Registration Opens for Anime Expo Lite 2021

Santa Ana, CA, May 12, 2021 – The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) engages the global audience for Japanese pop culture as it announces the dates and format for Anime Expo Lite 2021. The two-day, livestream convention commences on Saturday, July 3rd and continues through July 4th.

Tickets to access this year's Anime Expo Lite programming are $5 each, with all proceeds benefiting the Hate is a Virus commUNITY Action Fund. After the stream ends on July 4th , ticketholders will be able to re-watch the content, as well as access additional programming on a VOD basis from July 5th -16th, 2021.

Registration information:
• Dates - July 3-4, 2021 / 12pm – 8pm (PST)
• Ticket Registration: https://www.tixr.com/groups/animeexpolite/events/anime-expo- lite-2021-benefitting-hate-is-a-virus-23015
• Registration $5 (+ processing fees) – all proceeds to benefit the Hate Is a Virus commUNITY Action Fund

Anime Expo Lite 2021 marks the 30 th Anniversary of the long-running annual convention. This year's programming will feature exclusive streamed content from industry partners such as Bushiroad, Bandai Namco Arts, Crunchyroll, Right Stuf Anime, Viz Media, Sekai Project, WayForward and more soon to be announced! Additional content, programming details and participating brands will be announced in the coming weeks.

To receive Anime Expo Lite new & programming updates, please sign-up at: https://mailchi.mp/anime-expo/lite-2021.

Anime Expo Lite 2021 Programming will Include:
• Panel discussions with industry leaders
• Industry announcements
• Live content
• Exclusive content from Japan
• Q&As
• Community & Educational Segments
• Community Features

“2021 is an important year of transition, of possibilities, of community, and of awareness. Many fans ignited a love for Japanese pop culture during the past year, and millions more deepened these long-held passions even more,” says Ray Chiang, CEO of The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation. “As we mark Anime Expo's 30 th Anniversary this year, we recognize an important opportunity to acknowledge the tremendous social and cultural awakenings that are happening across the country and impacting AAPI communities. As we prepare to engage a global audience with the most extensive roster of online programming we have ever presented, we are honored to also stand with the Hate Is A Virus organization and support the work of the commUNITY Action Fund.”

"Hate Is A Virus began as a grassroots movement in March 2020 when we started to witness a rise in anti-Asian hate crimes,” says Tammy Cho, Co-Founder of Hate Is A Virus. “Remaining silent is not an option. We are working to amplify, educate, and activate AAPI to stand for justice and equality in solidarity with other communities, and are excited to partner with Anime Expo to continue this mission.”

“Hate Is A Virus programs include mental health support and developing effective, community- based solutions for safety, representation, solidarity-building, and much more,” adds Michelle K. Hanabusa, Co-Founder of Hate Is A Virus. “We do this by mobilizing AAPI to participate in local and national campaigns, creating safe spaces for dialogue and education, and providing actionable steps and funding in partnership with trusted community leaders and organizations.”

For more information on Hate Is A Virus, please visit: https://hateisavirus.org/

Anime Expo is the biggest North American fan celebration for Japanese pop culture including anime, TV & film, fashion, video games, manga, dance, live concerts, collectibles, and exclusive convention merchandise, presented as an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages. For more information regarding Anime Expo please visit www.anime-expo.org.

About SPJA
SPJA is a non-profit organization dedicated to popularizing and educating the American public about Japanese entertainment and pop culture, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. For more information, please visit www.spja.org.

About Anime Expo
Anime Expo (AX) brings together fans and industry from Japan, the US, and all over the world for the largest celebration of Japanese pop culture in North America. Taking place every year since 1992, Anime Expo celebrates the best in Japanese entertainment and pop culture. For more information, visit www.anime-expo.org.