You know, I’ve had a fairly decent day today but even on my best day I couldn’t imagine getting to come home and cap it off like this: Shinichiro Watanabe, also known to fans as Nabeshin, has been announced as the first special guest at this year’s Anime Expo held July 1^st – 4^th in LA. This means that if I had any doubts of hesitation about if I would be going to AX this year, they have completely disappeared.

The director of memorable series from anime history such as Excel Saga, Puni Puni Poemy and The Wallflower; I can’t even begin to describe how much I would love to interview this man and just see the afro in person. Well guess that makes it pretty much official… plans are now being made, money is being saved and the best friend has been notified of that she will be kidnapped for a weekend this summer.

And seriously guys, this is only the first guest that they’ve announced. Anyone want to start forming a wish list for other guests?

Full press release below the cut

Anaheim, CA February 18, 2010 – Anime Expo® 2010 is honored to announce anime director and seiyu Shinichi “Nabeshin” Watanabe as an official Guest of Honor for its July convention.

The United States’ largest anime and manga convention is scheduled for July 1 – 4, 2010 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The famed director will participate in guest panels, meet-and-greets and autograph sessions at the 19th annual Anime Expo.

The charismatic director is among the most well-known anime directors in Japan. Mr. Watanabe is a favorite among fans for his directorial work on Excel Saga, Puni Puni Poemy, The Wallflower, Tenchi Muyo! GXP and Nerima Daikon Brothers along with many other titles. His off-beat comedic take on anime has earned him a huge fan following.

“Anime Expo is thrilled to have Mr. Watanabe join our line-up,” said Convention Chair Joyce Lim. “We are looking forward the excitement that he will bring to our convention!”

In addition to his work as a director, Mr. Watanabe also appears as the voice of Nabeshin. This caricature and his likeness have appeared in such titles as Excel Saga, Puni Puni Poemy, Dotto Koni-Chan, EyeShield, Hayate no Gotoku and Tayutama. Mr. Watanabe frequently appears in public as Nabeshin, so keep a look out for his signature red blazer and afro at Anime Expo 2010!

About Anime Expo®

Anime Expo is located in Los Angeles and is the nation’s largest anime and manga convention. The Expo serves to foster trade, commerce and the interests of the general public and animation industry. This event serves as a key meeting place for the general public to express their interest and explore various aspects of both anime and manga, as well as for members of the industry to conduct business. AX 2010 will be held July 1 – July 4, 2010 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Southern California. More information can be found at www.anime-expo.org.

About the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation

The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to popularize and educate the American public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its entertainment property, Anime Expo®. More information can be found at www.spja.org.