Crowds of anime fans along with industry cast and crew gathered at Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, California last night for the We Heart Japan charity fund raising event on behalf of victims of the March quake and tsunami. Donated artwork and collectibles were auctioned with all proceeds going toward the Japan NGO Earthquake Relief and Recovery Fund operated by the Japan Center for International Exchange.

Images:

1. Anime voice actress and event organizer Stephanie Sheh with a group of cosplayers.

2. Autographed anime and Scott Pilgrim collectibles were among the prizes given away by the charity raffle.

3. Volunteers sort through boxes of swag donated by the anime industry.

4. The staff organize the crowd forming on Sunset Boulevard in front of Meltdown Comics before the event.

5. Fans line up to meet the actors from the anime industry.

6. Tony Oliver (Naruto, Power Rangers, Robotech) and Melanie MacQueen (My Neighbor Totoro, Robotech, Sol Bianca) at the autograph table.

7. Documentary crews record the event.

8. Actor Richard Epcar (Ghost in the Shell, Lupin III, Ninja Scroll) at the charity auction.

9. Anime fan Guillermo Patino shows off what he won at the auction.

10. Actress Tara Platt (Naruto) holds up a donation jar at the autograph tables.

• Click here for video interviews from the event.

For more information:

• We Heart Japan

• Japan NGO Earthquake Relief and Recovery Fund