Japanese pop star Ai Kawashima is coming to NYC to perform at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Sakura Matsuri on May 2-3, but for fans who can't wait, Kinokuniya Bookstore (1073 Avenue of the Americas) will be holding a special meet and greet with Ai on Friday, May 1! Ai's a chart topping singer, best selling author, and budding seiyuu, and she'll be spending the evening before her Sakura Matsuri concert with fans at Kinokuniya!

4 PM - One Piece Screening

One Piece: The Desert Princess and the Pirates - Adventure in Alabasta features the voice of Ai Kawashima in the role of Mayday as well as in the film's ending theme. Take in this film - courtesy of FUNimation - prior to Ai's arrival.

5:30 PM - Ai Kawashima Appearance

Ai comes to Kinokuniya to speak about her life, music, fans, and coming to America.

Ai is a rising star in the world of Japanese music, and you definitely don't want to miss this rare opportunity to meet her in NYC. I'll see you at Kinokuniya on May 1!