Japanese animation will be celebrating its 100^th anniversary in 2017.

As we approach this milestone, the Association of Japanese Animations (AJA) will be starting a project that will set the foundation to further support the creation of anime for the next 100 years.

At Anime Expo this year, the Chairman of the project, Masuo Ueda (Chairman of Aniplex Inc.) and the Vice Chairman, Yasuo Miyakawa (President and CEO of SUNRISE Inc.) will be attending to explain the details of the project to American fans for the first time.

Both Japanese and American guests will have a discussion about the future of anime. As part of the discussion we would also like to take questions and opinions from the fans.

We believe this is the first step into creating an anime industry shaped by everyone worldwide. This is your opportunity to be a part of history, and we would like to offer a warm welcome to all fans to come and join us! AJA will also be giving away special prizes!

• Panel Name: Celebrating 100 Years of Japanese Animation Presented by AJA
• When: July 1, 4 – 5PM
• Location: Main Events Hall B

See official press release

Presenters

Ueda began his career in 1979 when he joined Sunrise Inc. He made his name as a producer working on titles such as “Mobile Suit Gundam” and “Cowboy Bebop.” He joined Aniplex Inc. in 2003 and was appointed as Representative Director & President of A-1 Pictures Inc. in 2010.

Ueda’s work at A-1 Pictures excels as the studio strives for the highest of quality in all of their titles. This is shown in works such as “Blue Exorcist,” “Sword Art Online,” and “Anohana.”

In 2014, he became the Representative Director & President of Aniplex Inc. and was designated as Chairman in 2016.

President and CEO of SUNRISE Inc and BANDAI NAMCO Pictures Inc. Representative Director of Gundam Global Challenge. “Anime NEXT 100” Chairman

Joined Bandai Co., Ltd in 1981. Joined Sunrise Inc in 2000 and became the president and CEO in 2014. In 2015, also became the President and CEO of Bandai Namco Pictures Inc.

Miyakawa focuses on producing anime and developing the merchandising strategy surrounding the titles. Managing both consumer products and live events for shows such as “Mobile Suit Gundam,” “TIGER & BUNNY,” and “Love Live!,” he strives to enhance the enjoyment of the fans.

Special Guests

Takanori Nishikawa. Born September 19, 1970, in Shiga.
Debuted in May 1996 as “T.M.Revolution,” Takanori Nishikawa’s solo project, with　“Dokusai –monopolize-“.

His catchy tunes and powerful live performances have charmed audiences, and he has released a string of hit songs such as “HIGH PRESSURE,” “HOT LIMIT,” “WHITE BREATH,” and “INVOKE”. His collaboration with Nana Mizuki gained high praise, and they recorded “Preserved Roses” and “Kakumei Dualism.”

This year, T.M.Revolution is celebrating his 20th anniversary and aims to continue achieving greater heights.

The owner and President of NYAV Post, a recording studio with facilities in New York and Los Angeles.

He has voice directed over 40 titles including “Freedom,” “Phoenix,” “A Letter to Momo,” “Mobile Suit Gundam: Unicorn,” and “Berserk.” His studio was the first to produce a simultaneous dub, and the only studio to date, that has produced a simultaneous broadcast dub.

Michael has also voice directed shows for Cartoon Network and Warner Bros as well as Academy Award nominated films “Ernest & Celestine” and “A Cat in Paris.” He is also a voice actor in both cartoons and anime.