BART announced the release of five BART- and Bay Area-themed anime mascots that will help us in our mission to promote public transportation use, especially among youth riders — a growing and reliable ridership demographic. The mascots were the result of an open call for California-based artists BART released in Summer 2022. The call was wildly popular, receiving nearly 500 submissions. Following the call, BART worked with selected artists to conceptualize and create the mascots, which will serve as BART’s friendly and approachable avatars.

Source: Anime Mascots | bart.gov

It was announced that SiliCon 2023 a highly anticipated science, technology, maker and pop culture Con scheduled for October 2023, has been canceled. A statement was issued indicating unforeseen circumstances and challenges beyond their control as the reason for the cancellation.

Source: SiliCon 2023 – SiliCon

On Sunday, April 23, the 2023 Nikkei Matsuri was held in San Jose’s Japantown. This is the first of two opening performances by the San Jose Taiko.

Source: Nikkei Matsuri – A Festival Celebrating Japanese American Culture

Hirokatsu Kihara (Chief Production Officer/Author) is a highly accomplished industry veteran, with a career spanning several decades. During his time at Studio Ghibli, he worked closely with Miyazaki and played an integral role in the production of several critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, including Laputa: Castle in the Sky, My Neighbor Totoro, and Kiki’s Delivery Service.

Mr. Kihara opened a new chapter in his career as an author of horror stories. He has written many stories that have been adapted into TV series and movies. Mr. Kihara’s most significant project in recent years is a collaboration book with horror manga artist Junji Itoh, titled Mimi-no-Kaidan. This is the first time Kihara has been a Guest of Honor at FanimeCon. FanimeCon happens Memorial Day weekend May 26–29, 2023.

Source: FanimeCon

It’s time for the 2023 Sanrio Character Ranking ending May 26th. Final results will be announced June 11th. Which Sanrio character will rank supreme? Only you can help decide, so vote today for your favorite Sanrio characters.

Source: 2023 Sanrio Character Ranking Official Site