The 9.0 earthquake displaced more than 100,000 children from their homes and more than 380,000 people have been evacuated across the country. Many tsunami-affected areas are still cut off from relief and Japan remains on high alert for the three nuclear reactors in Fukushima. More than 465 roads, 43 railways and seven bridges have been completely washed away.

“We were all shocked and saddened by the terrible events of March 11th, but we’re heartened and inspired by resilience of the Japanese people and the tremendous outpouring of physical aid, money, and global good will that has followed so quickly,” says Hidemi Fukuhara, President and CEO of VIZ Media. “Save the Children, AmeriCares, Architecture for Humanity and Artists Help Japan will provide critical support and aid for the youngest victims of the disaster, arrange for medical care and social services for all survivors, as well as help begin rebuilding efforts. We’re honored to contribute to Japan’s recovery, and encourage our fans to do the same.”

Save the Children is the world’s leading independent organization for children. The organization’s vision is a world in which every child attains the right to survival, protection, development and participation. The mission is to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives. More information on Save the Children’s Japan recovery efforts is available at: http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6621121/k.3D08/Japan_Earthquake_Tsunami_Relief.htm.

AmeriCares is a nonprofit disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization which provides immediate response to emergency medical needs – and supports long-term humanitarian assistance programs – for all people around the world, irrespective of race, creed or political persuasion. More information on AmeriCares’ Japan recovery efforts is available at: http://www.americares.org/whatwedo/emergency/japan/japan-earthquake-tsunami.html.

Architecture for Humanity is a nonprofit design services firm founded in 1999. The organization seeks to build a more sustainable future through the power of professional design. By tapping a network of more than 40,000 professionals willing to lend time and expertise to help those who would not otherwise be able to afford their services, Architecture for Humanity brings design, construction and development services where they are most critically needed. More information on Architecture for Humanity’s Japan recovery efforts is available at: http://architectureforhumanity.org/updates/2011-03-12-sendai-quake-supporting-reconstruction.

Artists Help Japan is a San Francisco Bay Area-based charity movement, gathering the force of communities of artists and creative minds around the world. The project founder was also behind the 2008 Totoro Forest Project in Japan. The fund is responding to the immediate needs of survivors, as well as short to long- term recovery projects undertaken by the affected communities. Artists Help Japan is partnering with Give2Asia, which has a local team based in Tokyo to assess the current situation and to obtain information on the needs of survivors. More information on Artists Help Japan and Give2Asia’s recovery efforts is available at: http://give2asia.org/artistshelp.

With all proceeds going to the Japan NGO Earthquake Relief and Recovery Fund (www.jcie.org/earthquake ) (which provides support to organizations in Japan that are taking part in the relief effort, as well as to ensure longer-term support for local organizations working hard to rebuild their communities).  Last night¹s WE HEART JAPAN project event held at MELTDOWN COMICS was a huge success raising almost $7,500.00 (US) for the people of Japan.  More information can be found at www.weheartjapan.com.

Thanks to generous sponsorships and donations from HARMONY GOLD, GENEON ENTERTAINMENT, PACIFIC MEDIA EXPO, COSPLAY IN AMERICA, BANDAI ENTERTAINMENT, AM2, CRUNCHYROLL, NAN DESU KAN, SWEET STREETS LA, LOVE THE TRUTH CLOTHING, NYAF POST, ANIMATION MAGAZINE and more!  WE HEART JAPAN featured a silent auction with art from Shinichi “Nabeshin” Watanabe, Cathy Clark, Zane DeGaine, Kevissimo, Dekker Dreyer, Aaron Bjork, Shibuya Girls Pop, Sam Randazzo, Sawdust Bear, Sasha Palacio, Sara Tea, Patrick Smith, Eron Rauch and many more! In addition, prizes will be raffled off over the course of the night.  In addition, a special performance by the Ajuku Girls added additional excitement to all in attendance.

