June 12, 2006

Anime Expo announces Hiroshi Nagahama

MUSHISHI Director Joins the List of Growing Guests of Honor

Anaheim, California (June 12, 2006) -- Anime Expo® 2006 (AX2006) announces Hiroshi Nagahama as a Guest of Honor at the nations largest Anime/Manga convention's 15th year anniversary at the Anaheim Convention Center July 1-4, 2006. More information is available at http://www.anime-expo.org.

Mr. Nagahama is best known for his work as the director of the anime MUSHISHI. This 26 episode series received the "Outstanding work of TV animation" award at the Tokyo Animation Fair in 2006. Part of the great success of this show is due to Mr. Nagahama's philosophy of trying to remain faithful to the original work. Whereas many anime today differ greatly from the original work, his dedication to the original work has created a masterpiece.

Mr. Nagahama also worked as an animator and story board creator for several famous animes like JUBEI, SCHOOL RUMBLE and SISTER PRINCESS. And has worked with famous directors like Akitarou Daichi.

Mr. Nagahama joins, previously announced, CLAMP, Seiji Mizushima, Vic Mignogna, Laura Bailey, Mick Takeuchi, Yutaka Izubuchi, Tomoki Kyoda, Koge-Donbo and Romi Paku as Anime Expo® 2006 official Guests of Honor.

Individuals can now register via online (www.anime-expo.org) for Anime Expo® 2006. All attendees that register prior to June 1, 2006 will be automatically placed into the 2nd Annual Pre-Registration Contest to win DVD's, Posters and other amazing prizes.

About Anime Expo®
Located in Anaheim, California - Anime Expo®, the North America's largest anime/manga convention, serves to foster trade, commerce and the interests of the general public and animation/ comics industry. This event serves as a key meeting place for the general public to express their interest and explore various aspects of anime/manga, as well as for members of the industry to conduct business. AX 2006 will be held July 1 - 4, 2006 at the Anaheim Convention Center. More information can be found at its official website (www.anime-expo.org).

About SPJA
The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization with a mission 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®. More information can be found at its official website (www.spja.org).

###