Akihabara

Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso made a speech on the streets of Akihabara after announcing his decision to participate in the Liberal Democratic Party presidential election. A big fan of manga himself, Aso's speech at Akihibara received immense support from young anime/manga enthusiasts, with close to 10,000 people present toward the end of the speech. Video of the event can be found on YouTube.

In order to promote the "Akihabara Parapara Manga Festa" contest taking place between 7/3 - 10/31, mangaka Yaku Mitsuru appeared at a public presentation with Aki Hoshino, who dressed up as a maid.

A "Parapara Manga" is a comic book where the reader flips through the pages rapidly so the pictures appear to be moving.