Special Guests Included:

Stephanie Sheh (Naruto, Bleach, Eureka 7) Troy Baker (Generator Rex, Bleach, The Avengers) Richard Epcar (Ghost in the Shell, Mr. Men, Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe) Wendee Lee (Cowboy Bebop, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya,Bleach) Mary Elizabeth McGlynn (Naruto, Ghost in the Shell, Silent Hill) Daran Norris (Team America, Fairly Odd Parents, T.U.F.F. Puppy) Liam O’brien (Naruto, Dissidia 012: Final Fantasy, X-men: Destiny) Ellyn Stern (Blue Dragon, Noein, Bleach) Michelle Ruff (Gurren Lagan, Digimon Data Squad,Gungrave) DC Douglas (Resident Evil, Mass Effect 2, Kyo Kara Maoh!) Crispin Freeman (Hellsing, Blood+, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Slayers) Sam Riegel (Naruto, Yûgiô,Texhnolyze, Fallout: New Vegas) JB Blanc (Darksiders, Iron Cross, The Unit, CSI: New York, Nikita) Tony Oliver (Bleach, Robotech, Lucky Star)

Featuring music by COUNT NINJULA

Food trucks on site: PAPAS TAPAS, JOGASAKI BURRITO, and THE BOBA TRUCK Free drinks provided by ARTA TEQUILA, COMIKAZE EXPO, and H2OM WATER

CROSS GAME is based on a hit manga (graphic novel) series created by Mitsuru Adachi and is set against the backdrop of baseball. The series is a moving coming-of-age drama that is heartfelt and true and flows delightfully with a light and amusing touch. It centers on a boy named Ko, a family of four sisters who live down the street, and their shared passion for the sport of baseball.

In the gripping series conclusion, Ko faces tough odds in the 12^th inning of the final game. Thanks to Ko’s pitching, his team has earned a one-run lead, and all the players are fully aware that a championship is just within reach. But pitching eleven innings is starting to take its toll. The count is full, and Ko must put his all into one last pitch!

One of the biggest names in the manga industry today, Mitsuru Adachi made his debut in 1970 with Kieta Bakuon in the pages of Deluxe Shonen Sunday. The creator of numerous mega-hits such as Touch, Miyuki, and Cross Game, Adachi-sensei received the Shogakukan Manga Award for all three of the aforementioned series. His cumulative works have seen over 200 million copies sold, and many of his series have been adapted into anime, live-action TV series and film. A master of his medium, Adachi has come to be known for his genius handling of dramatic elements combined with romance, comedy and sports.

WHAT:   In response to the calamitous events unfolding in Japan, individuals
and organizations around the world have banded together to show their
support and concern with the WE HEART JAPAN project. Thanks to generous
sponsorships and donations from HARMONY GOLD, GENEON ENTERTAINMENT, PACIFIC
MEDIA EXPO, COSPLAY IN AMERICA, BANDAI ENTERTAINMENT, AM2, CRUNCHYROLL, NAN DESU KAN, LOVE THE TRUTH CLOTHING, NYAV POST and more, WE HEART JAPAN will
feature a silent auction with art from Shinichi “Nabeshin” Watanabe, Sweet Streets LA, Cathy Clark, Zane DeGaine, Kevissimo, Dekker Dreyer, Aaron Bjork, Shibuya Girls Pop, Sam Randazzo, Sawdust Bear, Sasha Palacio, Sara Tea, Patrick Smith, Eron Rauch and many more! In addition, prizes will be raffled off over the course of the night.  More information can be found at www.weheartjapan.com.

WHEN:  Thursday; March 17, 2011; Starting 8:00 pm-11:00 pm

WHERE:  MELTDOWN COMICS (7522 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046)

WHY:  All proceeds will go to the ³Japan NGO Earthquake Relief and Recovery Fund² which provides support to organizations in Japan that are taking part in the relief effort, as well as to ensure longer-term support for local organizations working hard to rebuild their communities.

WHO:  Special Guests Include:
Stephanie Sheh (Naruto, Bleach, Eureka 7) Troy Baker (Generator Rex, Bleach,
The Avengers) Richard Epcar (Ghost in the Shell, Mr. Men, Mortal Kombat vs
DC Universe) Wendee Lee (Cowboy Bebop, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya,
Bleach) Mary Elizabeth McGlynn (Naruto, Ghost in the Shell, Silent Hill)
Daran Norris (Team America, Fairly Odd Parents, T.U.F.F. Puppy) Liam O’brien
(Naruto, Dissidia 012: Final Fantasy, X-men: Destiny) Ellyn Stern (Blue
Dragon, Noein, Bleach) Michelle Ruff (Gurren Lagan, Digimon Data Squad,
Gungrave) DC Douglas (Resident Evil, Mass Effect 2, Kyo Kara Maoh!) Crispin
Freeman (Hellsing, Blood+, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya,
Slayers)
Sam Riegel (Naruto, Yûgiô,Texhnolyze, Fallout: New Vegas) JB Blanc
(Darksiders, Iron Cross, The Unit, CSI: New York, Nikita) Tony Oliver
(Bleach, Robotech, Lucky Star)

