J-POP SUMMIT to return to Fort Mason Center in July 2016

Photo © David-Toshiyuki

J-POP SUMMIT WILL RETURN TO

HISTORIC FORT MASON CENTER

IN SAN FRANCISCO FOR 2016

The Bay Area’s Premiere Japanese Pop Culture Event

Announces Dates For Summer 2016 Festival At Expansive

New Home In San Francisco’s Historic Marina District

The J-POP SUMMIT Committee, the organization that presents the Japanese pop culture celebration held annually in San Francisco, has announced that the 2016 J-POP SUMMIT will be held at the historic Fort Mason Center, the weekend of Friday, July 22nd thru Sunday, July 24th.

The Bay Area’s popular celebration of Japanese pop culture, music, art, anime, fashion, food, technology, travel and film, marked its evolution into a ticketed event this year, and attracted more than 30,000 people to its first Festival staged at the historic Fort Mason Center in San Francisco’s Marina district earlier this summer. It was also complemented by additional events in Union Square and at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema in Japantown. Full details and images from the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT are featured at: www.J-POP.com.

“As we look ahead to presenting the 8th consecutive J-POP SUMMIT, we will continue to deliver a unique showcase of Japan’s latest pop trends,” says Seiji Horibuchi, Chairman of the J-Pop SUMMIT Festival Committee and the founder of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. “Every year we add new attractions and special events to highlight not only popular current trends but also emerging new aspects of Japanese pop culture. Fort Mason gives us many possibilities for future growth and we look forward to presenting another extraordinary line-up of artists and programming for 2016!”

Held since 2009, the J-POP SUMMIT is a one-of-a-kind, yearly event that has developed a unique festival format to present a diverse array of the latest in pop-influenced culture and artists from Japan. J-POP SUMMIT began as an annual street fair-style outdoor festival held in San Francisco’s Japantown and has drawn as many as 125,000 people in past years. Previous notable J-POP SUMMIT headliners have included Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, May’n, Tadanobu Asano, Takako Tokiwa, Tomomi Itano, Eir Aoi, Gacharic Spin, Tokyo Girls Style, and JAM Project.

About J-POP SUMMIT
The J-POP SUMMIT is an annual Japanese Pop Culture celebration held in San Francisco, CA that features live bands and artists from Japan, pop culture panel discussions, film premieres, fashion shows and events, food and spirits, art, and celebrity appearances. Details on J-POP SUMMIT are available at www.J-POP.com.

Actor Tadanobu Asano, director Koji Morimoto, and DJ Ken Ishii to be Official Guests of Honor at JFFSF

Renowned actor Tadanobu Asano

 2015 JAPAN FILM FESTIVAL OF SAN FRANCISCO WELCOMES

ACTOR TADANOBU ASANO, DIRECTOR KOJI MORIMOTO AND

TECHNO DJ LEGEND KEN ISHII AS OFFICIAL GUESTS OF HONOR

Star Of Ichi The Killer, Thor, And Battleship Will Attend To Receive Japan
Film Festival Of San Francisco Honorary Award And Joins Renowned

Anime Director And Legendary Techno DJ For Special Appearances

The 2015 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco (JFFSF), the first and only fully-dedicated Japanese film celebration for the S.F. Bay Area together with the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT proudly present actor Tadanobu Asano, anime director Koji Morimoto and techno DJ Legend Ken Ishii as official Guests of Honor for San Francisco’s annual Japanese pop culture festival.

Tadanobu Asano will attend the opening night event at The Castro Theatre to receive Japan Film Festival of San Francisco Honorary Award. Tadanobu Asano is widely known for starring roles in movies such as Ichi the Killer, Zatoichi, Thor, 46 Ronin, and Battleship. Koji Morimoto is renowned as one of Japan’s top anime directors and is also a founder of acclaimed Studio 4℃ and known for works such as Animatrix and Genius Party Beyond. Ken Ishii is a legendary techno DJ and producer who has performed live internationally and enjoys a worldwide fan base in the electronic music scene.

An Opening Night Event on Friday August 7th at The Castro Theatre kicks off the Japan Film Festival of S.F. with a special 35mm presentation of director Sogo Ishii’s Electric Dragon 80000V, a rollicking comic-book style action film that stars top Japanese actor Tadanobu Asano, who will be on hand to personally introduce the film and participate in an audience Q&A immediately following the screening. Throughout the weekend, the Japan Film Festival of S.F. will present additional films also starring Asano, including My Man and Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi.

The Opening Night Event will culminate with a live DJ set collaboration between Japan’s legendary techno DJ and producer, Ken Ishii, and director Koji Morimoto. Advance tickets to the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT/JFFSF Opening Night Event at the Castro Theatre are available now for $25.00 each from http://jpop2015.brownpapertickets.com.

Tadanobu Asano also is set to appear at the SF premiere screening of My Man on Saturday, August 8th 6:00PM. Asano will introduce the film and will participate in an audience Q&A at NEW PEOPLE Cinema.

Koji Morimoto is set to appear at the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT at Fort Mason Main Stage on Saturday, August 8th, 12:00 PM ahead of the screening event, The World of Koji Morimoto, a collection of 3 illustrious animated short films by Koji Morimoto set to screen on Sunday, August 9th, 1:50pm at NEW PEOPLE Cinema. Morimoto will introduce the film and will participate in an audience Q&A.

Koji Morimoto will additionally appear for an autograph session at on Saturday, August 8th 1:30 PM in bookseller Kinokuniya’s booth at Fort Mason. Additional details to be announced shortly at J-POP.com.

Techno DJ legend Ken Ishii

Ken Ishii is set to headline a second evening concert performance of J-POP LIVE NIGHT on Sunday, August 9th at the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT Fort Mason.

“It is a great pleasure to present Tadanobu Asano with the Japan Film Festival of San Francisco Honorary Award,” says Manami Iiboshi, Executive Director of Japan Film Festival of San Francisco. “As one of the most inspiring and outstanding figures leading the Japanese film industry, and as an internationally acclaimed actor who actively works on projects beyond boundaries, he is extremely deserving of this Award. We are also thrilled to have director Koji Morimoto and DJ Ken Ishii performing together at our opening night event at the Castro. It is probably the first time since their legendary collaboration on “EXTRA” in the 1990’s.”

Opening in conjunction with the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT on Saturday, August 8th and running thru Sunday, August 16th, the 2015 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco will take place at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema, located inside the NEW PEOPLE entertainment complex in Japantown at 1746 Post St., San Francisco, CA 94115 (www.newpeoplecinema.com). Tickets to individual screenings are $13.00 each, unless otherwise noted. Film summaries, trailers, screening times and advance tickets are available at: www.JFFSF.org.

JFFSF Opening Night at Castro Theatre

ELECTRIC DRAGON 80000V
Friday, August 7th, 8:00pm
Dragon Eye Morrison (played by Tadanobu Asano) is a reptile investigator who suffers from an intermittent explosive disorder caused by brain damage he sustained in a childhood accident. He manages to find a way to survive and control his urges to destroy with his love of reptiles and an electric guitar. Meanwhile, Thunderbolt Buddha (played by Masatoshi Nagase), an electric repairman turned vigilante who has acquired powerful electro-conductive powers after sustaining a childhood accident, goes after crime bosses and gangsters that take advantage of electric signals. Holding an obsessive hatred towards Morrison, Thunderbolt Buddha challenges him to a final showdown on the rooftops of Tokyo.

Tadanobu Asano & Koji Morimoto Films to Screen at the 2015 JFFSF:

MY MAN
Saturday, August 8th, 6:00pm – Special Guest Appearance by Tadanobu Asano
When loneliness leads to forbidden love, how far will you go? After losing everything in a tsunami disaster, 10-year-old Hana is taken in by a young distant relative Jungo. The pair begins living together as family while sharing the profound sense of loss. Amidst the deep snows of Hokkaido, both desire to fill their empty, love-starved hearts and they set foot into a forbidden world. When an elder benefactor in their small town Mr. Oshio learns of Jungo and Hana's illicit relationship, tragedy begins to take over. Don't miss the special personal appearance by actor Tadanobu Asano who will introduce this film!

THE WORLD OF KOJI MORIMOTO
Sunday, August 9th, 1:50pm – Special Guest appearance by Director Koji Morimoto
A collection of three short films by one of Japan’s top anime director Koji Morimoto, widely known as a founder of Studio 4℃ and his works such as Animatrix and Genius Party Beyond. The famed director will appear in person to introduce the films as well as participate in an audience Q&A.

- Magnetic Rose (45min): Magnetic Rose is the first of three episodes of MEMORIES, based on the manga by Katsuhiro Otomo (the creator of Akira). The film follows the members of the deep space salvage vessel Corona. While performing a salvage mission, the crew encounters an odd distress signal emanating from the Sargasso region, ominously nicknamed “The graveyard of space.” Soundtrack composed by Yoko Kanno.

- Noiseman Sound Insect (15min): In the space of music, people used to live in the music fruit in the trees. One day, Dr. Frankein secretly succeeds in creating the creature 'Noiseman' by feeding the music fruit as fuel. Since then, the space was dominated by noise, not music. When a pair of kids Tobio and Reina find out this secret, they challenge Noiseman to bring the music back home again. The film’s soundtrack was written by Japanese composer, arranger, and musician Yoko Kanno.

