Baltimore, MD (June 4, 2013) – Otakon is pleased to welcome back content media producer and author Takamasa Sakurai. Sakurai last appeared at Otakon in 2011.

Born in 1965, Takamasa Sakurai is a content media producer and an author. He has been involved in pop culture diplomatic activities such as speaking in seminars and organizing fashion shows in 115 cities across 24 countries. He is one of the earliest pioneers in the use of animation and Harajuku fashion to promote Japanese cultural diplomacy.

Mr. Sakurai is most famous as the author of books such as Anime Bunka Gaiko (Anime Culture Diplomacy) and Sekai Kawaii Kakumei (World Kawaii Revolution) along with many more. He is also a columnist for Looking East in the Daily Yomiuri as well as having written columns in publications such as ASCII Weekly Magazine.

Otakon 2013 will be held August 9­11 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, MD.

ABOUT OTAKON AND OTAKORP, INC.: Now entering its twentieth year, Otakon is an annual celebration of Japanese and East Asian popular culture, and also one of the largest gatherings of fans in the United States. Otakon celebrates popular culture as a gateway to deeper understanding of Asian culture, and has grown along with the enthusiasm for anime, manga, video games, and music from the Far East. Since 1999, Otakon has been held in Baltimore, Maryland; currently, Otakon is one of Baltimore’s few large, city­wide events, drawing over 32,000 people for three days each year (for a paid attendance of over 89,000 turnstile attendees). Otakon is a membership based convention sponsored by Otakorp, Inc., a Pennsylvania­based, 501(c)3 educational non­profit whose mission is to promote the appreciation of Asian culture, primarily through its media and entertainment. Otakorp, Inc. is directed by an all­volunteer, unpaid staff – we are run by fans, for fans.

For more information about Otakorp, Inc., see http://www.otakon.com/otakorp/index.asp For more information and the latest news on Otakon 2013, see http://www.otakon.com/

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