Anime NYC to Host "Infini-T Force" Screening with Producer Kaz Haruna

By Justin D Williams

Anime NYC powered by Crunchyroll today announced Kaz Haruna, Producer of Tatsunoko Production’s highly-anticipated “Infinit-T Force,” will appear as a Guest of Honor in partnership with the largest manga and anime publisher in America, VIZ Media. VIZ Media will present an “Infinit-T Force” screening at the convention in addition to a panel featuring Haruna and an autograph signing for fans.

Anime NYC is a Japanese pop culture convention coming to the Javits Center (655 W. 34th St.) November 17-19, bringing fans together with creators and companies from across America and Japan. Kaz Haruna and VIZ Media’s “Infinit-T Force” events are the latest high profile features added at the show, which also includes highlights such as a day-long tribute to “Sailor Moon”; the U.S. premieres of the live-action “Fullmetal Alchemist” and Gundam Thunderbolt: Bandit Flower” films; the NYC Ramen Summit showcasing globally-renowned ramen chefs; and the Anime Diva Night concert starring exciting performers straight from Tokyo.

“Infini-T Force,” created in celebration of Tatsunoko Production’s 55th anniversary, pulls together four of the studio’s most iconic characters, creating a team-up of legendary Japanese heroes Gatchaman, Tekkaman, Hurricane Polimar, and Casshan. Tatsunoko Production is one of Japan’s oldest animation studios and pioneered the industry with memorable hits like “Speed Racer” and “Gatchaman,” and their new “Infini-T Force” presents a look into anime’s technological future with its use of 3D CGI.

As part of VIZ Media’s “Infini-T Force” panel, Haruna will be joined onstage by noted classic anime expert Mike Toole, where they will discuss both Tatsunoko and “Infini-T Force’"s unique places in anime history. Anime NYC’s “Infini-T Force” schedule is as follows:

  • “Infini-T Force” Special Screening - Fri, Nov 17 - 7 PM - Panel Room 1
  • Inside the Action of “Infini-T Force” with Kaz Haruna - Sat, Nov 18 - 2 PM - Panel Room 1
  • “Infini-T Force” Signing with Kaz Haruna - Sat, Nov 18 - 4:30 PM - Autograph Room

“We’re honored to work with VIZ Media to present Kaz Haruna, Mike Toole, and ‘Infini-T Force’ at Anime NYC,” said Peter Tatara, Anime NYC’s Show Director. “Truly a special event, ‘Infini-T Force’ celebrates the past half-century of Japanese animation, and we’re excited to bring this tribute to New York City!

“VIZ Media is thrilled to bring the excitement and action of ‘Infini-T Force’ to Anime NYC’s inaugural event,” said Charlene Ingram, VIZ Media’s Director of Animation Marketing. “We’re looking forward to meeting all the fans in the Big Apple for a special inside look of Tatsunoko’s anniversary project and the classic heroes featured."

VIZ Media’s “Infini-T Force” events are exclusively open to Anime NYC attendees, with tickets to the convention available now at www.animenyc.com. Anime NYC passes range from $35-60.

In addition to Kaz Haruna, Anime NYC’s guests include Fumihiko Sori, Masaki Tachibana, Naruyoshi Kikuchi, Yoko Ishida, Chihiro Yonekura, TRUE, Cherami Leigh, Cristina Vee, Danny Choo, LeSean Thomas, and Stephanie Sheh, and its partners and sponsors include VIZ Media, Crunchyroll, Funimation, Kinokuniya, Kodansha, Sentai Filmworks, SUNRISE, Tokyo Otaku Mode, Vertical Inc, and Yen Press.