2009 Japanese Guests
Tomokazu Seki
Voice Actor
Tomokazu Seki was born on September 8 in Tokyo, Japan. Mr. Seki is currently the head of Atomic Monkey. His most famous voice over roles include Shuichi Shindou from Gravitation, Yzak Joule from Gundam Seed, Nobu Terashima from NANA, Kenji (Tracey) from Pokemon, Kamui Shiro from X/1999 Movie, Shinichi Chiaki from Nodame Cantibile, Ken Hidaka from Weiß Kreuz, Domon Kasshu from G Gundam, Chichiri from Fushigi Yuugi, Van Fanel from the Vision of Escaflowne. His favorite anime is Getter Robo and his blood type is AB.
Koichi Tsunoda
Animation Artist/Animation Director
Koichi Tsunoda has done work for children of all ages, including Wan Wan Chuushingura, Okami Shonen Ken, and Kaitei Sanmanri (30,000 Miles under the Sea). As an animation director he has directed Sangokushi, Mikuroido, Majingaa Z, Majingaa Z vs. Devil Man, “Majingaa Z vs. Ankoku Daishoogun, Saiboogu 009, Star Blazer, Transformer The Movie, etc. He did the original design on Oyayubi-hime, Dai Yamato, and saved as the assistant director for Galaxy Express 999, Yamato Forever. He was the art designer for 1000 nen Jyoo oo. Having retired, he is now teaches as a professor at Seian University of Art Design; University of Creation, Art and Music; and Toei Animation School.
Masao Maruyama
President/Producer (Studio Madhouse)
In 1972, Masao Maruyama founded Mad House with Mr. Sugino, Mr. Hata and others. Since then, he has ensured the quality of anime produced by Mad House. He is involved in many phases of anime production ranging from music planning to actor casting. He is the producer of Yawara!, Card Captor Sakura, Hanada Shoonenshi and many more Mad House anime.
Keiko Han
Voice Actress
Keiko Han is not only a voice actress but also and author and an instructor at Tokyo Media Academy. She has published five books about the western horoscope. Her numerous roles include: Sasha in "Yamato yo Eien ni" (Be Forever Yamato), Lala Sun in Mobile Suit Gundam, Prof. Uchikido in Pocket Monster, Atsuko Kawada in City Hunter, and Luna and Queen Beryl in Sailor Moon.
Ryuusei Nakao
Voice Actor
Started acting in Ultra Q when he was a child. Radio personality, singer and voice acting such as Mayuri and Kurotsuchi Mayumi from Bleach, Farfarello from Weiß Kreuz, Freeza from Dragonball Z, Erik from One Piece, Kir from Jing: King of Bandits, Baikin-man from Anpan-man, and many more.
Yasuo Yamaguchi
Producer
In 1963 he started as an assistant director at Toei/Tokyo Satsueejo, later transferring to the Production Department. He produced "Wolf Boy Ken", "Ge Ge Ge no Kitaroo", "Getter Robo" , "King Kong" etc, and became an anime picture producer, producing titles including "Candy, Candy", "Story of Maple Town", "Tatsu no ko Taro" etc. As chief of the production section, he produced "Sailor Moon". He is a founder of the Toei Animation Research Center. In 1996 he started researching the digital anime making process for the Japanese government. He is also an adjunct professor at Tokai University.
Maya Yamao
Shamisen Player
Maya Yamao moved to France when she was eight years old. When the Kabuki group Sarunosuke Ichikawa came to France, she acted as Kogitsune (a little fox). It sparked her interest regarding traditional Japanese culture. After she completed her undergraduate studies from Tokyo Art University, she earned her Masters Degree from the same institution. Ms. Yamao plays the Shamisen, Okinawa Shamisen and Kokyuu, which are Japanese musical instruments similar to guitars. She teaches at her alma mater, Tokyo Art University, Surugadai University, Higashino High School and other institutions. She has played in Europe, Australia and the United States.
