In this episode, I discuss my review and impressions of the JTAF 5 (formerly JapanTown Anime Faire) anime convention, held November 10-11, 2007 at the Fort Mason center in San Francisco, CA. On the whole it was an enjoyable convention, but had some notable problems in terms of location and crowd control. Sadly, JTAF is going on hiatus, and have put all plans for next year’s JTAF on hold until further notice. I certainly hope this does not spell the end of what I consider a very friendly and fun convention.

Pictures from the event can be found on my Flickr page, and a highlights video will be posted here soon.

We also discuss some of the latest news in the anime and manga community, including the following stories:

• Yahoo! Japan, eBay to link their USA and Japanese online auction sites
• The Anime Network, Sci Fi Channel add new anime programming
• Anime once again shut out of Annie award nominations
• Media Blasters Confirms USA Release of 2nd Season of Genshiken
• Code Geass to air on American Adult Swim in Spring 2008
• Japanese Anime Studios Confirmed for Batman Animated Video
• Bookstore moves manga section after parent’s complaint
• USA, Japan propose limits on explicit online material
• New Manga series adopts classic American movies
• Japanese spa Yunessun introduces a new twist to the traditional Japanese hot spring (onsen)

Related posts:

1. Episode #0002 – Convention-al Wisdom
2. Episode #0007 – FanimeCon 2009 Review
3. Episode #0003 – Geneon and Anime Cons