Tokyo Passes Censorship Law
According to Japan Times, Japanamerica, and Anime News Network have reported that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government passed an ordinance in the regulation of material not suitable for people under the age of 18. What is most troubling about this law is the restricting and censoring mature material in Anime and Manga, but not re-life adult erotica. Many major publishers, such as Shogakukan, Kodansha, and Kadokawa Shoten have decided not to attend Tokyo International Anime Fair 2011.
I have personally been a strong supporter of TAF since 2006, but in the light of recent events I have to join my fellow professionals in not attending TAF in protest of the censorship law. Until the Tokyo Metropolitan Government reverses the ordinance many foreign artists and publishers might consider taking their business in other cities in Japan, such as Yokohama or Osaka.
For many people in the animation and comic industries this serves as a wake up call that government interfering in the affairs of artists will have serious repercussions. TAF and maybe Comiket are the victims of such acts. Hopefully cooler heads will prevail and the ordinance will be reversed. If not, expect an empty Big Site when TAF 2011 rolls around.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Monday, November 01, 2010
King of Thorn @ JICC on November 11 @ 6:30pm
The Japan Information and Culture Center has a viewing of "King of Thorn" on November 11.
King of Thorn is created by Yuji Iwahara. This intriguing scifi series details the story of the survivors after awaken after a century of sleep to ward off a deadly virus called the "Medusa," which turns people into stone. But... did can they awaken from the nightmare that awaits them?
Seating is limited, so please register as soon as possible.
...if you dare....
The Japan Information and Culture Center has a viewing of "King of Thorn" on November 11.
King of Thorn is created by Yuji Iwahara. This intriguing scifi series details the story of the survivors after awaken after a century of sleep to ward off a deadly virus called the "Medusa," which turns people into stone. But... did can they awaken from the nightmare that awaits them?
Seating is limited, so please register as soon as possible.
...if you dare....
Friday, October 15, 2010
Spirited Away @ JICC Oct. 27
The Japan Information and Cultural Center will have a screening of the Miyazaki film, "Spirited Away" or "Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi." The screening will be at 6:30pm at the JICC. Since the event will be near Halloween, the JICC encourages all participants to wear a Halloween costume.
The JICC is located at:
Japan Information and Culture Center
1155 21st St., NW
Lafayette Center III
Washington, DC 20036
Metro: (Orange Line) Foggy Bottom Station. (between 21st St. NW and L St. NW).
You can register here.
Have a spooky time there. ^_^
The Japan Information and Cultural Center will have a screening of the Miyazaki film, "Spirited Away" or "Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi." The screening will be at 6:30pm at the JICC. Since the event will be near Halloween, the JICC encourages all participants to wear a Halloween costume.
The JICC is located at:
Japan Information and Culture Center
1155 21st St., NW
Lafayette Center III
Washington, DC 20036
Metro: (Orange Line) Foggy Bottom Station. (between 21st St. NW and L St. NW).
You can register here.
Have a spooky time there. ^_^
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Friday, October 08, 2010
ENOUGH!!!!
Instead of writing about anime and other things about pop-culture I have decided to write something close to my heart, bullying. Bullying has been a constant problem in schools for a very long time. Now, it has become an issue where young children are committing suicide.
As a teacher I find it quite troubling. As an educator, we all have upheld an oath to “do no harm” and “to protect the child.” More must be done by administrators and teachers to curb this rampant problem. This is something that can’t be tolerated anymore. The victims and bullies are children, they need more guidance. Maybe requiring all troubled students to have a mentor. This has worked wonders for after school programs, such as the Boys/Girls Club and Big Brothers/Sisters program.
I have witnessed bullying first hand as a victim and the bully. I have vowed not to be a bully to someone who is different than me. I was taught at an early age that picking on someone who is different is a wrong thing. I understand that some of the bullies are often victims of being bullied by older people. When I lived in Japan bullying has been the number one issue in all schools in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. Suicide was a rampant concern, such as children jumping in front of trains or falling off buildings. The Tokyo Government has tried to increase the number of counselors to help the students. That is a first step, but more must be done.
