Sakura-Con Scheduling Snafu Behind VIZ Panel Mix-Up

For the fans who attended the scheduled "VIZ Media Industry Panel" at Sakura-Con this past Friday, here's the scoop behind the mix-up.

Apparently, the scheduling error was the result of a misprint in the various schedules and posters at the show. According to the official word from VIZ, "VIZ Media was never planned for or confirmed for a panel at Sakura-Con," and so the industry panel was not supposed to be on the schedule in the first place. Sakura-Con organizers are also due to send out notices to the press and post this clarification on their official website soon.

VIZ emphasized that they did have an presence at the show, with the editor for the Haruka manga series on hand to talk about the series along with anime director Aki Tsunaki who was the guest of honor at this year's show.

"All conventions and our participation in some way or another in as many as possible is very important to us," said VIZ Public Relations Director Evelyn Dubocq. "If we are unable to participate in a stand alone VIZ Media panel, we always try our best to send a VIZ Media representative to participate in at least one panel." She continued, "We also send out many screeners, offer give-a-ways and participate in other sponsorships so the fans know we are there for them. Sometimes, it's just impossible to have an entire panel due to conflicting travel schedules for VIZ Media employees."

Catch up with more recently posted manga news from Sakura-Con, including reports from the TokyoPop, Broccoli Books and Dark Horse panels, and a gallery of photo highlights.

Image credit: © VIZ Media, © ANCEA