Yutaka Yamamoto, or as commonly nicknamed Yamakan, is a guest of honor at Otakon 2009.

This is big news because he's one of the promising up-and-coming directors who has already made a big splash (especially in terms of dollars and cents) on the scene through his Lucky Star and Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. Haruhi, in particular, was his first big project at Kyoto Animation as he oversaw the entire series.

Yamakan is known for his live-action-like directorial style, which works wonders in better-budgeted OP/ED sequences. Haruhi's dancing ending is probably the most widely known example of his work. After his departure with Kyoto Animation, Yamakan most notably directed Aniplex's Kannagi: Crazy Shrine Maidens. The same animation style breathes through the show and it's probably why the director of Kannagi is here in the US this summer.

Yamamoto is a pretty awesome guest that you will not want to miss out on if you want to keep up with the latest wave of Japanese animators. Otakon is just over a month away, so get going already! You know we'll be there!