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Opening Ceremonies Attendees crowded into the Grand Ballroom to get a first glimpse of what the con would have in store for them. Seated on two tables on the stage were the seventeen Guests of Honor, who were introduced to the enthusiastic fans. Each said a few brief words as an introduction, and voice actress Fukami Rica surprised everyone by doing one of Sailor Mars' lines from the English version of SAILOR MOON. (Remember that she was the Japanese voice of Sailor Venus!) Then, as has become AX tradition, the daruma symbolizing a successful convention was brought out, and the first eye was filled in. Mike Tatsugawa announced that this year's Honorary Chairman would be veteran voice actor and annual visitor Kamiya Akira. After receiving Mr. Kamiya declared the convention open.

Exhibit Hall - The Dealer's Room The Exhibit Hall grew even bigger this year -- with more booths than in the past. The Hall was completely sold out. And for a time, it looked as if all was going well. However, Friday night, the Anaheim Police Department arrived at the Disneyland Hotel. They began to go through the Exhibit Hall and insist that certain items be removed from display (including items that contained nudity or implied sexual content). The exhibitors were also subjected to another inspection on Saturday morning before the Exhibit Hall could open, delaying the opening from 10:00am to just before noon. However, finally everyone was satisfied and the Hall opened to brisk business, as usual. Several exhibitors, however, were displeased by this turn of events, and voluntarily left the convention early.

There have been many rumors as to the cause of why the Anaheim Police were called, but so far no definitive statements have been issued by either the SPJA, the organization that sponsors Anime Expo, or the Disneyland Hotel. So any stories or information circulating on the internet are hearsay at best and gossip at worst. Needless to say, this left a great deal of anger and frustration in its wake, and the fact that no definitive answer has been given has caused the rumor mill to continue working overtime.