2, established in 2010, is a multi-day (3
days) 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 June 15-17, 2012 at the Anaheim Convention Center in
sunny Anaheim, California. More information can be found at www.am2con.org .

AM2 ANNOUNCES SCREENING OF "FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE SACRED STAR OF MILOS"

Get Your Passport Today and Automatically Enter the AM2 Pre-Registration
Contest to Win Two Tickets to the Red Carpet Premiere Event in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (January 5, 2012) ­2012¹s most anticipated animation, music and manga convention in Southern California, AM2 (June 15-17, 2012 at the Anaheim Convention Center and Hotels) continues to bring more fun to fans with the screening of the long-awaited "FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE SACRED STAR OF MILOS" to this year¹s event! Passport purchasers will also have a chance to attend the official premiere event in Los Angeles on January 20, 2012. More information and online registration at www.am2con.org/ .

Passport purchasers will be automatically entered into the AM2 Pre-Registration contest to potentially win two (2) tickets to the "FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE SACRED STAR OF MILOS"Red Carpet Premiere Event.

Information for the event is as follows:

Date: January 20, 2012

Location: Downtown Independent (251 S. Main St.; Los Angeles, CA 90012); www.downtownindependent.com

Time: 8:00 pm; Screeing at 9:00 pm followed by Q&A with production & cast members

It will be a night of entertainment for fans of the popular Fullmetal Alchemist franchise featuring an opportunity to walk the carpet, movie presentation, and a Q & A with both the Japanese director Kazuya Murata and the US Director Mike McFarland as well as members of the US voice cast including Vic Mignogna and BONES president, Masahiko Minami.

"We are working hard to bring you (the fans) the best in anime, manga and music entertainment from Asia", states Chase Wang AM2 representative, "Whether you are a casual or hard-core fan, we hope you will joins us for this truly amazing and fun fan event filled with anime, manga, j-rock, j-pop, cosplay and more!"


Film Synopsis: Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos, a new feature-length adventure into the world of an international anime sensation.
           A fugitive alchemist with mysterious abilities leads the Elric brothers to a distant valley of slums inhabited by the Milos, a proud people struggling against bureaucratic exploitation. Ed and Al quickly find themselves in the middle of a rising rebellion, as the exiled Milos lash out against their oppressors. At the heart of the conflict is Julia, a young alchemist befriended by Alphonse. She'll stop at nothing to restore the Milos to their former glory ­ even if that means harnessing the awful power of the mythical
Philosopher's Stone.

Passport pricing (U.S. $) is as follows:
One (1) Day

* Thru March 31st: $25.00
* Thru June 14th: $30.00
* At-con Sales: $35.00

Two (2) Day * Thru March 31st: $35.00
* Thru June 14th: $40.00
* At-con Sales: $45.00

Three (3) Day
* Thru March 31st: $45.00
* Thru June 14th: $50.00
* At-con Sales: $55.00

Entrance to the event is free, but attendees can avoid the huge lines by obtaining a "priority entrance" 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. Concert events are only accessible via a purchased Passport or concert ticket. Bypass the lines and get your Passport today and experience the difference!

Potential exhibitors and artists interested in exhibiting at this event can also email info@am2con.org for additional information and rates.

AM2 current activities include Exhibit Hall, AMV's, Arcade, Summer Festival, Behind the Voice Actors Studio, , Masquerade, Cosplay Chess, Dances, Fashion Shows, Table Top, Console Gaming, Workshops, Panels, Concerts and more!

Follow us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/AM2Con

Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/AM2Con

About AM2
Located in Anaheim, California ­ AM2, established in 2010, is a multi-day (3 days) 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 June 15-17, 2012 at the Anaheim Convention Center in sunny Anaheim, California. More information can be found at www.am2con.org .

About Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos
§ Released in Japan on July 2, 2011
§ Official theme song for the movie ­ "Good Luck My Way" by L'Arc-en-Ciel
§ Directed by Kazuya Murata (Code Geass, Asst. Director)
§ Animation Studio ­ BONES (Cowboy Bebop: The Movie)

About Fullmetal Alchemist franchise
* FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST is Japanese cartoon series started in 2001 and ended
June 2010 selling over 50 million volumes.
* It was adapted into TV animation series of 51 episodes in 2003 and the
second season started in 2009 on Adult Swim/Cartoon Network spanning 64
episodes and still aired as of December 2011.