I don’t have all the answers, just suggestions. Maybe you can try and find someone who you can trust, such as a school counselor or a trusted teacher. To the bully, all I can say is this about your actions. There is a Wicca saying that I always remember, “Those who speak ill of others will be brought upon them tenfold.”
I hope this has helped soothed your wounds and made you strong. As a victim of being bullying, all I can say is this, “YOU ARE NEVER ALONE….”
Instead of writing about anime and other things about pop-culture I have decided to write something close to my heart, bullying. Bullying has been a constant problem in schools for a very long time. Now, it has become an issue where young children are committing suicide.
As a teacher I find it quite troubling. As an educator, we all have upheld an oath to “do no harm” and “to protect the child.” More must be done by administrators and teachers to curb this rampant problem. This is something that can’t be tolerated anymore. The victims and bullies are children, they need more guidance. Maybe requiring all troubled students to have a mentor. This has worked wonders for after school programs, such as the Boys/Girls Club and Big Brothers/Sisters program.
I have witnessed bullying first hand as a victim and the bully. I have vowed not to be a bully to someone who is different than me. I was taught at an early age that picking on someone who is different is a wrong thing. I understand that some of the bullies are often victims of being bullied by older people. When I lived in Japan bullying has been the number one issue in all schools in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. Suicide was a rampant concern, such as children jumping in front of trains or falling off buildings. The Tokyo Government has tried to increase the number of counselors to help the students. That is a first step, but more must be done.
I don’t have all the answers, just suggestions. Maybe you can try and find someone who you can trust, such as a school counselor or a trusted teacher. To the bully, all I can say is this about your actions. There is a Wicca saying that I always remember, “Those who speak ill of others will be brought upon them tenfold.”
I hope this has helped soothed your wounds and made you strong. As a victim of being bullying, all I can say is this, “YOU ARE NEVER ALONE….”
Friday, August 27, 2010
The passing of a great master
I know many anime fans already know about Satoshi Kon passing away on tuesday (August 24, 2010). There are many fans who are new to anime and don't quite understand why Mr. Kon was so important to the animation industry. Like many great animation directors, Osamu Tezuka and Hayao Miyazaki come to mind, Mr. Kon was a great story teller. With his use of the pen he wrote so many memorable characters. As an animator this is quite difficult to maintain good stories. Mr. Kon and other members of Madhouse thrived in making top quality animation.
I remember meeting Mr. Kon back in 2006. I was living in Tokyo at the time. I was waiting to watch a screening of Mr. Kon's film, "Paprika." The theater was located in Ikebukuro's Sunshine City shopping complex. It was a small theater, but it was very well maintained. I caught the afternoon show. There weren't that many people in the theater. I sat down in the lobby with a few other fans and chatted with one or two of them. As I was waiting I noticed a man in a suit, glasses, and a long ponytail. It took me a few seconds to know who that person was. I stood up, smiled and bowed to him. I think he smiled too, but I don't remember. He asked one of his assistants to bring a few movie fliers to him. He took out a pen and signed all of the copies and gave it to us. I smile and bowed again. He then disappeared, like a magician. I later heard that Mr. Kon was in Shinjuku for a larger premiere. I guess he was passing buy. I was still happy to see him. I saw him again in 2008 at Tokyo International Anime Fair. I bowed to him when he walked by. I think he waved back to me.
I am sure you will probably hear similar stories like the one I said above. Being in animation production is very difficult and time consuming. If you love it, then by all means go for it. But just be warned you might be in more than you bargained for. That is one of the underlying messages Mr. Kon sometimes shows in his films. Just be humble and you will go far.
He will be sorely missed.
I know many anime fans already know about Satoshi Kon passing away on tuesday (August 24, 2010). There are many fans who are new to anime and don't quite understand why Mr. Kon was so important to the animation industry. Like many great animation directors, Osamu Tezuka and Hayao Miyazaki come to mind, Mr. Kon was a great story teller. With his use of the pen he wrote so many memorable characters. As an animator this is quite difficult to maintain good stories. Mr. Kon and other members of Madhouse thrived in making top quality animation.
