First, what everyone wants to know: No new licenses. They said to look to Anime Boston for new license.
They did give a voice actor list for Kodocha. I know Sana's actress has been announced but I don't know about the others, here's the list they gave us (mods feel free to edit the list for spelling corrections):
Sana: Laura Bailey
Akito: Jerry Jewel
Rei: John Bergmier
Aya: Monica Rial
Babbit: Chris Cason
Mama: Colleen Clinkenbeard
Here's some news that ought to interest a bunch of people: Funimation is actively trying to raise US support for a second season of Fruits Basket. Mostly at conventions where they can interact with people diredctly. Current projects include a photo project, getting pictures taken at cons of people cosplaying, showing of Furuba related craft they've made, etc. These pics will end up being sent to Japan. Another thing they're hoping to get sent (if, and I'm sure they will, get enough) is a Thousand Paper Crane project. For those of you who aren't familiar with the tradition, legend says that if you fold one thousand paper cranes you'll get a wish. To this end, Funimation will have at their convention booths, origami paper and instructions for fans to pick up, so they can fold cranes and bring them back to the table at the con. Once they get enough, they'll send them along with the pictures from the other project off to Hakusensha or whomever is calling the shots on the other side of the pond.
For those wondering about the recasting of Ryoko's voice actor in the 3rd Tenchi OVA, look to Anime Boston for news.
Funimation is trying to showcast at least one upcoming show per convention:
In the Q&A portion of the panel, it was asked about game series that tie into their anime products. As has been said before, they're currently polling for fan interest in the Sakura Taisen (Sakura Wars) games. They would also like to get the Gunslinger Girl games brought over if possible.
More Q&A news:
On the merchansdising front:
There will be new Furuba hats! They showed off both Momiji and Shigure at the panel. They also said there will be a Hatsuha're currently polling for fan interest in ri hat, though they weren't able to bring a protoype to the con. The Hatsuhari hat will be reverable, black/white, and will also have his earrings. These will be availible soemtime in May, aroudn Anime Central.
There will be Furuba shirts appearing at Hot Topic soon. Funimation will also have some shirts availible at conventions that won't be in stores. Also, more Dragonball capsule toys at Suncoasts will be availible at Suncoast soon.
They're also handing out double-sided posters at cons, currently they have availible:
Lastly, Funimation is also starting up a new website called "Funi Girls" to cater to female anime fans. It's not up yet, but they hope to give girls a place to network with other fans, give help on putting together anime clubs, encourage females to get involved with the industry, and generally promote gender equality in fandom.
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