- Genius Party Beyond: Dimension Bomb (20min): Dimension Bomb is one of the five short animated omnibus "Genius Party Beyond," produced by Studio 4℃, which director Koji Morimoto founded in 1986. One day, a boy named Shin who wears a pupa-like mask encounters a girl named Koo. The days spent with Koo, who is a free spirit unlike any other, start to fill up his life with cherished and unforgettable moments. Noted musical composer and arranger, Yoko Kanno, provides the voiceover of Koo.

BLIND SWORDSMAN: ZATOICHI
Sunday, August 9th, 4:00pm
Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi is a 2003 samurai action film, directed by and starring actor Takeshi Kitano ("Beat" Takeshi) as Zatoichi. It also co-stars Tadanobu Asano, who plays Ronin Hattori, Zatoichi's rival. The film is a revival of the classic Zatoichi series of film and television series. It won the prestigious Silver Lion for Best Director award at Venice Film Festival and went on to win numerous other awards internationally.

NEW PEOPLE Cinema is a 143-seat cinema located in the underground floor of NEW PEOPLE in San Francisco. Equipped with a cutting-edge HD digital projection and THX®-certified sound system, NEW PEOPLE Cinema is home for local film festivals and entertaining events. www.newpeoplecinema.com.

Tickets for the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT are now on sale

Eir Aoi

 FIRST OFFICIAL GUESTS OF HONOR ANNOUNCED

General Admission And V.I.P. Passes To The Bay Area’s Premiere

Japanese Pop Culture Event At Fort Mason Are Available -

Pop Singer Eir Aoi And All-Girl Rock Band Gacharic Spin To Perform

The J-POP SUMMIT, the Japanese pop culture celebration held annually in San Francisco, has announced that tickets to attend the 2015 edition of the festival are now available. General admission as well as V.I.P. passes are now available.

The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT will begin with an Opening Night Premiere Screening event on Friday August 7th at The Castro Theatre, and also take place Saturday and Sunday August 8th and 9th at the historic Fort Mason Center in San Francisco’s Marina district. Additional details are available at: www.J-POP.com.

The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT also announces its first two Guests of Honor – pop singer Eir Aoi and the all-girl rock band Gacharic Spin. Both artists will perform live for fans and attendees on the Fort Mason Center main stage.

Passes for 2015 J-POP SUMMIT are available at: http://www.j-pop.com/#tile_registration_anchor

ONE DAY J-POP SUMMIT PASS: FORT MASON: Includes One-Day access to J-POP SUMMIT at Fort Mason Center either on Saturday, 8/8 or Sunday, 8/9.
Early Bird: $20.00 Advance: $25.00 At The Door $30.00
(Early bird pricing is available until 6/30)

WEEKEND J-POP SUMMIT PASS: FORT MASON: Includes full Two-Day access to J-POP SUMMIT at Fort Mason Center on both Saturday, 8/8 and Sunday, 8/9.
Early Bird: $35.00 Advance: $40.00 At The Door $45.00
(Early bird pricing is available until 6/30)

KIDS WEEKEND PASS: FORT MASON: Includes Full Two-day access to J-POP SUMMIT at Fort Mason Center on both Saturday, 8/8 and Sunday, 8/9.
Ages 6-12: $15.00 Ages 0-5: FREE *No One-day Pass for kids.

V.I.P. J-POP SUMMIT PASS: FORT MASON: Includes Full Two-day access to J-POP SUMMIT at Fort Mason Center on both on Saturday, 8/8 and Sunday, 8/9.
Early Bird: $90.00 Advance: $100.00
(Early bird pricing is available until 6/30)

J-POP SUMMIT V.I.P Passes include: A ticket to the Opening Special Premiere Event at The Castro Theatre on Friday, 8/7; a Weekend Pass to Fort Mason Center for Saturday, 8/8 & Sunday 8/9; Access to Priority Line to the film screenings at the Japan Film Festival of San Francisco at NEW PEOPLE Cinema from Sat. 8/8 to Sun. 8/16 (NOTE: Film tickets are NOT included, sold separately); Access to Priority Line to SAKE SUMMIT at UNION SQUARE on Sat. 8/8 and Sun. 8/9. (NOTE: Admission to SAKE SUMMIT is NOT included, sold separately); Access to VIP Check-In at The Castro Theatre and Fort Mason Center; Access to premium viewing areas at the Fort Mason Center Stage; Exclusive J-POP SUMMIT Gift Bag.

The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT is proud to announce pop singer Eir Aoi and the all-girl rock band Gacharic Spin as its first two featured performers and official Guests of Honor. Both artists’ appearances are made possible with the support of PROMIC (Foundation for Promotion of Music Industry and Culture) and RAIJ (Recording Industry Association of Japan).

Pop singer Eir Aoi is widely known for performing the theme songs to a variety of popular anime series including Fate/Zero, Sword Art Online and Kill la Kill. She has released 3 full albums since her debut in 2012. In Japan, Eir Aoi is signed to SME Records (Sony Music Entertainment). Additional artist information is available at: http://www.j-pop.com/eir-aoi.

Gacharic Spin

The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT also welcomes Gacharic Spin, one of the strongest, most aggressive, most flamboyant, all-female bands from Japan. Gacharic Spin has performed in the U.S., Korea, China, Hong Kong, France and Luxemburg and will make their first-ever San Francisco appearance at the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT. Additional information on Gacharic Spin is available at: http://www.j-pop.com/gacharic-spin.

“We are extremely honored to kick off our music programming for the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT by announcing Eir Aoi and Gacharic Spin,” says Takeshi Yoshida, Executive Producer of the J-POP SUMMIT. “With the assistance and support of the Japanese Foundation for Promotion of Music Industry and Culture and the Recording Industry Association of Japan we look forward to presenting a dynamic roster of top pop and rock artists that showcase the tremendous music scene happening in Japan. Spreading the fun and excitement of Japanese pop culture, fashion, film and music has always been the mission of the J-POP SUMMIT and we will make this summer event one that people won’t soon forget!”

2014 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco announces exciting slate of first-run anime feature films

2014 JAPAN FILM FESTIVAL OF SAN FRANCISCO

ANNOUNCES A THRILLING ROSTER OF NEW AND

FIRST-RUN ANIME FEATURE FILMS DEBUTING IN

CONJUNCTION WITH 2014 J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL

The 2014 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco, the first and only fully-dedicated Japanese film celebration for the S.F. Bay Area, will present an exciting slate of first-run anime feature films as part of its second annual week-long cinema extravaganza. Set to open in conjunction with the 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival on Saturday, July 19th and running thru Sunday, July 27th, the 2014 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco (JFFSF) complements its roster of live-action programs with the announcement of 5 additional anime features, several to be presented as first-run U.S. premieres.

The JFFSF has partnered with leading anime distributors Aniplex, Nippon Television, Sentai Filmworks, and VIZ Media to offer a must-see line-up that includes theatrical screenings of Anohana The Movie: The Flower We Saw That Day, Berserk The Golden Age Arc III: The Advent, Garden of Words, Hunter X Hunter: The Last Mission and Short Peace.

The 2014 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco will take place at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema, located inside the NEW PEOPLE J-POP entertainment complex at 1746 Post St., San Francisco, CA 94115. Tickets for anime programs are $13.00 each, unless otherwise noted. Film summaries, trailers, screening times and advance tickets are available at: www.JFFSF.org.

Special JFFSF Anime Screenings During 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival:

SHORT PEACE
Sunday, July 20th, 2:45pm
The inspiring anime omnibus SHORT PEACE finds a lone traveler confronted by unusual sprits inside an abandoned shrine in the film, POSSESSIONS, while a mysterious white bear defends the village from a red demon in the brutal short, GAMBO. Men battle deadly robotic tanks in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo in A FAREWELL TO ARMS, and a spectacular tale of love, honor and firefighting in ancient Japan unfolds in COMBUSTIBLE.

Additional Japan Film Festival of San Francisco Anime Screenings:

ANOHANA THE MOVIE: THE FLOWER WE SAW THAT DAY
Monday, July 21st, 8:15pm
Don't miss the last chance to see Anohana the Movie on the big screen! The film is a tale of five childhood friends that have drifted apart from one another following the tragic death of their mutual friend Meiko "Menma" Honma. When "Menma" appears as a ghost and says that she cannot pass onto afterlife unless she is granted one last wish, time that has stood still begins to slowly move again.

BERSERK THE GOLDEN AGE ARC III: THE ADVENT – U.S. PREMIERE!!!
Wednesday, July 23th, 7:00pm & Sunday, July 27nd, 7:00pm
The horrifying conclusion to the Golden Age anime trilogy unfolds in a magnificently violent nightmare, signifying the birth of new era where darkness outshines the light. It’s been a year since Griffith’s imprisonment by the Kingdom of Midland. Once praised as the saviors of the Midland, The Band of the Hawk has been on the run and is on the brink of breaking apart. Much to everyone’s surprise, Guts returns to the Hawks and the search for Griffith begins.

GARDEN OF WORDS – S.F. PREMIERE!!!
Monday, July 21st, 7:00pm & Wednesday, July 23th, 9:15pm
Directed by Makoto Shinkai, this poignant film captures glowing moments from rainy season in Tokyo, unfolding a gentle tale of youth, love and unspoken words. When Takao, a 15-year old high school student who dreams of becoming a show designer, decides to skip school one day in favor of sketching in a rainy garden, he has no idea how much his life will change when he encounters a mysterious older woman named Yukino.

