Who We AreThe Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a organization that works to promote the arts that are related to Japanese Animation and the culture that surrounds it. In order to do so, the SPJA has various ongoing projects that work to achieve this goal. Fueled by the dedication and support of a large workforce of volunteers and dedicated individuals, the SPJA owns properties such as Anime Expo, the largest anime convention in North America.The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation is a 501(c)(6) registered non-profit mutual benefit trade organization. The HistoryThe SPJA is the parent organization for Anime Expo, which started in 1992 in San Jose, California. A direct decendant of AnimeCon in 1991, it grew out of the fan base at the Cal-Animage Berkeley anime club. While AX (as the convention is commonly known) moved from the San Franisco Bay Area in 1994, the offices of the SPJA did not move down to our current location in Anaheim until the late 1990s. Since then, the SPJA has held AX in Anaheim, Long Beach, and most recently downtown Los Angeles in the US, and has also cooperated with other organizations to hold events in New York City and Tokyo, Japan.Our Core ValuesWe believe that our organization should be founded on basic principles that guide our contribution to society. We, the SPJA, believe in:
Our VisionWe strive to be an organization that enriches lives by becoming an integral part of the relationship between Japanese and American popular culture by servicing our fans, our peers, and the industry through the fostering of innovation and talent in order to create and steer a generation where Japanese culture has become accepted and integrated into American life.Our MissionThe Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization with a mission to popularize and educate the American public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans.The primary objectives and purposes of the SPJA is to:
The LeadershipBoard of DirectorsWhile the organization is primarily comprised of volunteer members and staff, there are Board Directors that develop and oversee the vision, strategy, and policy of the organization. The Board of Directors consists of non-paid, elected members. If you are interested in applying for a position on the Board of Directors, please contact the Membership Committee for more details.
Marc Perez
Board Chairman Governance Committee Paul Wilson
Board Vice-Chairman Governance Committee Chair
Michael Lattanzio
Board President
Bryant Quan
Board Treasurer Finance Committee Chair
Hank Wong
Interim Secretary Audit Committee Chair
H. Roderic Onodera
Board Director Audit Committee Executive Leadership In addition to the Board of Directors, the Executive Leadership of the organization consists of a team of individuals who are essential in the development, operation, and overall success of the organization. Michael Lattanzio President and Chief Executive Officer
Saied (Steve) Rezayat Chief Financial Officer |
In this section: About Us The History Our Core Values Our Vision Our Mission The Leadership Related Files Related Links Board Meeting Minutes Policies and Procedures Committee Charters |
