Yoko Ishida to do mall tour

kymaera · Post by **kymaera** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 2:34 pm

Unfortunately, not one near me, but thought others might be luckier.

LONG BEACH, Calif. – Geneon Entertainment, a leader in introducing anime to the United States, announced today that it is partnering with Musicland to produce the Anime Fusion tour, a national mall tour featuring Japanese singing sensation Yoko Ishida. Yoko is well-known among anime fans as the voice behind the theme songs of many best-selling anime titles. She will perform in Suncoast and Media Play locations throughout the country along with the Para Para dancers, who embody the dance craze unleashed by the red-hot Para Para Paradise videogames.
“This is the first time that anime has truly crossed over to become an entertainment event in mainstream retail locations,” said Mark Roche, VP of Marketing, Geneon Entertainment. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Musicland to help satisfy American fans’ appetite for Japanese pop culture and bring this talented artist to the attention of a wider audience.”
Geneon and Musicland will combine efforts to promote the in-store events through advertising in major anime publications, a viral online marketing campaign, in-store signage, flyers and a public relations campaign. In addition, Geneon will undertake a merchandise initiative in each store to include displays of DVDs, CDs and other products featuring Yoko Ishida and the Para Para Max franchise.
The tour schedule is as follows (subject to change):

Part 1 – East Coast
September 3, 2005 – Mall of America in Minneapolis, MN
September 10, 2005 – Lynnhaven Mall in Virginia Beach, VA
September 17, 2005 – Jacksonville Mall in Jacksonville, NC
September 23-25, 2005 – Anime Weekend Atlanta, GA
September 30, 2005 – Amherst in Buffalo, NY*
October 2, 2005 – Manhattan Mall in New York City, NY

Part 2 – West Coast
January 7, 2006 – Westlake Shopping Center in Seattle WA
January 14, 2006 – Family Center Mid-Valley Mall in Salt Lake City, UT*
January 21, 2006 – Brookhill Shopping Center in Denver, CO*
January 28, 2006 – Mission Valley Center in San Diego, CA
February 4, 2006 – Ingram Park Mall in San Antonio, TX
All tour dates are in Suncoast stores, except for asterisked cities, which are in Media Play locations.

Tabbykitty · Post by **Tabbykitty** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 9:42 am

wow-they are actually hitting washington!!! I am speechless!

although it is in westlake center-bleh, the tiny cramped 4 story mall in the heart of downtown seattle-parking is a nightmare. Still, I may have to go just on principle-thanks for the info!

blueheaven · Post by **blueheaven** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 3:27 pm

Saw her perform at AX 2004 and really enjoyed it. Even bought her CD, Sweets. Great voice.

kira · Post by **kira** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 8:21 pm

i get the feeling that excludes this state. have to go look at suncoast.