HUNTER X HUNTER: THE LAST MISSION – U.S. PREMIERE!!!
Saturday, July 26th, 12:00pm
Based on the bestselling manga series by Yoshihiro Togashi (creator of YuYu Hakusho), Gon and his friends visit the Battle Olympia tournament at Heavens Arena, where there's an unexpected raid by an armed group called the Shadow Squad. The group's leader, Jed, wants payback for the murder of his men by Netero."Death to all Hunters!" declares Jed as he captures Netero. In order to rescue his friend, Gon must defeat Jed and his powerful mind force to unveil the Hunter Association's dark secret.

NEW PEOPLE Cinema is a 143-seat cinema located in the underground floor of NEW PEOPLE in San Francisco. Equipped with a cutting-edge HD digital projection and THX®-certified sound system, NEW PEOPLE Cinema is home for local film festivals and entertaining events. www.newpeoplecinema.com

About JAPAN FILM FESTIVAL OF SAN FRANCISCO
Launched in 2013, Japan Film Festival of San Francisco is the first and only fully-dedicated Japanese film event for the SF Bay Area, will feature a colorful mix of narratives, anime and documentary film premieres and exclusive screenings with special guest appearance at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema in SF Japantown from July 19 (Sat) through 27 (Sun), 2014. See more details and ticket information at www.jffsf.org.

About J-POP SUMMIT Festival
Launched in 2009, J-POP SUMMIT Festival is an annual street fair held in San Francisco, CA that celebrates Japanese popular culture. By introducing the latest in Japanese music, film, art, fashion, gaming, anime, food, as well as niche subcultures, the festival has become a prominent platform to showcase the latest pop trends and creative innovations from Japan.

The 5th annual J-POP SUMMIT held in July 2013 welcomed more than 80,000 attendees, making it one of the largest Japanese festivals in the United States. In addition to the original Festival held in Japantown, new attractions include the J-POP LIVE AT UNION SQUARE concert in downtown San Francisco, the Bay Area’s premier dedicated Japan Film Festival of San Francisco, and sake-tasting and fine foods events at the POP GOURMET Food Festival, which have each further enriched the experience. Additional information about J-POP SUMMIT Festival is available at: J-POP.com.

2nd Japan Film Festival of San Fransco set for July 19-27, 2014

2014 JAPAN FILM FESTIVAL OF SAN FRANCISCO

LAUNCHES JULY 19th TO OFFER SPECIAL BAY AREA

PREMIERES OF THE BEST IN NEW JAPANESE CINEMA

Week-Long Film Festival Launches At NEW PEOPLE Cinema

In Conjunction With 2014 J-POP SUMMIT And Offers Exciting

First-Run Titles, Special Guests Of Honor And Other

Unique Content; Advance Tickets On Sale Now!!

The 2014 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco, the only fully-dedicated annual Japanese film celebration for the S.F. Bay Area, returns for its second consecutive year and kicks off during the 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival. Set to open on Saturday, July 19th and running thru Sunday, July 27th, the Japan Film Festival of San Francisco (JFFSF) will showcase a variety of unique programs, many as first-run U.S. premieres.

The 2014 JFFSF takes place at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema, located inside the NEW PEOPLE J-POP entertainment complex at 1746 Post St., San Francisco, CA 94115. Tickets are $15.00 for most films, unless otherwise noted. Film summaries, trailers, screening times and advance tickets are available at: www.JFFSF.org.

The Japan Film Festival of San Francisco is presented in conjunction with the 2014 J-POP Summit, taking place Saturday July 19th and Sunday July 20th across the city’s historic Japantown district to celebrate the phenomenon of Japanese pop culture with a colorful array of live bands and artists, film premieres, edgy fashion shows, a J-pop dance and singing contest, celebrity appearances and more. Full details are available at www.J-POP.com.

Special film screenings taking place during J-POP SUMMIT include J-POP Splash! 2014, a FREE cinema event presented by the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco featuring a colorful feast of music videos by some of the hottest J-Pop artists! Also set to screen at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema during J-POP SUMMIT will be Tokyo Short Shorts: A New Generation of 5 Short Films, as well as Count Five To Dream of You and Kotodama: Spiritual Curse, which both star members of the smash hit teen idol pop group Tokyo Girls’ Style, who will perform at J-POP SUMMIT and also host a special audience Q&A following the film screenings.

For the 2014 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco, exclusive live-action programs representing a vivid cross-section of the best in new Japanese cinema will have their exclusive U.S. and/or San Francisco premiere at NEW PEOPLE Cinema. The JFFSF will complement this press release next week with a subsequent announcement detailing an exciting slate of anime feature films also set to receive their U.S. and/or San Francisco premieres.

Special JFFSF Screenings During 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival:

Tokyo Girls' Style

COUNT FIVE TO DREAM OF YOU – U.S. PREMIERE!!!
Saturday, July 19th, 12:00pm - Featuring Special Appearance by Tokyo Girls’ Style!
Thursday, July 24th, 7:00pm
This year's alluring Guest of Honor, Tokyo Girls’ Style, make their big screen debut taking on the leading parts of this film that takes place at an all-girl private high school where the planning for the beauty pageant is in full swing. The short-lived and unforgettable moments of adolescence that is colored by adoration, impatience and impulses, is brought to life by each student played by the members of Tokyo Girls’ Style.

KOTODAMA: SPIRITUAL CURSE – U.S. PREMIERE!!!
Sunday, July 20th, 12:00pm - Featuring Special Appearance by Tokyo Girls’ Style!
Tuesday, July 22th, 9:15pm
Starring the members from Tokyo Girls’ Style, the story revolves around a high school where students start to gossip about the tragic deaths of former students from a gas accident inside of a mysteriously blocked classroom. Since then, a series of bizarre phenomenon begin to occur. Meanwhile, Hitomi and her friends sneak into an abandoned school for a video shoot without knowing that they are stepping into the underworld.

J-POP SPLASH! 2014
Saturday, July 19th, 2:15pm
Come check out the special FREE event, J-POP Splash! 2014, a flood of music videos presented by the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco, featuring the hottest J-Pop artists! Enjoy the latest musical acts topping the Japanese pop, rock, and modern charts on the big screen including Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, World Order, Sekai no Owari, Mr. Children, Rip Slyme, and many more! Don't miss special guest DAICHI's live performance as the opening act!

TOKYO SHORT SHORTS; A NEW GENERATION OF 5 SHORT FILMS – S.F. PREMIERE!!!
Saturday, July 19th, 4:00pm
Discover the latest big screen talent through a unique collection of five short films taking place in Tokyo and other parts of Japan directed by a new generation of filmmakers. From parallel stories of love unfolding around the world's tallest tower, Tokyo Skytree, to a surreal comedy of a careless death god that pays a visit in the middle of surgery, these shorts are colorful and they warmly applaud life's new beginnings and comebacks.

Additional Japan Film Festival of San Francisco Live-Action Screenings:

ASK THIS OF RIKYU – S.F. PREMIERE!!!
Saturday, July 19th, 6:00pm - Featuring Special Appearance by Director Mitsutoshi Tanaka!
Based on the award-winning novel, "Rikyu Ni Tazuneyo," by Kenichi Yamamoto, the film begins with the final days of Rikyu, the tea master with the most profound influence on chanoyu, the Japanese "Way of Tea" tradition, who was ordered to commit ritual suicide by the chancellor Hideyoshi Toyotomi. Who was Rikyu - who inspired fear in the most powerful man of his time?

BON LIN – U.S. PREMIERE!!!
Friday, July 25th, 7:00pm
Director Keiichi Kobayashi's second feature film is a surprisingly pleasant and refreshing road movie about a young couple in Akihabara, the world-renowned holy ground for Otaku culture and anime fandom. Natsuko, a.k.a. BON, an eccentric Boys' Love (BL) and online game nerd girl, heads to Tokyo along with LIN, her longtime game-playmate, in order to save her best friend MIYU, who seems to be suffering from an abusive boyfriend she lives with.

CROWS EXPLODE – U.S. PREMIERE!!!
Thursday, July 24th, 9:00pm; Sunday, July 27th 12:00pm
Based on the popular "school of punk" manga by Hiroshi Takahashi, Crows: EXPLODE boldly ignites the gang wars in the delinquent schoolyards of Japan. The deadly road battle quietly begins when lone wolf Kazeo Kaburagi transfers to the notorious Suzuran High School. He quickly establishes himself as a fearless fighter, though he has no interest in the power struggle that encircles him.

KANZABURO THE MOVIE – S.F. PREMIERE!!!
Sunday, July 27th, 4:50pm
This rare documentary features Nakamura Kanzaburō XVIII, a popular Kabuki actor who died of cancer at the age of 57 in 2012. With nearly 7,000 hours of footage that captured his life journey, the film takes us through his enthusiastic life as one of the greatest Kabuki Actors of our time, and his personal side as a father of two sons succeeding his path as descendants of the family with a long history in Kabuki tradition.

PECOROSS’ MOTHER AND HER DAYS – S.F. PREMIERE!!!
Saturday, July 26th, 2:10pm
Based on the autobiographical comic by Yuuichi Okano, this heart-warming comedy depicts a middle-aged comic artist Pecoross's humorous daily life with his hapless mother, Mitsue, who has dementia that began soon after her husband passed away 10 years before. Directed by Azuma Morisaki, the oldest active filmmaker in Japan at the age of 85, the film was critically acclaimed as one of the best movies of 2013 in Japan.

SILVER SPOON – S.F. PREMIERE!!!
Tuesday, July 22rd, 7:00pm
Based on the bestselling manga by Hiroshi Arakawa, Silver Spoon centers around an isolated agricultural high school in Hokkaido at the northern end of Japan. Kengo is a freshman with an inferiority complex due to his failure to meet his fathers' expectation. He finds himself to be a misfit among eager students from farmers’ families, but he gradually discovers his own perspective on life through farming and friendship.