I remember meeting Mr. Kon back in 2006. I was living in Tokyo at the time. I was waiting to watch a screening of Mr. Kon's film, "Paprika." The theater was located in Ikebukuro's Sunshine City shopping complex. It was a small theater, but it was very well maintained. I caught the afternoon show. There weren't that many people in the theater. I sat down in the lobby with a few other fans and chatted with one or two of them. As I was waiting I noticed a man in a suit, glasses, and a long ponytail. It took me a few seconds to know who that person was. I stood up, smiled and bowed to him. I think he smiled too, but I don't remember. He asked one of his assistants to bring a few movie fliers to him. He took out a pen and signed all of the copies and gave it to us. I smile and bowed again. He then disappeared, like a magician. I later heard that Mr. Kon was in Shinjuku for a larger premiere. I guess he was passing buy. I was still happy to see him. I saw him again in 2008 at Tokyo International Anime Fair. I bowed to him when he walked by. I think he waved back to me.
I am sure you will probably hear similar stories like the one I said above. Being in animation production is very difficult and time consuming. If you love it, then by all means go for it. But just be warned you might be in more than you bargained for. That is one of the underlying messages Mr. Kon sometimes shows in his films. Just be humble and you will go far.
He will be sorely missed.
Monday, August 02, 2010
Animicon Soho
First off I wanted to thank the staff and volunteers at animinicon Soho for organizing a great mini con. I am honored to be considered a guest. Organizing a first time con is always hard, but at least you guys know what to do next year. Congrats and I hope to come to your con next year.
First off I wanted to thank the staff and volunteers at animinicon Soho for organizing a great mini con. I am honored to be considered a guest. Organizing a first time con is always hard, but at least you guys know what to do next year. Congrats and I hope to come to your con next year.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Anime's future in doubt to some.
Otaku2 wrote an fascinating article on the future of anime. Sato Dai, one of the writers behind "Cowboy Beebop" and "Ergo Proxy" has major concerns on the industry as a whole.
I for one agree with Sato-san. The animation industry in Japan is a joke. Many of the good stories that were well known to anime fans in the 80-90's are now dried up. The stories seem to repeat over and over again. It breaks my heart to read about how the industry is loosing ideas or not sharing their techniques to other Asian Countries.
On the other hand many of the US animation studios are learning from their mistakes of the past and producing some quality content, especially on TV with Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon. One huge mistake was laying off a majority of their work force during the "Dot Com" bust of the late 90's.
Robot Chicken comes to mind as great original show. Using a combination of stop motion animation and great writing. The show uses many references to pop-culture and also keeping the audience entertained is a difficult thing to do. I think the Japanese equivalent of Robot Chicken is "The World of Golden Eggs." The show uses rotascoping and some brilliant funny writing. Though this show is in the minority.
If the Japanese Anime industry wants to shoot themselves in the foot, they only have themselves to blame.
Something needs to be done to bring back Anime.
Otaku2 wrote an fascinating article on the future of anime. Sato Dai, one of the writers behind "Cowboy Beebop" and "Ergo Proxy" has major concerns on the industry as a whole.
I for one agree with Sato-san. The animation industry in Japan is a joke. Many of the good stories that were well known to anime fans in the 80-90's are now dried up. The stories seem to repeat over and over again. It breaks my heart to read about how the industry is loosing ideas or not sharing their techniques to other Asian Countries.
On the other hand many of the US animation studios are learning from their mistakes of the past and producing some quality content, especially on TV with Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon. One huge mistake was laying off a majority of their work force during the "Dot Com" bust of the late 90's.
Robot Chicken comes to mind as great original show. Using a combination of stop motion animation and great writing. The show uses many references to pop-culture and also keeping the audience entertained is a difficult thing to do. I think the Japanese equivalent of Robot Chicken is "The World of Golden Eggs." The show uses rotascoping and some brilliant funny writing. Though this show is in the minority.
If the Japanese Anime industry wants to shoot themselves in the foot, they only have themselves to blame.
Something needs to be done to bring back Anime.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Tokyo Residency Program for Foreign Animators Launched
Anime News Network wrote an interesting piece on how The Japan Image Council (JAPIC) and the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs created a program for foreign animators.
