Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on February 2011

Not only are leading manga publishers boycotting the government-led Tokyo Anime Fair, they’ve banded together to host their own event—on the same weekend. The Anime Contents Expo brings together publishers incensed by the limits placed on their freedom of expression by Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara’s controversial new anime and manga law (see The Last Word). Backed by groups like Kadokawa and Animate, and enjoying the support of many fans, the event looks set to upstage its hapless competitor.

Anime Contents Expo
Mar 26-27, 9am-6pm, ¥1,500. Makuhari Messe, Chiba. Nearest stn: Kaihin-Makuhari. www.animecontentsexpo.jp