A STORY OF YONOSUKE – S.F. PREMIERE!!!
Saturday, July 26th, 7:00pm
A Story of Yonosuke is a beautiful endearing film that reminds us of the incredible impact one person can have on the lives of others. Yonosuke, an 18-year old university freshman just moving to Tokyo, attracts people with his loving character. Set in the 80’s, the story is connected to the modern day by four friends of Yonosuke. Each have lost contact with him somehow, but are pleasantly reminded of their time together.

A TALE OF SAMURAI COOKING: A TRUE LOVE STORY – S.F. PREMIERE!!!
Friday, July 25th, 9:00pm; Sunday, July 27th, 2:20pm
A once-divorced woman named O-haru remarries into the Funaki family, generations of trusted samurai chefs that serve the lord of the Kaga Domain. Her husband Yasunobu is the young heir of the family, however, his cooking skills and passion aren’t up to par. With the full support of her new mother-in-law, O-haru takes it upon herself to help Yasunobu find his way to become a great chef and maintain pride of his family tradition.

WHY DON’T YOU PLAY IN HELL? – S.F. PREMIERE!!!
Sunday, July 20th, 6:00pm
Why Don't You Play In Hell? is among Sono’s best work as his trademark outrageous-style is infused with his affection for 35mm and Japanese cinema. The Fuck Bombers are an eager group of wannabe filmmakers whose dream of making movies comes crashing down. Circumstances have brought them to this fateful moment where they’ll be able to film Why Don't You Play In Hell?

NEW PEOPLE Cinema is a 143-seat cinema located in the underground floor of NEW PEOPLE in San Francisco. Equipped with a cutting-edge HD digital projection and THX®-certified sound system, NEW PEOPLE Cinema is home for local film festivals and entertaining events. www.newpeoplecinema.com.

About JAPAN FILM FESTIVAL OF SAN FRANCISCO
Launched in 2013, Japan Film Festival of San Francisco is the first and only fully-dedicated Japanese film event for the SF Bay Area, will feature a colorful mix of narratives, anime and documentary film premieres and exclusive screenings with special guest appearance at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema in SF Japantown from July 19 (Sat) through 27 (Sun), 2014. More details and ticket information available at www.jffsf.org.

About J-POP SUMMIT Festival
Launched in 2009, J-POP SUMMIT Festival is an annual street fair held in San Francisco, CA that celebrates Japanese popular culture. By introducing the latest in Japanese music, film, art, fashion, gaming, anime, food, as well as niche subcultures, the festival has become a prominent platform to showcase the latest pop trends and creative innovations from Japan.

The 5th annual J-POP SUMMIT held in July 2013 welcomed more than 80,000 attendees, making it one of the largest Japanese festivals in the United States. In addition to the original Festival held in Japantown, new attractions include the J-POP LIVE AT UNION SQUARE concert in downtown San Francisco, the Bay Area’s premier dedicated Japan Film Festival of San Francisco, and sake-tasting and fine foods events at the POP GOURMET Food Festival, which have each further enriched the experience. Additional information about J-POP SUMMIT Festival is available at: J-POP.com.

Kawaii fashion model Ayumi Seto to celebrate launch of her new clothing brand at 2014 J-Pop Summit Festival

 2014 J-POP SUMMIT PRESENTS A PERSONAL APPEARANCE BY

HARAJUKU KAWAII FASHION MODEL AYUMI SETO TO

CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF HER NEW CLOTHING BRAND

Meet The Colorful And Edgy Japanese Fashion Model In A

Special Event At NEW PEOPLE That Also Previews Upcoming

2014 J-POP SUMMIT Harajuku Kawaii Fashion Programming

The 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival, San Francisco’s annual celebration of Japanese pop culture, music, fashion and film, joins with Japanese entertainment company, ASOBISYSTEM, to announce a special early treat for fashion and pop culture fans as it presents a personal appearance by Harajuku Kawaii model – Ayumi Seto – at NEW PEOPLE on Saturday and Sunday, April 12th and 13th. She appears for a special autograph session and personal fan meet-and-greet to celebrate the launch of her new clothing line “Aymmy in the batty girls.”

Ayumi Seto brings the debut of her colorful new fashion line, “Aymmy in the batty girls” to the Harajuku Kawaii Pop-up Shop located inside the MARUQ store on the Mezzanine Level of NEW PEOPLE. Photo and autograph sessions will be held at 3:00pm on April 12th and 13th. The first 50 customers each day that purchase any “Aymmy in the batty girls” products will receive a pass to attend the exclusive session. NEW PEOPLE is the renowned Japanese pop culture entertainment complex located at 1746 Post St. San Francisco, CA 94115 in the heart of the city’s Japantown district.

Ayumi Seto first captured the hearts of attendees with her distinctive style at last year’s J-POP SUMMIT Festival, which featured “Harajuku Kawaii!! in S.F.,” a popular fashion event that featured several renowned Japanese models, acclaimed designer and 6%DOKIDOKI founder, Sebastian Masuda, and a live concert by J-Pop superstar Kyary Pamyu Pamyu.

The 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, July 19th and 20th and will present a new edition of “Harajuku Kawaii!! in S.F.” featuring the return of Ayumi Seto and other notable models and fashion luminaries for a series of special live events presented in partnership with ASOBISYSTEM. Programming news and announcements of other events and appearances will be coming soon! Details on the 2014 J-POP SUMMITcan be found at: www.J-Pop.com.

“Aymmy in the batty girls” is an innovative line inspired by a unique mix of 60s and 70s Americana popular culture, punk and rock fashion. The brand concept is derived from the "old school" feel of diners, hamburgers, cherry cola, ponytails, mixed with influences from Aymmy’s big brother whose interests include cult classic horror films, video games and skateboarding. Official “Aymmy in the batty girls” website (Japanese) available at: http://www.aymmy.com.

“Kawaii aesthetics celebrate the essence of Japanese pop sensibilities, fashion and music and has reverberated internationally and made Harajuku the epicenter of J-POP culture, and these aspects are a major foundation of the annual J-POP SUMMIT,” says Seiji Horibuchi, the President/CEO of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. and Chairman of the J-Pop SUMMIT Festival Committee. “As we prepare an exciting roster of programming for the 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival, we are honored to give an early taste of what’s to come with this special appearance by Harajuku Kawaii model Ayumi Seto at NEW PEOPLE. We invite everyone to join in all the fashionable fun!”

Ayumi Seto is a Japanese model and designer who appears regularly in a number of Harajuku fashion magazines. Born 1993, she is known as one of the pioneers in a new style called “Kidz Rock,” and her unique fashion sensibilities and creative hairstyles have inspired legions of Harajuku devotees. Following the release of her first fashion book, “AyumiKidz,” in October 2013, Ayumi is preparing to launch her first clothing brand, “Aymmy in the Batty Girls” (“Aymmy” for short), in Spring 2014. The new label will offer a wide variety of girl’s apparel and accessories that reflect Ayumi’s colorful and edgy style.

About J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL
Launched in 2009, J-POP SUMMIT Festival is a large street fair in San Francisco, California that celebrates Japanese popular culture every summer. By introducing the latest in Japanese music, film, art, fashion, games, anime, food, as well as niche subcultures, the festival has become a platform to showcase the latest pop trends and innovations from Japan.

The 5th annual J-POP SUMMIT held July 2013, made significant leaps in its programming and welcomed more than 80,000 people in attendance, making it one of the largest Japanese festivals in the United States. In addition to the original street fair held in Japantwon, the Union Square Live concert in downtown San Francisco, the Bay Area’s very first Japan Film Festival of San Francisco, along with sake-tasting and fine foods events at the POP GOURMET Food Festival were all introduced to further enrich the experience. Additional information about J-POP Summit Festival is available at: J-POP.com.

TIGER & BUNNY THE MOVIE: THE RISING to screen in 22 U.S. cities

VIZ MEDIA ADDS

TIGER & BUNNY THE MOVIE: THE RISING

SAN FRANCISCO NEW PEOPLE CINEMA

THEATRICAL SCREENING

22 Major U.S. Cities To Screen The All-New Anime Action

Film From The Smash Hit Japanese Superhero Franchise

VIZ Media has announced a special theatrical screening of the new anime feature film TIGER & BUNNY THE MOVIE: THE RISING for fans based in the San Francisco Bay area on March 22nd at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema, located inside the dynamic Japanese pop culture entertainment venue in San Francisco’s Japantown at 1746 Post St. In partnership with ELEVEN ARTS, the second and latest action-packed feature film in the smash hit Japanese superhero franchise is also debuting in a national theatrical premiere at select theaters in 21 U.S. cities Friday, March 14th through March 26th.

TIGER & BUNNY THE MOVIE: THE RISING, which premiered in Japan in February, will screen at the ultra-modern NEW PEOPLE Cinema on Saturday, March 22nd at 2:30pm and again at 6:00pm. Pre-sale tickets for the special NEW PEOPLE premiere are on sale now for $15.00 each (plus service fees) and are available exclusively at the theatre box office or at: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/582176. A special TIGER & BUNNY premium clear movie file card and a full-color mini double-sided poster also will be given to attendees while supplies last. Additional screening information is also available from the NEW PEOPLE website at: www.newpeopleworld.com/schedule/2014/2/14/tiger-bunny-the-movie-the-rising.