I am cautiously optimistic on this program. I am just afraid some young animator will think this will be their chance to work as an animator in Japan. Only to realize that they will be a shell of his or her former selves. That's what happens to people who work overseas. You might get married and have a ton of kid. On the other hand you might be poorer than you were before. These are the realities many artists face when they are given "a once in a lifetime opportunity."
The US Embassy in Japan has some information about working in Japan. You first need to know your rights when you are working for a foreign government. I would look carefully under the heading "Contracts" and "Information for Americans with work-related issues." A lot of kids get suckered into working for companies. The Japanese government is no different.
You can take my advise or leave it. The choice is up to you.
Anime News Network wrote an interesting piece on how The Japan Image Council (JAPIC) and the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs created a program for foreign animators.
I am cautiously optimistic on this program. I am just afraid some young animator will think this will be their chance to work as an animator in Japan. Only to realize that they will be a shell of his or her former selves. That's what happens to people who work overseas. You might get married and have a ton of kid. On the other hand you might be poorer than you were before. These are the realities many artists face when they are given "a once in a lifetime opportunity."
The US Embassy in Japan has some information about working in Japan. You first need to know your rights when you are working for a foreign government. I would look carefully under the heading "Contracts" and "Information for Americans with work-related issues." A lot of kids get suckered into working for companies. The Japanese government is no different.
You can take my advise or leave it. The choice is up to you.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Four immigrants
sfmike wrote an interesting blog article on Henry Kiyama's manga Four Immigrants.
The manga was found by Fredrick Schodt and released by Stone Bridge Press back in 1998. I received a copy of the book from Stone Bridge in 1999 for my club METRO ANIME.
I think a lot of what Mr. Kiyama wrote is still relevant today. Like problems with new immigrants coming and working in the US.
Give the book a try. You might learn something new.
sfmike wrote an interesting blog article on Henry Kiyama's manga Four Immigrants.
The manga was found by Fredrick Schodt and released by Stone Bridge Press back in 1998. I received a copy of the book from Stone Bridge in 1999 for my club METRO ANIME.
I think a lot of what Mr. Kiyama wrote is still relevant today. Like problems with new immigrants coming and working in the US.
Give the book a try. You might learn something new.
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Animinicon Soho
I have been graciously invited by the organizing people at Animinicon SoHo to appear as a guest, which will be held later this month (July 30 to August 1). I am humbled and honored to be invited. I am also equally excited about hanging around Lower Manhattan. Keep your eyes peeled for updated news.
I have been graciously invited by the organizing people at Animinicon SoHo to appear as a guest, which will be held later this month (July 30 to August 1). I am humbled and honored to be invited. I am also equally excited about hanging around Lower Manhattan. Keep your eyes peeled for updated news.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
For those following football, it's a good day to be a fan!
I am a huge football (soccer) fan. I am happy the teams I support (USA, Rep. Korea, Japan) are all in the next round of the "World Cup". The World Cup brings a lot of fans from all over the world together to watch the universal sport of football, futbol, soccer.
I can't wait to see what the next round will be in store.
This is also significant because Japan and Rep. Korea were co-organizers of the 2002 world cup. I wish all the teams good luck in the next couple of weeks.
^_^
I am a huge football (soccer) fan. I am happy the teams I support (USA, Rep. Korea, Japan) are all in the next round of the "World Cup". The World Cup brings a lot of fans from all over the world together to watch the universal sport of football, futbol, soccer.
I can't wait to see what the next round will be in store.
This is also significant because Japan and Rep. Korea were co-organizers of the 2002 world cup. I wish all the teams good luck in the next couple of weeks.
^_^
Thursday, June 17, 2010
ORIGIN: Spirits of the Past @ Japan International Culture Center (JICC)
On June 25 @ 6:30pm the JICC will be showing the 2006 animated film ORIGIN: Spirits of the Past.
Seating is first come first serve. You need to contact the JICC office via email to get on the list. Details are located on the JICC web site.
On June 25 @ 6:30pm the JICC will be showing the 2006 animated film ORIGIN: Spirits of the Past.
