Guests of honor – 12th Impact

Over a hundred guests had taken the trip this year to attend Japan Expo and made this 12th Impact an exceptional time. You had many opportunities to see and meet them, in signing session, conference, showcase and more!

Once more dozens of artists –great names of Manga and Anime, or J-music, video game stars, etc.– came, starting with the guests of honor. They left their mark on the fetsival and enchanted the attendees. They were glad to be here to and left with a smile on their face.

Yumiko IGARASHI

Japan Expo was delighted to welcome Yumiko IGARASHI who brightened up her fans’ eyes with a thousand stars. The artist of the famous fair-haired and blue-eyed heroines was glad to meet her public.

A Prize of honor was awarded to her during the Japan Expo Awards Ceremony, on Thursday afternoon.

Her fans attended all the events of the artist that drew Candy, Georgie or Mayme Angel. During the four days of the festival, she gave a conference followed by a live drawing session, and six signing sessions in which many of you took part to leave with an autograph by the artist.

An exhibition achieved the tribute paid to Yumiko IGARASHI and to her career in Shôjo Manga. You could admire reproductions of her works, as well as drawings by some of you who had taken part in the contest organized by Japan Expo!

Nobuteru YÛKI

As for animation, fans of Escaflowne or Record of Lodoss War cheered Nobuteru YÛKI, the Anime guest of honor of the 12^th Impact. Invited in partnership with Dybex and Namco Bandai, he met you everyday for signing sessions and Saturday for a conference and a masterclass during which his talent amazed the audience.

A Prize of honor was also awarded to him during the Japan Expo Awards Ceremony.

Akira YAMAOKA

As for video games, the atmosphere got disturbing with the music composer of Silent Hill, and also very rock ’n’ roll! Akira YAMAOKA, video game music guest of honor, made fans of the game, and music lovers as well, shiver during two showcases given on top of daily signing sessions and conferences, presenting the new Shadows of the Damned with SUDA51.

This memorable showcases absolument stunned the audience! Akira YAMAOKA performed with three musicians and the singer Mary Elizabeth McGLYNN (who has worked with him on Silent Hill).

h.NAOTO

For fashion addicts and gothic-lolita fans, Japan Expo welcomed this year its very first fashion guest of honor, h.NAOTO.

In the schedule: signing sessions and a big event with a fashion show followed by a conference. HANGRY&ANGRY ended the show of the famous designer with a showcase.