For moviegoers outside of the San Francisco area, TIGER & BUNNY THE MOVIE: THE RISING will screen in an additional 21 U.S. cities including New York, Boston, Chicago, Portland, Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle, Houston, Miami and more. Tickets are currently on-sale for $15.00 each. Attendees will each receive the free 12” x 18” premium cardstock movie mini-poster and exclusive clear movie file card while supplies last. Visit www.elevenarts.net/th_gallery/tigerandbunny-therising/ for a complete list of cities and advance ticket sales.

In TIGER & BUNNY THE MOVIE: THE RISING, the heroes are back in an all-new feature-length film! Kotetsu T. Kaburagi, a.k.a. Wild Tiger, and Barnaby Brooks Jr.’s partnership comes to a sudden end when Apollon Media’s new owner Mark Schneider fires Kotetsu and moves Barnaby back into the First League, pairing him up with Golden Ryan, a new hero with awesome powers and a huge ego to match. When the heroes are sent to investigate a string of strange incidents tied closely to the city’s Goddess Legend, they discover three superpowered NEXTs plotting to bring terror and destruction to Stern Bild.

VIZ Media is also the distributor of the TIGER & BUNNY manga series (rated ‘T’ for Teens), which features artwork by Mizuki Sakakibara and is based on the massively popular animated series, created by the famed Tokyo-based anime studio Sunrise. VIZ Media also licenses and distributes the popular TIGER & BUNNY feature film and anime series that are available on DVD/Blu-ray.

More information on the TIGER & BUNNY anime is available at: www.facebook.com/TigerAndBunny and VIZAnime.com/tiger-and-bunny/

For more information on manga titles available from VIZ Media, visit www.VIZ.com.

ACF 1988: U.S. Theatrical Premiere of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: LOST TOWER at Japan Film Festival of San Francisco

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: LOST TOWER

U.S. THEATRICAL PREMIERE AT

JAPAN FILM FESTIVAL OF SAN FRANCISCO

First-Ever Dedicated Japanese Live-Action And Anime Film Festival

For The S.F. Bay Area Also Presents An Encore Screening of

BERSERK THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II – THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY

And TIGER & BUNNY: THE BEGINNING

VIZ Media has announced its participation in the upcoming Japan Film Festival of San Francisco (JFFSF), the first annual dedicated Japanese film festival for Northern California and the S.F. Bay Area. The Festival, which is presented by the NEW PEOPLE Japanese pop culture entertainment venue at its NEW PEOPLE Cinema in conjunction with the 2013 J-POP Summit, will host the exclusive U.S. theatrical premiere of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: THE LOST TOWER on Saturday, July 28th as well as a special encore screening of TIGER & BUNNY: THE BEGINNING, on Friday, August 2nd, and also BERSERK THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II – THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY on Sunday, July 28th at 3:50pm. Films will be presented with original Japanese dialogue and English subtitles.

The Japan Film Festival of San Francisco’s week-long series of film screenings includes more than 16 acclaimed live-action and anime titles and will take place at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema beginning Saturday July 27th and running through Sunday August 4th. Tickets are $13.00 per film unless otherwise indicated. NEW PEOPLE Cinema is located at 1746 Post St. (cross street is Webster St.) in the heart of San Francisco’s Japantown.

NARUTO advance tickets are available at: http://jffsf.org/2013/naruto-shippuden-the-lost-tower/

BERSERK THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II – THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY advance tickets are available at: http://jffsf.org/2013/berserk2/

TIGER & BUNNY advance tickets are available at: http://jffsf.org/2013/tiger-bunny-the-beginning/

Complete film schedules and advance ticket information for other screenings are available on www.jffsf.org.

VIZ Media will also offer free manga samplers that highlight a bevy of its top graphic novel series to each ticketholder. Each ticketholder will receive a bag and of full-color promo posters.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: THE LOST TOWER - U.S. Premiere! Saturday, July 28th, 1:30pm (During 2013 J-POP Summit Festival!) Monday, July 29th, 4:30PM The Rogue Ninja Mukade is about to be caught by Naruto's team when he summons forth the power of the LeyLine - an ancient underground channel of chakra. Naruto gets caught up in the chakra and is sent back in time to the city of Loran, known for its thousand towers. There he encounters the future Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, on a top-secret mission, and the Queen of Loran, Sarah, whose rule is threatened by Mukade. Will Naruto be able to return to his own time, and can a chance encounter in the past save the future? Additional information on NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN is available at www.Naruto.com.

BERSERK THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II – Special Encore Presentation! Sunday, July 28th, 3:50pm (During 2013 J-POP Summit Festival!) Wednesday, July 31st, 4:30pm The exciting second film in the BERSERK GOLDEN AGE ARC TRILOGY, based on the bestselling manga series. For three years, Guts believed his mission was to pursue Griffith’s dream together with him. But in order to become Griffith’s equal and truly be called his friend, Guts realizes he will have to leave the Band of the Hawk. At the same time, a bloody battle to capture the impenetrable Fortress of Doldrey from the Empire of Chuder is about to begin. The Band of the Hawk will face an army 30,000 strong!

TIGER & BUNNY: THE BEGINNING – Special Encore Presentation!!! Friday, August 2nd, 4:00pm The hero-inspired big screen action of the smash hit anime property – TIGER & BUNNY – returns to the Bay Area for one-night-only! The city of Sternbild is protected by corporate superheroes known as NEXT, who fight crime while promoting their sponsors on the popular show “HERO TV.” Veteran hero Wild Tiger relies on his years of experience and instincts to fight crime, but his tendency to destroy public property for the sake of protecting the lives of the innocent has earned him the nickname “Crusher for Justice.” Now, under orders from his new employer, Wild Tiger finds himself forced to team up with Barnaby Brooks Jr., a rookie with an attitude. Will the two unlikely new partners find a way to work together? Please visit the official TIGER & BUNNY Facebook page for more information http://www.facebook.com/TigerAndBunny.

The Japan Film Festival of San Francisco is presented in conjunction with the 2013 J-POP Summit, taking place Saturday July 27th and Sunday July 28th across the city’s historic Japantown district to celebrate the phenomenon of Japanese pop culture with a colorful array of live bands and artists, panel discussions, film premieres, edgy fashion shows and DJ dance events, celebrity appearances and more. The J-POP Summit Festival is hosted and organized by NEW PEOPLE in cooperation with the Japantown Merchants Association. In 2012, the two-day event attracted nearly 65,000 attendees.

More information is available at www.J-POP.com.

NEW PEOPLE Cinema is a 143-seat cinema located in the underground floor of NEW PEOPLE in San Francisco. Equipped with a cutting-edge HD digital projection and THX®-certified sound system, NEW PEOPLE Cinema is home for local film festivals and entertaining events.

ACF 1938: 2013 J-POP Summit Festival will include a live concert in San Francisco's Union Square

KYARY PAMYU PAMYU

The 2013 J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL MAKES “KAWAII” UNIVERSAL

AS IT EXPANDS TO S.F.’s UNION SQUARE FOR A SPECIAL

LIVE PERFORMANCE BY KYARY PAMYU PAMYU

San Francisco’s Biggest Japanese Pop Culture Celebration Expands Beyond Japantown

For Special FREE Concert Also Featuring Harajuku Singer/Model Una, Sony Music Japan

J-Pop Star Kylee, And The Human Beat Box Phenomenon Daichi

The 2013 J-POP Summit Festival, San Francisco’s annual celebration of Japanese pop culture, music, fashion and film, celebrates its 5th anniversary by announcing its expansion – to Union Square – as celebrates this year’s theme, “Make Kawaii Universal!!” with a special live concert on Sunday, July 28th from 2:00pm-4:00pm, featuring one of Japan biggest J-Pop stars – Kyary Pamyu Pamyu.

Presented in partnership with Union Square Live presented by the City of San Francisco, the 2013 J-POP Summit Festival will take downtown San Francisco by storm with “cute” J-Pop as a complement to the Festival’s core location, taking place Saturday and Sunday, July 27th and 28th. A variety of live bands, fashion shows, anime and live-action film premieres, Guest of Honor appearances, vendors and a special POP GOURMET Sake Tasting event are scheduled. Additional details on J-POP Festival events and programming are available at: www.J-POP.com.

An integral part of the theme of J-POP SUMMIT 2013, “kawaii” is a universally celebrated Japanese word that means “cute” or “loveable” and has become a prominent aspect of modern Japanese popular culture and expressed prominently in fashion, music, anime, games, characters, and cosmetics. The word has also become part of daily youth vernacular and is widely used to comment on style and fashion.

“The celebration of the J-POP Summit spreads beyond Japantown this year and we are very excited to bring a special edition of the festival to Union Square, led by one of Japan’s biggest pop stars, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu,” says Seiji Horibuchi, the President/CEO of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. and Chairman of the J-Pop Summit Festival Committee. “By having this opportunity to present the essence of Kawaii Culture to a mainstream and demographically diverse area of the city, we hope to deliver the spirit and creativity of this unique pop culture phenomenon to even more people.”

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu personifies the style and sound of Tokyo’s fashion Mecca – Harajuku. Born in Tokyo 1993, she began as a model for several Harajuku fashion magazines when she was still in a high school and her unique looks and bizarre language and behavior caught Japan’s, and soon the world’s attention. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu released her major debut, MOSHI MOSHI HARAJUKU in August 2011 from Warner Music Japan, and the music video for its single “PONPONPON,” has been played over 50 million times on YouTube. Her first full-album, Pamyu Pamyu Revolution, was released in May 2012. In February 2013, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu began a world tour and recently released her sixth single, “Invader Invader,” in May.