Featuring music by COUNT NINJULA
Food trucks on site: PAPAS TAPAS, JOGASAKI BURRITO, and THE BOBA TRUCK Free
drinks provided by ARTA TEQUILA, COMIKAZE EXPO, and H2OM WATER

NEW VAMPIRE KNIGHT RELEASE:

VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY, Volume 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens ·

MSRP: $19.97 U.S. / $28.99 CAN · Available Now!    

In the opening of the second season, Zero is accused of Shizuka Hio’s murder and becomes the target of the Senate. When Kaname refuses to attest to Zero’s innocence, Yuki’s loyalties are torn between the two. Then Yuki meets a mysterious little boy whose seemingly innocent kiss on the cheek draws her deeper into the world of vampires. Zero, seeing Yuki struggle to recall her past, tries to help. Do the archives of the Hunter’s Society headquarters hold the key that will unlock Yuki’s memories? Contains Episodes 1-4.

NEW BLEACH RELEASE:

BLEACH BOX SET, Volume 8 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens ·

MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $71.99 CAN · Available March 22^nd

Just a few months from the showdown with the Arrancars, Ichigo and his friends are deep in training. But the battle may arrive earlier than expected when Aizen sends the Arrancars into the World of the Living. Captain Hitsugaya’s advance Soul Reaper troops assist in defending Karakura Town and the fight appears to be going to the heroes, when Aizen orders the kidnapping of one of Ichigo’s most loyal friends – Orihime! Box Set features Episodes 134 – 145 (Original and Uncut).

NEW POKÉMON RELEASES:

POKÉMON DP GALACTIC BATTLES, Volumes 1 & 2 · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages ·

MSRP: $14.97 U.S. each / $21.99 CAN each · Available Now!  

POKÉMON DP GALACTIC BATTLES GIFT SET · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages ·

MSRP: $24.92 U.S. / $35.99 CAN · Available Now!  

Non-stop excitement awaits audiences in the Sinnoh region, as Ash’s quest for a Gym Badge lands him in a shocking encounter with Rotom and a family feud between father and son Gym Leaders! Then, watch our heroes witness the power of Aura when they join forces with Riley and Lucario to protect an island full of Pokémon from Team Galactic. But Aura won’t help Pikachu and Piplup when they wind up lost on a deserted island! From an infatuated Phione to a Snorunt search-and-rescue, the adventure never ends for Ash, Dawn and Brock!

The POKÉMON DP GALATIC BATTLES GIFT SET contains Volumes 1 & 2 in a collector’s box.

In response to the calamitous events unfolding in Japan, individuals and organizations around the world are bandinghave banded  together to show their support and concern with the, and thus,  WE HEART JAPAN was born.project.  More information can be found at www.weheartjapan.com.

This Thursday, WE HEART JAPAN brings anime, art, and autographs to MELTDOWN COMICS (7522 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046). Thanks to generous sponsorships and donations from HARMONY GOLD, GENEON ENTERTAINMENT, PACIFIC MEDIA EXPOMX, COSPLAY IN AMERICA, BANDAI ENTERTAINMENT, AM22M, CRUNCHYROLL, NAN DESU KAN, SWEET STREETS LA, LOVE THE TRUTH CLOTHING, and more, WE HEART JAPAN will feature a silent auction with art from Shinichi “Nabeshin” Watanabe, Sweet Streets LA, Cathy Clark, Zane DeGaine, Kevissimo, Dekker Dreyer, Aaron Bjork, Shibuya Girls Pop, Sam Randazzo, Sawdust Bear, Sasha Palacio, Sara Tea, Patrick Smith, Eron Rauch and many more! Dekker Dreyer, Pinguino, Jason Leung, Geoffrey Golden, Sawdust Bear, Patrick Smith, David Mertl, Jane Dope, and more. In addition, prizes will be raffled off over the course of the night.

