March 30, 2008

Haruka Panel and Autograph Session!

Today was the third day at Sakura-Con. Jet lag is not bothering Director Tsunaki at all. After a big breakfast with omelet and a cup of coffee, he was at the Haruka Q & A Panel. There were some people who have already watched the entire Haruka: A Tale of the Eight Guardians in Japanese, read available volumes of manga, and even played the game. However, since this is a brand new show in the US, he started talking about the background and introduction to the show. We also had Carol, editor of Haruka manga. It was interesting to hear about Haruka world from both manga and anime sides. At the end of the Panel, we did a raffle. The grand prize was Haruka cel art with Akane and Akram. The fans who came to the Panel did janken "rock, scissors and paper" to win the prize. After 5 or 6 rounds of janken, the winner was decided and she was so happy to get the cel art with autograph on! After the Panel, a girl came to the front and said, "I wanted to win the cel art!!"

After the Panel was an autograph session. Fans of Haruka and Director Tsunaki's other works came to get an autographed by him. He even drew some illustrations for fans!

It's finally lunch time and Director Tsunaki's dream came true! Yep, he had lunch at Mc Donald's!! Guess what he got. He got a Big Mac with French fries and coke! He wanted to try the real McDonald's in the US! He commented that the Big Mac was not as greasy as he thought.

It was a log day... but he accomplished a lot... including seeing Ali Project's concert :-) Tomorrow is the last day at Sakura-Con... so sad...

March 28, 2008

First Day of Sakura-Con!

10:00- Today was the first day of Sakura-Con. After huge "American" breakfast, Director Tsunaki attended the Opening Ceremony. The MC asked fans who were attending the ceremony how to pronounce the title "Haruka" properly. Our true Haruka fans shouted at him saying "HA-RU-KA"!! After the ceremony, he autographed on the items that will be given away at Haruka Panel which will be held tomorrow.

14:00- In the afternoon, there was a Haruka Premier screening session. It was the very first time to be shown in the States. Fans, packed in the room (approx. 250 people!!), enjoyed Haruka Episodes 1 and 2. At the end of the screening session, Bandai Visual USA staff came to the front and reminded fans that there would be Haruka Q & A Panel and some sales information about DVD. Sure, fans now know that the Haruka fans come with purchase at the Con!

16:30- Carol from Shojo Beat came to Sakura-Con from San Francisco! You know that Shojo Beat has already run a piece of interview article with Director Tsunaki, right? This time, Carol threw more detailed questions about Haruka. Since they has nice relaxing time, we are sure that this Haruka interview article will be very interesting. Look forward to it!

19:00- 150 lucky fans make it to the Guest Reception Dinner. This was a rare opportunity that fans could have dinner with invited guests. Director Tsunaki was surrounded by fans and had great time talking with American fans. Since this is his first time to be in the States, he was very much glad to hear fans' voices for Haruka.

March 27, 2008

First Day in Seattle!

Hello, America! We arrived in Seattle and had some sightseeing already. Director Tsunaki finally visited the Lake View Cemetery where Bruce Lee's grave was located. Since he was in teens, it was his dream to visit Bruce's grave and his dream finally came true! He was so excited, and even before the event started, he is already feeling that happiness to be in Seattle.

We attended Guest Dinner at night. There were many guests who came in Seattle today. We had some meat, Tofu, crab cakes and much more! Director Tsunaki greeted with many Sakura-Con staff members and other guests from Japan and the US.

March 27, 2008

Leaving Narita Air Port!

Director Tsunaki and I have just arrived at the Narita Air Port! In a few hours, we will be finally heading to Seattle. American fans, we are looking forward to seeing you pretty soon!

March 26, 2008

Ready for Seattle!

Along with my coworkers, I visited Yutama Company, which Director Tsunaki works for. We dropped him a plane ticket to Seattle, train ticket to Narita airport and some other things he needed. We went over his convention schedule and explained details of the events that he was going to join. Since it is going to be his first time to attend the anime convention, he is very much looking forward to it! To prove his anticipation, he prepared great items for the charity auction!! See the photo images here. He drew two illustrations one with all characters and the other for the main character, Akane. Aren’t they wonderful? Those who can make it to the event, get a chance to take a look at the real ones!Director Tsunaki is friendly and can’t wait to communicate with you, American and Canadian fans! When you find him, stop by and say hello :-D See you soon!

March 24, 2008

Hello, Haruka fans!

Are you disappointed because you won't be able to make it to Sakura-Con 2008? Or, are you excited to go to Sakura-Con in a few days? Whether you can make it or not, this special "Sakura-Con Report" page is for you! As you know, the director of Haruka, Aki Tsunaki is invited to the con as a Guest of Honor and there are several Haruka-related events there. We are going to update daily report of the con here on this page. If you can’t be there, we want to share all the fun with you through this page. Start checking out this page frequently on March 27!