Una was formally a charismatic shop assistant in Harajuku and began her modeling career as a model by getting a snapshot taken by a fashion magazine in 2010. It didn't take her long to begin appearing regularly in numerous fashion magazines. With her beautiful looks, edgy style, and perfectly balanced body proportions, she represents a new type of Harajuku model capable of expressing not only kawaii style but also showcasing other cool aspects of Harajuku culture. This iconic figure of the Harajuku street scene will also debut her first musical single, "Juicy Juicy," on August 14th.

Kylee is an upbeat 19 year-old pop singer/songwriter currently signed to Sony Music Japan and has become a fast-rising multi-cultural star that is developing a major following in both the U.S. and Japan. Kylee has been featured in the U.S. on the Today Show, and her second single, "missing/IT'S YOU," released in 2010, was featured heavily in a commercial for online apparel retailer NISSEN. In 2011 she performed for an audience of more than 50,000 people at an official Major League Baseball game and has also sang for President Barack Obama.

The 22-year-old Japanese human beat-box, Daichi, began teaching himself his amazing skill beginning at the young age of 10. Without using any instruments or machines, Daichi can make more than 50 different sounds using his voice, and moreover, can play rhythm beat and sing melody at the same time. Daichi is known internationally for his talents and he has opened for the likes of Boys II Men and collaborated with numerous singers, dancers, DJs and performers.

Founded in 2005, Union Square Live brings free music, dance, circus, theater, outdoor movies and other entertainment to Union Square Park for everyone's enjoyment. Held April through October, most programs are presented on Wednesdays at 12:30pm and 6pm and on Sundays at 2pm.

About J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL
The J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL is an annual Japanese Pop Culture celebration that features live bands and artists from Japan, pop culture panel discussions, film premieres, fashion and DJ dance events, and celebrity appearances. The Festival is hosted by NEW PEOPLE in cooperation with the Japantown Merchants Association. In 2012, the two-day event attracted 65,000 attendees.

More information about the J-POP Summit Festival is available at J-POP.com.

ACF 1932: “Harajuku Kawaii!! in S.F.” Event at J-POP Summit Festival

UNA

The 2013 J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL SHOWCASES JAPANESE

HARAJUKU FASHION CULTURE AND STREET STYLES

WITH “HARAJUKU KAWAII!! IN S.F.” EVENT

J-Pop Lovers And Fashionistas Invited To Catch A Unique And Colorful Fashion

Event At The 5th Annual J-POP Summit Featuring Top Japanese Models

Highlighting The Epitome Of “Kawaii” Culture And Design

The 2013 J-POP Summit Festival, San Francisco’s annual celebration of Japanese pop culture, music, fashion and film, has announced “Harajuku Kawaii!! in S.F.,” a special fashion event that will feature popular Japanese models and live music. The colorful show, which is produced in conjunction with ASOBISYSTEM, an entertainment company based in Harajuku, Tokyo, will showcase some of the latest hip Japanese fashions from a variety of designers and augments this year’s J-POP Summit theme of “Make Kawaii Universal.” The 2013 J-POP Summit Festival takes place across Japantown Saturday and Sunday, July 27th and 28th.

“Harajuku Kawaii!! in S.F.,” will take place at 1:00pm on Saturday, July 27th on the J-POP Main Stage located in Japantown’s Peace Plaza. The dynamic fashion show will feature a number of popular Japanese models including Una, Saki Sato, Ayumi Seto and YURA. Una will also complement the show with a special live on-stage musical performance. Admission is free!

“Harajuku Kawaii!! in SF” will also have a pop-up store on the NEW PEOPLE Mezzanine Floor selling exclusive lines of fashion merchandise imported strait from Harajuku! Participating brands include: SPINS (spinns.com/) , GLADNEWS (gladnews.jp/) as well as Innocent World (innocent-w.jp/), and Helcatpunks (hellcatpunks.com) and many more!

“Kawaii” is a universally celebrated Japanese word that means “cute” or “loveable” and has become a prominent aspect of Japanese popular culture and expressed in fashion, music, anime, games, characters, and cosmetics. The word has become part of daily youth vernacular and is widely used to comment on style and fashion. The Harajuku, Akihabara, and Shibuya districts of Tokyo are regarded as the birthplaces of kawaii culture and legions of devotees around the world follow these trends closely to catch the latest fashions coming from these areas.

Additional details are available at www.J-POP.com.

Participating Harajuku Fashion Models Include:
UNA (http://una.asobisystem.com) Una was formally a charismatic shop assistant in Harajuku and began her modeling career as a model by getting a snapshot taken by a fashion magazine in 2010. It didn't take her long to begin appearing regularly in numerous fashion magazines. With her beautiful looks, edgy fashion style, and perfectly balanced body proportions, she represents a new type of model capable of expressing not only kawaii style but also showcasing other cool aspects of Harajuku culture. This iconic figure of the Harajuku street scene will also debut her first musical single, "JUICY JUICY," on August 14th.

SAKI SATO (http://asobisystem.com/satosaki) Born 1993, her unique fashion style caught the eye of numerous magazine editors and she has been featured in many fashion spreads. Eventually Sato became an in-house model for the fashion magazine, “Zipper,” and she has participated in many fashion events since.

AYUMI SETO (http://asobisystem.com/setoayumi) Born 1993, Ayumi Seto mainly models for the fashion magazine, “Zipper.” Her coordination and creative hairstyles have caught the attention of many teenage girls in Harajuku, and her popularity in the scene has skyrocketed. Today, Ayumi models for magazines, participates in fashion events, and also works as a buyer for several apparel shops.

YURA

YURA (http://asobisystem.com/yura) Born 1993, YURA mainly models for the fashion magazines, “KERA” and “Zipper.” The contrast of her bright cuteness against unique personality as a nerdy gamer draws attention and has grown her popularity among Japanese teens, especially through her eccentric tweets. YURA became one of the most wanted cover girls in fashion now and participates in numerous fashion events in Tokyo.

“Showcasing the latest popular and emerging fashion trends from Japan has always been a prominent aspect of the J-POP Summit Festival and this year, we are especially proud to partner with ASOBISYSTEMS to present this special event,” says Seiji Horibuchi, the President/CEO of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. and Chairman of the J-Pop Summit Festival Committee. “Our goal is to create and celebrate true culture rather than mere trends and for the 2013 J-POP Summit, we have put an extra emphasis on supporting and nurturing the unique content born in Harajuku such as music, fashion, and overall lifestyle. ‘Harajuku Culture’ has evolved into ‘Kawaii Culture’ and gained an ardent global following. We look forward to J-POP Summit attendees joining us to celebrate this colorful and creative movement!”

About J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL
The J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL is an annual Japanese Pop Culture celebration that features live bands and artists from Japan, pop culture panel discussions, film premieres, fashion and DJ dance events, and celebrity appearances. The Festival is hosted by NEW PEOPLE in cooperation with the Japantown Merchants Association. In 2012, the two-day event attracted 65,000 attendees. More information about J-POP Summit Festival is available at J-POP.com.

ACF 1925: Architect/Author/Artist Kyohei Sakaguchi to be special guest of honor at Japan Film Festival of S.F.

Kyohei Sakaguchi

 JAPAN FILM FESTIVAL OF SAN FRANCISCO TEAMS

WITH 2013 J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL TO WELCOME

“ZERO YEN” ARCHITECT/AUTHOR/ARTIST KYOHEI SAKAGUCHI

AS A SPECIAL GUEST OF HONOR

Innovative Artist Introduces His New Documentary

“How To Build A Mobile House”

About Living A Self-Sustainable Green Lifestyle

At NEW PEOPLE Cinema And Will Construct

An Ingenious Mobile Garden House

During 2013 J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL

The Japan Film Festival of San Francisco, the first fully-dedicated annual Japanese film celebration for the S.F. Bay Area, partners with the upcoming 2013 J-POP Summit Festival and MUJI USA to welcome famous "Zero Yen" architect, author, and artist, Kyohei Sakaguchi, as a special Guest of Honor for a series of personal appearances at both events taking place at the NEW PEOPLE Japanese pop culture complex located in the city’s historic Japantown.

Supported by the popular Japanese retailer, MUJI USA, Kyohei Sakaguchi will appear on Saturday, July 27th at 1:30pm at NEW PEOPLE Cinema to introduce the U.S. premiere of the documentary , How to Build a Mobile House (directed by Takayoshi Honda), as part of the Japan Film Festival of San Francisco and the 2013 J-POP Summit. In the film, Sakaguchi's embarks on a personal journey to meet an array of people living thought-provoking and self-sustainable lifestyles amidst the massive urban sprawl of Tokyo. An insightful audience Q&A will immediately follow the screening.

Tickets are $13.00. NEW PEOPLE Cinema is located at 1746 Post St. (Cross street is Webster St.) The week-long Japan Film Festival of San Francisco takes place at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema beginning Saturday, July 27th through Sunday August 4th. A complete schedule and advance ticket information is available at www.jffsf.org.

Screening attendees are further invited to a free workshop taking place just outside the NEW PEOPLE venue on Sunday, July 28th from 11:00am - 6:00pm, during the 2013 J-POP Summit Festival. Festival goers can join (or just watch) Sakaguchi as he constructs an ingenious mobile garden house with workshop attendees that will be exhibited at the MUJI San Francisco retail store, MUJI SOMA, located at 540 9th Street, until the end of August when it will be auctioned. Proceeds will go to local organizations contributing to form a sustainable and green environment in the Bay Area.