Seating is first come first serve. You need to contact the JICC office via email to get on the list. Details are located on the JICC web site.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
A good web site for any fan of anime.
I don't know if I mentioned this web site in earlier posts, but I think this site bears repeating. AnimeStyle Pro is a site created by real professionals who are in the Animation industry in Japan. Cindy Yamauchi and many others set up the web site that shows the tools and advise of the industry in Japan. The web site is very informative. Some of the reference books they mentioned on their site are similar to the ones I used when I was attending the School of Visual Arts as an Animation Undergrad.
Keep on drawing...
I don't know if I mentioned this web site in earlier posts, but I think this site bears repeating. AnimeStyle Pro is a site created by real professionals who are in the Animation industry in Japan. Cindy Yamauchi and many others set up the web site that shows the tools and advise of the industry in Japan. The web site is very informative. Some of the reference books they mentioned on their site are similar to the ones I used when I was attending the School of Visual Arts as an Animation Undergrad.
Keep on drawing...
Friday, May 21, 2010
Samurai Fest hits the JICC
During the month of May the Japan Information and Cultural Center will have a retrospect of Samurai culture.
May 24 @ 7pm
Lecture: Samurai 150! : the First Japanese Diplomatic Mission to the U.S. in 1860
May 25 @ 6:30pm
Performance: An Evening with Samurai
May 26, 2010 @ 6:30pm
Samurai Film Fest: Yojimbo
May 27, 2010 @ 6:30pm
Samurai Film Fest: The Hidden Blade
May 28, 2010 @ 6:30pm
Samurai Film Fest: Samurai X- The Motion Picture
For tickets and other info, please RSVP the JICC: jiccrsvp@ws.mofa.go.jp
During the month of May the Japan Information and Cultural Center will have a retrospect of Samurai culture.
May 24 @ 7pm
Lecture: Samurai 150! : the First Japanese Diplomatic Mission to the U.S. in 1860
May 25 @ 6:30pm
Performance: An Evening with Samurai
May 26, 2010 @ 6:30pm
Samurai Film Fest: Yojimbo
May 27, 2010 @ 6:30pm
Samurai Film Fest: The Hidden Blade
May 28, 2010 @ 6:30pm
Samurai Film Fest: Samurai X- The Motion Picture
For tickets and other info, please RSVP the JICC: jiccrsvp@ws.mofa.go.jp
Friday, May 14, 2010
The Ja Jang Western hits the DC area this weekend.
Put on your cowboy hat and Tommy gun, the most expensive Korean movie, The good, the bad, the weird will hit DC and other theaters this weekend. The Landmark's E Street Cinema will have a showing this weekend.
For any fans of Asian films, this is worth the wait.
Put on your cowboy hat and Tommy gun, the most expensive Korean movie, The good, the bad, the weird will hit DC and other theaters this weekend. The Landmark's E Street Cinema will have a showing this weekend.
For any fans of Asian films, this is worth the wait.
Monday, May 10, 2010
EAS 2010
For those people interested in European and Asian films, The EuroAsia Shorts Film Festival will have screenings all over the DC area on June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, and 12.
Below are the participating countries:
Europe: France, Italy, Spain, Germany
Asia: Japan, Korea, China/Taiwan
North America: USA
More information is located on EAS2010's web site.
For those people interested in European and Asian films, The EuroAsia Shorts Film Festival will have screenings all over the DC area on June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, and 12.
Below are the participating countries:
Europe: France, Italy, Spain, Germany
Asia: Japan, Korea, China/Taiwan
North America: USA
More information is located on EAS2010's web site.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
8 ji dayo! zen'in shûgô
I was just remembering a special I saw on TBS TV (Tokyo Broadcast System) a few years ago. The show was called 8 ji dayo! zen'in shûgô. It had live comedy sketches and was the genesis for all popular TV and Animated shows after the show went off the air in 1985. The show is kind of similar to the The Carol Burnett Show, which influenced so many comedians and artists on this side of the pond after the show was off the air in the late 1970s.
