CATDOLL: What are the possibilities for Japanese animation in the future? Anno Hideaki announces a new project

As the supervisor of masterpieces such as "Neon Genesis Evangelion", Mr. Hideaki Anno has always been very concerned about the development possibilities of Japanese animation. At the 27th Tokyo International Film Festival held on October 26, he officially announced a new plan - "Japanese Animation Exhibition".

"Japan Anime Expo" is a short animation series project jointly implemented by the animation production company Khara and the operator of the NICONICO video website DWANGO. Within the established budget and time, animators are free to produce various short animations regardless of genre, and then release one episode every Friday. No account or fee is required to watch the distribution, and it can be watched through the official website or official smartphone software. The first distribution is scheduled for November 7th, and the work is called "Dragon Dentist" (龍の歯医者). This work is mainly created by novelist Mr. Maishiro Otaro and animation producer Mr. Tsurumaki Kazuya. This film is also Mr. Maishiro Otaro's debut as an animation director. In terms of voice actors, it is currently known that well-known voice actors Yamadera Koichi and Hayashibara Megumi will join the production. ".

In addition to original animations, the "Japan Anime Exhibition" also accepts the production of spin-off animations, promotional animations, music videos and other types of works. When talking about the concept of the project, DWANGO and Khara said: "We will provide a 'free creation platform' that does not restrict creative expression, and explore the possibilities of planning and development, research and development, and talent training in the process of Japanese animation production." DWANGO's President Kawakami Kosei also said: "We have not considered breaking even."

When talking about the background of the project, director Hideaki Anno expressed his concerns about the animation industry: "The Japanese animation industry has reached a dead end. We need to create new things in a way that does not consider business. I think it is not too late now." DWANGO is in a position to assist in the distribution of works in this project. It is said that because Chairman Kawakami is one of the directors of Khara, he has undertaken technical work such as distribution. Khara will be responsible for the animation production, and DWANGO will be responsible for the official website and official software.

The planned works will focus on short animations of about 5 to 6 minutes, and 30 works have been scheduled to be produced. Director Anno said, "If there is nothing special, I will not interfere with the production." Although the list of directors and production staff for future works has not yet been announced, President Kawakami is very confident about this: "The production team is still quite luxurious."

The press conference also mentioned the "Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo" series, which is currently in production, to which Director Anno responded: "I am working hard on it, but if we don't explore the possibilities of Japanese animation, the industry will be ruined. I plan to do something different before going back to "Evangelion"."