Otaku USA's Anime Fan Fest Announces Special Guests, Sponsorships and Programming Highlights for May 6-8

May 4, Somerset, NJ – Just days before the doors open, Otaku USA's inaugural Anime Fan Fest unveils an all star guest line up, along with sponsors, exclusive programs and more in preparation for the convention's debut this weekend. Anime Fan Fest will play host to more than 30 special guests and over 80 panels and will take over the Garden State Expo Center Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Special Guests

Anime Fan Fest recognizes the following special guests for their unparalleled excellence in all things Otaku. From Japanese comics to cosplay, we are lucky to have such an all-star guest list at this year's show, and are proud to announce the following special guests appearing at Anime Fan Fest:

• AniMia, internationally known cosplayer and writer for Otaku USA;
  
• Aaron Mitchell Dismuke, original voice of Alphonse Elric in Fullmetal Alchemist;
  
• Mike McFarland, Director Fullmetal Alchemist and Attack on Titan, voice of Jean Havoc FMA, Master Roshi Dragon Ball Z, Senior Director, writer and actor for FUNimation;
  
• Vic Mignogna, Voice of Edward Elric Fullmetal Alchemist and Broly Dragon Ball Z. Executive Producer and Director of Star Trek Continues in addition to playing the role of Captain Kirk;
  
• Marcus Swint, Voice actor, writer and new-media producer. Most recently cast as Necalli in Street Fighter V and Mason in Mass Effect: Paragon Lost;
  
• Tommy Yune, President of Animation at Harmony Gold USA, co-writer and director of Robotech: Shadow Chronicles;

Click here for a complete list of guests.

Show Sponsors

• Otaku USA and MAD Event Entertainment welcome Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. as the premier sponsor of the event! Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. will be in attendance at Anime Fan Fest with an interactive booth on the tradeshow floor. Their booth will feature game demos that will give fans an exclusive look at their newest and forthcoming titles, fun giveaways, and more!
  
• MAD Event Entertainment is proud to again partner with Bernina of America, who will be donating prizing to Anime Fan Fest's highly anticipated Saturday night cosplay contest!

Program Highlights

Attendees will be treated to a wide array of programming throughout the show. Highlights include:

• Bandai Namco Entertainment presents: Anime Games in America: Join Bandai Namco for a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like working for the premier Anime videogame publisher, the process and challenges of bringing over anime-based and Japanese game content to the Western market, and exclusive insider-only looks at Bandai Namco's upcoming titles. Also: FREE STUFF! (Friday)
  
• Cosplay 101: Get your cosplay construction questions ready and ask cosplay guests Yuffie Bunnie and Most Flogged what you can do to improve your skills. Feel free to ask questions on wigs, makeup, armor and sewing tips. Hosted by Mia McLaughlin. (Saturday)
  
• Inside the Alchemist Studio: Fullmetal Alchemist celebrates its 10th Anniversary and Anime Fan Fest New Jersey is honored to bring to you the creative staff who made its American release possible. On stage will be ADR Director and Lt. Havoc, Mike McFarland, Voice of Edward Elric, Vic Mignogna, Voice of Alphonse Elric, Aaron Dismuke and former Senior Marketing Director, Lance Heiskell. (Saturday)
  
• Robotech Industry Panel: Tommy Yune of Harmony Gold USA presents the latest developments in the Robotech universe, from awesome new products to the live action film in development at Sony Pictures. Jonathan Brands also joins in to reflect on the development of Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles, which debuted 10 years ago. (Sunday)
  
• Street Fighter V: The Panel: With the release of Street Fighter V came many battles. And while gamers are racking up League Points and Fight Money online, telling stories of victory and defeat to their friends or streaming audience, the battles of the road to launch still go largely untold. Join Bill Rogers (Script Adaptor), Bonnie Gordon (Voice of R. Mika) and Marc Swint (Script Adaptor / Voice of Necalli) as they talk about the hard work of voicing for and helping with the localization of Street Fighter V. (Sunday)
  
• Down to Nerd: Attack on Titan: Join RuthAnn Thompson (Bulma, DBZ: Light of Hope) as she discusses with Mike McFarland all the ins and outs of directing the English cast of the "giant" hit Attack on Titan as well as voicing Jean Kirschtein. Casual fans and uber otaku join us and get Down to Nerd! (Friday)
  
• All Ages Dance: Otaku + Music + Awesome DJ = A night to remember. Cap off your Anime Fan FEST-tivities with a night of booty shaking with one of the East Coast's favorite DJ's, DJ Rage Quit! (Saturday)
  
• VIP Party: Guest list includes- Ani-Mia, Vic Mignogna, Aaron Dismuke, Bonnie Gordon, Xander Jeanneret, Jez Roth, Yuffie Bunny, Ashley Chantilly, Mike Toole, Charles Dunbar, Lance Heiskell, Darius Washington, Greg Wicker, and more to be announced! (Friday)
  
• A Saturday night Cosplay Contest hosted by Jez Roth and Jessie Pridemore with special performance by the Library Bards, and Cosplay panels throughout the weekend
  
• Japanese Live Music Performance by REAKT: REAKT is an artist from Tokyo, Japan currently living in USA. His music is a mix of Japanese Pops, EDM, and Hip Hop. His musical purpose is to spread his sound and message to the world. (Friday)

Weekend pass holders will receive a FREE three month subscription to Otaku USA!
For more information and to purchase tickets now, visit www.animefanfest.com.
Follow Anime Fan Fest for updates as they drop:

Facebook: Facebook.com/AnimeFanFest
Twitter: @AnimeFanFestNJ
Instagram: @AnimeFanFestNJ