Announcing SANA: Japan's First Summit On Anime In North America

Online, March 6, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Why is anime so popular with western fans? On March 23 in Denver, Colo., the Summit on Anime in North America (SANA) aims to try and find the reason why.

SANA is an event done in partnership with the Consulate-General of Japan and the Rocky Mountain Anime Association (parent of Nan Desu Kan), at the request of the Japanese government. This is the first time Japan has explored this issue in North America. Approximately 200 invited guests and six keynote speakers will discuss anime's history, production and cultural appeal with solo lectures and a full-panel roundtable.

"We were honoured to be asked to partner with the Consul-General for this unique event," said Amanda Liebermann, executive director of the RMAA. "This is a rare opportunity to work with the historians, academics and industry representatives and explore what it really means to enjoy anime as an American."

Members of the general public can win access to the event by participating in the essay contest explaining why anime appeals to them. Entries are due March 15, and more information can be found at http://animesummit.org/contest.html.

Speakers include Jerry Beck (animation historian, former studio owner and co-founder of popular blog "Cartoon Brew"), Christopher Bevins (ADR director, script adaptor and voice actor), Dr. Ian Condry (cultural anthropologist and associate professor of Japanese cultural studies at MIT), Dr. Alisa Freedman (author and associate professor of Japanese literature and film at University of Oregon), Kevin McKeever (director of marketing at Harmony Gold) and Sarah Sullivan (convention and events manager, FUNimation Entertainment).

After SANA, the RMAA will share the results with the Consulate General of Japan and their colleagues in Tokyo. Various lectures and roundtables will be accessible on iTunes (as downloadable podcasts), as well as NDK's official YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/ndkdenver

About the Consulate-General of Japan in Denver
The Consulate-General of Japan in Denver represents a four-state jurisdiction of Utah, Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico. Along with providing top-level consular services to the Japanese community, their essential role is to continue to develop the relationship between Japan and the United States. For more information, visit http://www.denver.us.emb-japan.go.jp