New York Anime Festival, the new show organized by Reed Exhibitions set for this December, will include a focus on Japanese culture as a way to expand the experience for convention-goers beyond anime, manga, and toys. Special cultural features of the show include the Anime Network Maid Cafe, a kimono gallery, haiku contest, and exhibitors offering authentic kimono and Japanese furnishings and accents. Panels on ninja and samurai will offer information on cultural elements that make up underpinnings of many anime and manga.
Fan participation is also going to be an important feature of the show. In addition to the haiku contest, above, contests for Anime Music Videos, costumes (sponsored by Anime Insider), art (sponsored by Del Rey Manga and Theotaku.com), and doujinshi (sponsored by Go! Comi and Theotaku.com).
The show's biggest draw as guest of honor, Kobun Shizuno (see 'Kobun Shizuno and Aimee Major Steinberger'), is co-director of Evangelion, the hottest new feature in
