More guests join Kawaii Kon

If you're like me and couldn't make it out to Kawaii Kon's meet-and-greet event earlier this month, take heart: Information from that preview of next year's anime convention at the Ala Moana Hotel is slowly trickling out.

Chris Macedonio, the convention's assistant director of events and guest relations, passed along the following new confirmed guests:

» Monica Rial, an actress who has done voice work for numerous ADV Films and Funimation productions. This will be Rial's second appearance at Kawaii Kon.

» Sean Schimmel, the English voice of Goku in the various incarnations of the "Dragon Ball" franchise.

» Matthew Crouch, an art director at Cartoon Network who designs print campaigns for the network's series, from T-shirts to ads and everything in between.

The announcement of Schimmel strikes me as the most intriguing, as it means the lead actors of two of the most popular anime series in the past 10 years -- Vic Mignogna, the voice of Edward Elric in "Fullmetal Alchemist," being the other -- are now scheduled to appear at the same convention. It's a definite draw for fans, to be sure.

For more information on the April 14-16 event, go to www.kawaiikon.com ...

Party time!

The holiday season is in full swing, and so are the parties. And there's no better way I can think of to start off the season than with a bunch of anime and manga fans.

Oahu Anime Explorer is planning an affair featuring an all-you-can-eat sushi bar at the Harbor Ridge Condo Recreation Center at 3045 Ala Napuaa Place in Salt Lake.

Cost is $15 per person, payable at OK Anime, 535 Ward Ave., Suite 107. For more information or directions, visit www.oahuanimeexplorer.com.

Time for me to take another quick vacation -- see you again Dec. 12 ...

Cel Shaded, a look at the world of Japanese anime and manga, appears every Monday. E-mail Jason S. Yadao at jyadao@starbulletin.com