Lotus Juice, a rap pioneer known for his Japanese anime and game music, and Hirata Shihoko, a singer heard on the game “Persona 4,” will both perform at the 2016 Otakon Matsuri.

One of the pioneers in rap for official Japanese anime and game music, Lotus Juice draws inspiration from 90’s hip-hop, J-Pop, dub, rock, comedy, love and many more. He is well-known for his works with Shoji Meguro from Atlus Japan, ripping the mic on the track “Mass Destruction” on the game “Persona 3.” He has been traveling around the world from Argentina, Mexico, to the USA, performing at anime and game conventions in front of his international fans. His unique flow has caught the attention of Taque Iwasaki, and their collaboration has gained substantial recognition. He is currently working on his third album.

Lotus Juice provided music for much of the “Persona” series, including multiple theme songs for “Persona 3: The Movie OST”; “Persona 3 The Movie: Falling Down” main theme song, “Light In Starless Sky”; “Persona 3 The Movie: Summer Knight’s Dream” main theme song, “Fate is in Our Hands”; “Persona 3” (“Mass Destruction,” “Deep Breath Deep Breath,” “Burn My Dread – Last Battle”); “Persona 3 Fes” (“P3 Fes,” “Mass Destruction – P3fes Version”); “Persona 3 Portable” (“Wiping All Out”); “Persona 2 OP”(“Unbreakable Tie”); “Persona: Trinity Soul” (“Reverse The Destiny,” “Soul Drive”); “Persona 4: The Animation” (“Sky’s The Limit,” “Key Plus Words,” “Beauty Of Destiny.”)

His work for anime includes: “Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure”; “Soul Eater”; “Noragami”; “The Irregular At Magic High School”; “Black Butler”; “Katanagatari”; “Kamisama No Memo Cho”; “C”; “Persona 4 Animation”; “Persona 4 Animation Golden”; “Magic Kaito”; “Bungo Stray Dogs.”

Shihoko Hirata’s adorable soft-spoken personality may deceive you in person; but when she is on stage, her voice illuminates the venue with power and soul. She grew up listening to mainly funk and soul, and her talent was recognized by Shoji Meguro in his works for “Persona 4.” The game has gained international recognition and is still loved by many fans around the world. The soundtrack to “Persona 4” earned a Nihon Gold Disc Award for Soundtrack.

The Otakon Matsuri is an outdoor street festival that will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
on Thursday, August 11 at Baltimore’s beautiful West Shore Park at the Inner Harbor. Admission is free to both the Otakorp membership as well as to the general public. The event features many attractions to keep attendees well-occupied: games, contests, prizes, live entertainment, great food, and even Otakon guests, who have been known to stop by and take part in the festivities.

Otakon 2016 will be held August 12-14 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, MD.