Kyohei Sakaguchi will also be the focus of a special discussion session on his artistic and social philosophies at U.C. Berkeley on Monday, July 29th from 6:00pm-8:00pm. It will be moderated by Dana Buntrock, Professor of Architecture, U.C. Berkeley. Admission to this discussion is free.

 HOW TO BUILD A MOBILE HOUSE

U.S. PREMIERE!!!

Saturday, July 27th, 1:30pm

Complemented with live appearance of the famous "Zero Yen" architect, Kyohei Sakaguchi, the documentary, How to Build a Mobile House (directed by Takayoshi Honda), makes its U.S. premiere in his favorite city, San Francisco! This documentary is based on Sakaguchi’s book, Tokyo Zero Yen House, Zero Yen Life that examined the exuberant creativity of the city’s street dwellers. The film explores the roots of dwelling, and living, through the unique activities of this architect who "does not build." Follow the artist as he designs a nest-like abode that fits the size of the human body and apprentices himself to a Tama River Robinson Crusoe who actually lives alongside a Tokyo riverbed. The film also depicts the completion of a functional mobile house for only $260.00 in materials.

“Kyohei Sakaguchi is known for his dynamic ‘Zero Yen’ dwellings, ingeniously constructed from found and recycled materials inspired by the wisdom of street dwellers in Tokyo, and we look forward to welcoming him for a very special appearance at the Japan Film Festival of San Francisco to premiere his new documentary.” says Manami Iiboshi, Executive Director of Japan Film Festival of San Francisco. “The artist architect dramatically reinterprets what a dwelling can be to its resident and what it represents to larger society, and we look forward to J-POP Summit visitors joining us during the upcoming festival to witness his live on-site construction of a mobile garden house!”

Kyohei Sakaguchi was born 1978 and studied architecture and graduated from Waseda University. While still a student, he began to question the ways of modern architecture and researched buildings and gardens created by amateur non-architects. In 2004, his graduating thesis on the temporary structures of homeless people was later published as a photography book, Zero Yen House. In 2008, he published Tokyo Zero Yen House Zero Yen Life, portraying the life of an extraordinary man living alongside the Sumida River. He has also published several books, including, How to Create a Self-Supported Nation (Kodansha Ltd), which sold over 50 thousand copies and become a national bestseller in Japan. In 2012 he gained further public attention for the Kyohei Sakaguchi New Administration Exhibit at the Watari Museum of Contemporary Art in Tokyo’s Aoyama district.

The Japan Film Festival of San Francisco is presented in conjunction with the 2013 J-POP Summit, which will take place Saturday July 27th and Sunday July 28th across the city’s historic Japantown district to celebrate the phenomenon of Japanese pop culture with a colorful array of live bands and artists, panel discussions, film premieres, edgy fashion shows and DJ dance events, celebrity appearances and more. The J-POP Summit Festival is hosted and organized by NEW PEOPLE in cooperation with the Japantown Merchants Association. In 2012, the two-day event attracted nearly 65,000 attendees. More information is available at www.J-POP.com.

NEW PEOPLE Cinema is a 143-seat cinema located in the underground floor of NEW PEOPLE in San Francisco. Equipped with a cutting-edge HD digital projection and THX®-certified sound system, NEW PEOPLE Cinema is home for local film festivals and entertaining events. More information is available at www.newpeoplecinema.com.

About J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL
The J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL is an annual Japanese Pop Culture celebration that features live bands and artists from Japan, pop culture panel discussions, film premieres, fashion and DJ dance events, and celebrity appearances. The Festival is hosted by NEW PEOPLE in cooperation with the Japantown Merchants Association. In 2012, the two-day event attracted 65,000 attendees.

ACF 1923: Japanese illustrator KATSUYA TERADA will be guest at J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL 2013

Illustrator Katsuya Terada

 The 2013 J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES FIRST GUEST OF HONOR

WITH A SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY FAMED ILLUSTRATOR KATSUYA TERADA

Prolific Artist And Illustrator Katsuya Terada Promotes A New Retrospective Art Book

‘KATSUYA TERADA 10 TEN’ And Will Appear For A Special Live Freehand Drawing

And Autograph Session During J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL 2013

The 2013 J-POP Summit Festival, the popular yearly San Francisco summertime Japanese Pop Culture celebration, has announced the appearance of one of Japan’s greatest illustrators – Katsuya Terada – as a special Guest of Honor. The popular annual weekend event, which returns for its 5th year to San Francisco’s Japantown district, celebrates Japanese pop culture, music, art, anime, fashion, and film and will place on Saturday and Sunday, July 27th - 28th, 2013.

Katsuya Terada’s special J-POP Summit appearance will also promote his new art book, KATSUYA TERADA 10 TEN - 10 Year Retrospective, published by PIE International. The artist will meet attendees during an autograph session on Saturday, July 27th from 11:30am to 1:30pm, and again on Sunday, July 28th from 2:00pm-4:00pm, at the Kinokuniya Booth that will be stationed on Post St. (in front of the NEW PEOPLE building) during the festival.

Tickets to the autograph session will be available to the first 50 people each day that purchase either his book or a Kinokuniya Gift Card (at least $25.00) from the Kinokuniya Booth during the J-POP Summit Festival. Tickets to the autograph session will be distributed 30 minutes prior to the event at the Kinokuniya Booth each day. Limited to 1 ticket per person.

Also taking place on Saturday, Jul 27th as a special treat for fans and J-POP Summit attendees, Katsuya Terada will do a live freehand drawing from 4:00pm to 6:00pm on a blank wall in the 1st floor of the Kinokuniya Bookstore, located inside the Kinokuniya Shopping Mall (also on Post Street) in Japantown. Witness a true master at work as Terada will leave his unique artistic mark on the Kinokuniya décor.

KATSUYA TERADA 10 TEN -10 Year Retrospective was released in conjunction with the artist’s recent exhibition that opened in Japan at the Kyoto International Manga Museum. The book contains an expansive collection of Terada’s massive body of work, including illustrations for art books, novel covers, and character concept designs for games/films, panels from his comics, miscellaneous doodles, sketches and much more.

The J-POP Summit Festival is the Bay Area’s premier annual Japanese Pop Culture celebration that features live bands and artists from Japan, pop culture panel discussions, film premieres, fashion shows, DJ dance events, and celebrity appearances. The Festival is hosted by J-POP Summit Festival Committee in cooperation with the Japantown Merchants Association. In 2012, the two-day event attracted more than 65,000 attendees. Additional information and updates on the 2013 J-POP Summit Festival will be posted over coming months at www.J-POP.com.

“We’re very excited to announce our first J-POP Summit Guest of Honor appearance by Katsuya Terada and his unique live illustration session that will take place at Kinokuniya Bookstore,” says Seiji Horibuchi, the President/CEO of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. and Chairman of the J-Pop Summit Festival Committee. “Fans will also have the opportunity to meet the artist, purchase his brand new retrospective art book, and also receive his autograph as a special bonus. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to join in the fun at his year’s J-POP Summit Festival and savor the work of one of Japan’s most acclaimed illustrators!”

Katsuya Terada is a prolific artist and illustrator born in Okayama, Japan. His work varies from illustration to character designs for numerous video games and films. He is probably best known in the United States as the character-designer for the anime film, Blood: The Last Vampire. He has also done work related to American comics, such as Iron Man and Hellboy.

Terada has often defined himself as a "rakugaki" artist, more of a philosophy than a style of drawing, in which one draws a little everywhere, all the time, without thinking too much, and one of his collections of sketches numbers more than 1000 pages. His use of CG tools is also integrated very well into his illustrations, giving his work a vivid and rich appearance. Tarada also points to various influences on his work, particularly European ones, like Jean Giraud (a.k.a. Moebius) and the magazine, Métal Hurlant, which he has said gave him a taste for strong women that are slightly stripped.

About J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL
The J-POP Summit Festival is an annual San Francisco Japanese Pop Culture celebration that features live bands and artists from Japan, pop culture panel discussions, film premieres, fashion and DJ dance events, and celebrity appearances. The Festival is hosted by NEW PEOPLE in cooperation with the Japantown Merchants Association. In 2012, the two-day event attracted 65,000 attendees. Additional information about the J-POP Summit Festival is available at J-POP.com.

ACF 1908: Anime feature film premieres at 2013 JAPAN FILM FESTIVAL in San Francisco

The 2013 JAPAN FILM FESTIVAL OF SAN FRANCISCO

PARTNERS WITH J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL

TO PRESENT AN EXCITING LINE-UP OF ANIME FEATURE

FILM PREMIERES AT NEW PEOPLE CINEMA

The First-Ever Dedicated Japanese Film Festival For The S.F. Bay Area

Opens In Late July At NEW PEOPLE Cinema Featuring Exciting Premieres

Of Hunter X Hunter, Naruto Shippuden, Resident Evil: Damnation, Tiger & Bunny,

And Director Mamoru Hosoda’s Wolf Children

The 2013 J-POP Summit Festival, the popular annual San Francisco summertime Japanese Pop Culture celebration, has just announced an exciting anime program to complement the launch of the Japan Film Festival of San Francisco, the first dedicated annual Japanese film festival for Northern California and the S.F. Bay Area.

The week-long series of film screenings also includes 9 acclaimed live-action titles and will take place at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema beginning Saturday July 27th and running through Sunday August 4th.

