Renowned Japanese Creators Kenji Kamiyama and Shinji Aramaki Announced as Guests of AnimeNEXT 2018 Anime Convention

Atlantic City, NJ - December 25, 2017 - AnimeNEXT is proud to announce its first esteemed guests from Japan for its 2018 convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey, creators Kenji Kamiyama and Shinji Aramaki. The convention is the largest independently organized, fan-based anime convention in the New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York metropolitan area.

Originally from Saitama Prefecture in Japan, Mr Kamiyama began his career as a background artist when he joined Studio Fuuga in 1985. Among his notable anime works are Jin-Roh, and Blood: The Last Vampire. Mr. Kamiyama made his directorial debut with Mini Pato, but his most notable anime is his work on the TV series Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex as the Director and Series Composition Writer. The anime was a huge success globally. In 009 Re:Cyborg, he directed his first full 3DCG animated movie. Mr. Kamiyama's works also include Moribito - Guardian of the Spirit, Eden of the East, and the recent Napping Princess - The Story of the Unknown Me.

Mr. Aramaki is originally from Fukuoka Prefecture in Japan and has had an illustrious career in anime, having worked on some truly historic anime. He has worked on numerous CG works, and is the one of the forerunners of 3DCG animation in Japan. While he has mainly worked as a Mechanical Designer, APPLESEED, which he directed in 2004, is a ground-breaking work and has influenced many creators worldwide. Other notable works from Mr. Aramaki include Starship Troopers Red Planet, Appleseed Alpha, Captain Harlock, and APPLESEED. This will be Mr. Aramaki's debut appearance at AnimeNEXT.

Vince Averello, Convention Chairman of AnimeNEXT 2018 was quoted as saying, “I and the entire AnimeNEXT staff are thrilled to be bringing this pair of distinguished Japanese creators to the anime fans in the New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania area. Mr. Kamiyama and Mr. Aramaki are legendary figures in the anime creative space, and I couldn't be happier that they've made the time to come to AnimeNEXT and share their experiences with us and the fans.” Mr. Kamiyama and Mr. Aramaki will attend panels and other events at AnimeNEXT. Attendees have the opportunity to possibly meet the creators at the Atlantic City area convention.

AnimeNEXT is June 8-10, 2018 at the Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey. More information about the convention can be found at http://www.animenext.org