All proceeds will go to the “Japan NGO Earthquake Relief and Recovery Fund” which provides support to organizations in Japan that are taking part in the relief effort, as well as to ensure longer-term support for local organizations working hard to rebuild their communities.  Visit here for more details: http://www.jcie.org/earthquake

Special Guests Include:

Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz)

Bryan Lee O’Malley (Scott Pilgrim vs. The World)

Stephanie Sheh (Naruto, Bleach, Eureka 7)

Troy Baker (Generator Rex, Bleach, The Avengers)

Richard Epcar (Ghost in the Shell, Mr. Men, Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe)

Wendee Lee (Cowboy Bebop, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Bleach)

Mary Elizabeth McGlynn (Naruto, Ghost in the Shell, Silent Hill)

Daran Norris (Team America, Fairly Odd Parents, T.U.F.F. Puppy)

Liam O’brien (Naruto, Dissidia 012: Final Fantasy, X-men: Destiny)

Ellyn Stern (Blue Dragon, Noein, Bleach)

Michelle Ruff (Gurren Lagan, Digimon Data Squad, Gungrave)

DC Douglas (Resident Evil, Mass Effect 2, Kyo Kara Maoh!)

Crispin Freeman (Hellsing, Blood+, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Slayers)

Sam Riegel (Naruto, Yûgiô,Texhnolyze, Fallout: New Vegas)

JB Blanc (Darksiders, Iron Cross, The Unit, CSI: New York, Nikita)

Tony Oliver (Bleach, Robotech, Lucky Star)

Featuring music by COUNT NINJULA

Food trucks on site: PAPAS TAPAS, JOGASAKI BURRITO, and THE BOBA TRUCK

Free drinks provided by ARTA TEQUILA, COMIKAZE EXPO, and H2OM WATER

DATE: Thursday, March 17, 2011

TIME: 8:00pm – 11:00pm

LOCATION: Meltdown Comics, 7522 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046

 The Japanese-born Yoshiki, who lives in Los Angeles, felt the earthquake  tremors while in a Tokyo recording studio working on X Japan¹s first North  American album, and was shocked by the large-scale damage across Japan.  It took awhile to locate my mother, but she is, thankfully, OK, said Yoshiki, and I’ve spoken with [band members] Toshi, Pata, Sugizo and Heath, and they are all safe as well.  I am praying for the people here who are still trying to locate their family and friends.
 X Japan has decided to postpone the release of their first U.S. single, Jade, that had been scheduled to be released today, so that they may focus their time and energies on helping with the recovery.
 
In addition to raising money by auctioning his ³crystal ³piano, Yoshiki will collect donations for the Japanese disaster relief through the Yoshiki  Foundation America, his California non-profit, public benefit corporation with tax-exempt status as a section 501(c)www.yoshikifoundation.org  The Yoshiki Foundation has already donated to American organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, the Grammy Foundation, and St. Vincent Meals on Wheels.

CROSS GAME is based on a hit manga (graphic novel) series created by Mitsuru Adachi and is set against the backdrop of baseball. The series is a moving coming-of-age drama that is heartfelt and true and flows delightfully with a light and amusing touch. It centers on a boy named Ko, a family of four sisters who live down the street, and their shared passion for the sport of baseball.

In the gripping series conclusion, Ko faces tough odds in the 12^th inning of the final game. Thanks to Ko’s pitching, his team has earned a one-run lead, and all the players are fully aware that a championship is just within reach. But pitching eleven innings is starting to take its toll. The count is full, and Ko must put his all into one last pitch!

One of the biggest names in the manga industry today, Mitsuru Adachi made his debut in 1970 with Kieta Bakuon in the pages of Deluxe Shonen Sunday. The creator of numerous mega-hits such as Touch, Miyuki, and Cross Game, Adachi-sensei received the Shogakukan Manga Award for all three of the aforementioned series. His cumulative works have seen over 200 million copies sold, and many of his series have been adapted into anime, live-action TV series and film. A master of his medium, Adachi has come to be known for his genius handling of dramatic elements combined with romance, comedy and sports.