The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, the organization behind the annual Anime Expo, has anounced the winners of the 2008 SPJA Awards. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya turned up a big winner as Anime Expo attendees voted for their favorites in a number of categories including voice acting, character design and background design. The series picked up a total of six awards during the convention, which took place over the weekend at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
This year’s Anime Expo featured such guests of honor as up and coming director Masahiro Ando, popular American voice actor David Hayter, famed POKEMON director Masamitsu Hidaka, the dynamic duo known as Jyukai, renowned animator Hiromi Kato, celebrated veteran voice actor Toshihiko Seki, new Japanese “It-Girl” Shokotan and legendary character designer Takada Akemi. For more information on the event, go to www.anime-expo.org. Also check out AXBackstage (www.axbackstage.org) for exclusive interviews with guests, video coverage of convention activities, photos, news and other goodies.
2008 Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation Awards Winners:
Best Voice Actor (Japanese)
Tomokazu Sugita for The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
Best Voice Actor (English)
Alessandro Juliani for DEATHNOTE
Best Voice Actress (Japanese)
Aya Hirano for The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya Haruhi Suzumiya
Best Voice Actress (English)
Laura Bailey for Shin-chan Shin-chan
Best Casting Director
Kaeko Sakamoto for The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
Best Character Design
Shoko Ikeda from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
Best Mechanical Design
Eureka 7 (Staff includes Shoji Kawamori)
Best Male Character
Ichigo Kurosaki for Bleach
Best Female Character
Haruhi Suzumiya from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
Best Mascot Character
Mokona Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles
Best Background Design
Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Sunrise
Best Original Video
Hellsing Ultimate Geneon Entertainment
Best Feature Film
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time from Bandai Ent.
Best Television Series
DEATHNOTE Viz Media
Best Original Score
Naruto Toshio Masuda & Musashi Project Aniplex
Best Original Song
“Hare Hare Yukai” from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya Aya Hirano, Minori Chihara, and Yuko Goto Lantis
Best Director
Mary Elizabeth McGlynn Naruto
Best Manga – Action
Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles from CLAMP and Del Rey Manga
Best Manga – Comedy
Negima! from Ken Akamatsu and Del Rey Manga
Best Manga – Drama
Eureka Seven from Jinsei Kataoka / Kazuma Kondou and Bandai Ent.
Best Publication
Newtype from Kadokawa Shoten