The Japan Film Festival of San Francisco’s slate of anime premieres and exclusive screenings at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema will include Wolf Children, the poignant new drama from director Mamoru Hosoda, the U.S. premiere of the fantasy adventure, Hunter X Hunter: Phantom Rouge, wild ninja hijinks in Naruto Shippuden The Movie: The Lost Tower, heavy weapons CGI action in Resident Evil: Damnation, and a special encore presentation of the superhero-inspired fun of Tiger & Bunny: The Beginning. All films (except Resident Evil: Damnation) will be presented with original Japanese dialogue with English subtitles.

Tickets are $13.00 per film unless otherwise indicated. NEW PEOPLE Cinema is located at 1746 Post St. (cross street is Webster St.) in the heart of San Francisco’s Japantown. A complete schedule and advance ticket information are available on www.jffsf.org.

The Japan Film Festival of San Francisco is presented in conjunction with the 2013 J-POP Summit, taking place Saturday July 27th and Sunday July 28th across the city’s historic Japantown district to celebrate the phenomenon of Japanese pop culture with a colorful array of live bands and artists, panel discussions, film premieres, edgy fashion shows and DJ dance events, celebrity appearances and more. The J-POP Summit Festival is hosted and organized by NEW PEOPLE in cooperation with the Japantown Merchants Association. In 2012, the two-day event attracted nearly 65,000 attendees. More information is available at www.J-POP.com.

Japan Film Festival of San Francisco Anime Program:

HUNTER X HUNTER: PHANTOM ROUGE - U.S. PREMIERE
Saturday, August 3rd, 11:00am
Hunter X Hunter: Phantom Rouge is based on the mega-hit manga series by Yoshihiro Togashi, which has sold over 60 million copies worldwide. The new film reveals the early life of main characters Clapica and Gon. Once there was a small tribe of people called Cluta that lived in a lush and beautiful forest. One day, bandits known as the Phantom Brigade attacked and massacred the entire population except one. Their objective was the eyes that belong to the Cluta people, which turn scarlet with excitement. Known as the Eyes of Rouge, the color is considered one of the seven most exquisite hues in the world. The sole survivor was a boy named Clapica and he vows to avenge his people and becomes a Hunter.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: THE LOST TOWER - U.S. PREMIERE
Saturday, July 28th, 1:30pm
The Rogue Ninja Mukade is about to be caught by Naruto's team when he summons forth the power of the LeyLine - an ancient underground channel of chakra. Naruto gets caught up in the chakra and is sent back in time to the city of Loran, known for its thousand towers. There he encounters the future Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, on a top-secret mission, and the Queen of Loran, Sarah, whose rule is threatened by Mukade. Will Naruto be able to return to his own time, and can a chance encounter in the past save the future?

RESIDENT EVIL: DAMNATION - U.S. PREMIERE
Sunday, July 28th, 3:50pm
Resident Evil: Damnation is the sequel to Resident Evil: Degeneration, a feature-length computer-animated horror film based on the popular game developed by Capcom. The story revolves around biological weapons used in a European war zone and sees the return of Leon S. Kennedy as the protagonist. The film was released as a digital download on Xbox Live, Zune and PlayStation Network in 2012 and comes to the big screen for the first time in the U.S.! (*Note: this screening is NOT a 3D presentation; film will be presented with dubbed English dialogue)

TIGER & BUNNY: THE BEGINNING – Special Encore Presentation
Friday, August 2nd, 4:00pm
The hero-inspired big screen action of the smash hit anime property – Tiger & Bunny – is coming to the Bay Area! The city of Sternbild is protected by corporate superheroes known as NEXT, who fight crime while promoting their sponsors on the popular show “HERO TV.” Veteran hero Wild Tiger relies on his years of experience and instincts to fight crime, but his tendency to destroy public property for the sake of protecting the lives of the innocent has earned him the nickname “Crusher for Justice.” Now, under orders from his new employer, Wild Tiger finds himself forced to team up with Barnaby Brooks Jr., a rookie with an attitude. Will the two unlikely new partners find a way to work together?

WOLF CHILDREN – S.F. PREMIERE
Sunday, July 28th, 11:00am & Sunday, August 4th, 6:15pm
From Mamoru Hosoda, the visionary and award-winning creator of the acclaimed anime films, Summer Wars and The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, comes a beautiful tale of love and triumph. In this touching new drama, 19 year-old Hana falls in love with a wolf-man and, over the years, becomes the mother of two half-wolf/ half human children. Ame, born on a rainy day and Yuki, born in the snowy winter, must move with their mother to a rural town to hide the secret of their mysterious lineage.

NEW PEOPLE Cinema is a 143-seat cinema located in the underground floor of NEW PEOPLE in San Francisco. Equipped with a cutting-edge HD digital projection and THX®-certified sound system, NEW PEOPLE Cinema is home for local film festivals and entertaining events. Info about NEW PEOPLE Cinema is available at www.newpeoplecinema.com.

About J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL
The J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL is an annual Japanese Pop Culture celebration that features live bands and artists from Japan, pop culture panel discussions, film premieres, fashion and DJ dance events, and celebrity appearances. The Festival is hosted by NEW PEOPLE in cooperation with the Japantown Merchants Association. In 2012, the two-day event attracted 65,000 attendees. More information about the J-POP Summit Festival is available at J-POP.com.

ACF 1859: BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC double feature May 11th

VIZ MEDIA BRINGS A DOUBLE DOSE OF MEDIEVAL ACTION WITH

BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC DOUBLE FEATURE EVENT ON MAY 11th

First Two Installments Of The Action-Packed Trilogy,

Including The North American Premiere Of

BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II – THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY,

Will Screen At NEW PEOPLE Theater In San Francisco

And Simultaneously Air On Neon Alley Channel

VIZ Media brings a very special anime theatrical presentation with a double-feature premiere of BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I – THE EGG OF THE KING and the North American theatrical premiere of BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II - THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY. The double feature event will be held on Saturday, May 11th at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema, located inside the dynamic Japanese pop culture entertainment venue in San Francisco’s Japantown at 1746 Post St. A special galley exhibit featuring original BERSERK production art from Studio 4℃ will also be showcased in the theatre lobby. The double feature will simultaneously air on VIZ Media’s own Neon Alley channel, accessible by fans in North America.

Two double-feature showings (presented with dubbed English dialogue) at NEW PEOPLE Cinema are scheduled for Saturday, May 11th, beginning at 3:00pm and 8:00pm. A short intermission will take place between each movie. Tickets are $25.00 and are available online at: http://www.newpeopleworld.com/films/films-5-2013/. Each ticketholder to the event will also receive an exclusive BERSERK gift pack upon arrival to the theater with chance to win very special items from Japan.

VIZ Media also invites Neon Alley members to catch back-to-back airings of the BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I – THE EGG OF THE KING and BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II - THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY on the same day at the same times – Saturday, May 11th – at 3:00pm and 8:00pm PST. Neon Alley is VIZ Media’s new 24-hour, subscription-based anime channel, available for the PS3 game console and Playstation® Network, and the Xbox 360 and Xbox Live®, featuring many of the world’s best anime titles (dubbed in English and uncut) and presented in HD (when available) for a low monthly subscription rate of only $6.99. More details at: www.neonalley.com.

A variety of exclusive BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC memorabilia – including collectable figures, a special artbook, cell phone charms, and Japanese theatrical pamphlets autographed by Studio 4ºC CEO Eiko Tanaka – will be raffled at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema event. Neon Alley viewers will also have a chance to watch and win one of 50 one-of-a-kind pieces of BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC production art available exclusively during the premiere event. Please visit www.facebook.com/neonalleynetwork for more details and update on the special giveaway items.

As a special bonus, both the NEW PEOPLE Cinema and Neon Alley presentations will feature a video of musician/composer Susumu Hirasawa performing the BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC theme song "Aria.”

“The BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC trilogy possesses all of the great elements for an epic and vicious action saga,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Marketing Manager, Animation. “We invite fans from the Bay Area and beyond to join us for an exciting theatrical event at NEW PEOPLE Cinema, or to catch the back-to-back premieres, completely uncut, on Neon Alley. And also don’t miss the chance to score some one-of-a-kind and highly collectable BERSERK production art pieces that we will give away in a special contest!”

BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I – THE EGG OF THE KING (Rated TV-MA) follows lone mercenary Guts as he travels the land where a hundred-year-old war is taking place. His ferocity and ability to take down enemies attracts the attention of Griffith, leader of the mercenary group “The Band of the Hawk,” and Guts is recruited to the unit. Thanks to their continued victories on the battlefield, the bond between Guts and Griffith deepens, but despite all their success, Guts begins to question his reasons for fighting for Griffith’s dream. Unknown to Guts, this unyielding dream is about to bestow a horrible fate on them both.

BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II - THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY (Rated TV-MA) picks up the story as Guts believed, for three years, that his mission was to pursue Griffith’s dream together with him. But in order to become Griffith’s equal and truly be called his friend, Guts realizes he will have to leave the Band of the Hawk. At the same time, a bloody battle to capture the impenetrable Fortress of Doldrey from the Empire of Chuder is about to begin. The Band of the Hawk will face an army 30,000 strong!

The BERSERK manga series, by Kentarou Miura, debuted in Japan in 1989 and quickly drew a devoted following, going on to sell more than 30 million copies worldwide. The series, still ongoing in Japan, has been published in North America and the UK, as well as in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia, and Latin America. The BERSERK manga has also inspired a popular anime television series and has spawned a variety of related video games, collectable figures and toys, and music soundtracks, as well as the current BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC film trilogy.

For more information on the BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC film trilogy, visit the official Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/BerserkFilm.