One sketch from the special had one of the key characters, Ken Shimura was scared out of his wits during a Halloween sketch. In Japan and some parts of East Asian, Ghost Month (Asian Halloween) happens in mid august. I couldn't stop laughing at Mr. Shimura's facial expressions and muffled screaming. Mr. Shimura is perhaps most know for his white faced Emperor, which along side his "Drifters" cohorts did several commercials for a chain of department stores.
I am hoping that some DVD company in the States, Canada, Australia, or any English speaking country has the opportunity to license an "Offical" copy of the 8 ji dayo! (Hatchiji Dayo! or It's 8 o'clock!).
...baka...
I was just remembering a special I saw on TBS TV (Tokyo Broadcast System) a few years ago. The show was called 8 ji dayo! zen'in shûgô. It had live comedy sketches and was the genesis for all popular TV and Animated shows after the show went off the air in 1985. The show is kind of similar to the The Carol Burnett Show, which influenced so many comedians and artists on this side of the pond after the show was off the air in the late 1970s.
One sketch from the special had one of the key characters, Ken Shimura was scared out of his wits during a Halloween sketch. In Japan and some parts of East Asian, Ghost Month (Asian Halloween) happens in mid august. I couldn't stop laughing at Mr. Shimura's facial expressions and muffled screaming. Mr. Shimura is perhaps most know for his white faced Emperor, which along side his "Drifters" cohorts did several commercials for a chain of department stores.
I am hoping that some DVD company in the States, Canada, Australia, or any English speaking country has the opportunity to license an "Offical" copy of the 8 ji dayo! (Hatchiji Dayo! or It's 8 o'clock!).
...baka...
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
"Kenchi-kun, Asobimasho!" (Kenchi, Come play with me!) Those creepy words are spoken by the being known simply as "Tomodachi" (Friend). The Japan Information and Culture Center in Washington DC will screen the first of the three films based on the manga-ka, Naoki Urasawa.
The movie will be shown on Friday April 23, 2010 at 6:30pm. Seating is limited so please come early. If you are traveling from Northern VA or Southern MD it is best to take The DC Metro. Mass transit information is located on the JICC's web site.
JICC clearly states: "The movie may not be suitable for all audiences." In Japan the rating was PG-12 (US: PG-13).
The movie will be shown on Friday April 23, 2010 at 6:30pm. Seating is limited so please come early. If you are traveling from Northern VA or Southern MD it is best to take The DC Metro. Mass transit information is located on the JICC's web site.
JICC clearly states: "The movie may not be suitable for all audiences." In Japan the rating was PG-12 (US: PG-13).
Monday, March 29, 2010
To anyone living in the DC metro area. Please check out the DC Cherry Blossom festival from now until April 11. The Freer and Sackler Galleries have an anime marathon on April 3rd.
It should be fun.
It should be fun.
Monday, March 15, 2010
I was watching NHK world the other day and I spotted a story on a company called Conomi. It seems like girls really want to wear their own style of uniforms.
Only in Japan...
Only in Japan...
Saturday, January 16, 2010
A Call to ALL Volunteers
I know all of you are shocked to see what has happened in Haiti and would like to help. You can donate money and more importantly volunteer. As a 9-11 and American Cross Volunteer I am doing my part to get word to others about helping those in Haiti and other disasters.
Aid Info:
United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund
American Red Cross
Salvation Army
Save the Children
Volunteering isn't a one time thing, it is a life time thing.
I know all of you are shocked to see what has happened in Haiti and would like to help. You can donate money and more importantly volunteer. As a 9-11 and American Cross Volunteer I am doing my part to get word to others about helping those in Haiti and other disasters.
Aid Info:
United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund
American Red Cross
Salvation Army
Save the Children
Volunteering isn't a one time thing, it is a life time thing.
Friday, January 08, 2010
Harajuku Fashion Show
I just found an interesting article on the Washington Post Today. The Textile Museum will have a gathering of everything Harajuku on Sunday January 10 from 2 to 4pm. The admission is $20, RSVP is required.
So if you can't afford a plane ticket or a JR Yamanote train pass to Harajuku, this is the place to go.
This is a must see who is curious about seeing bronze faced, crazy hair, and even crazier outfits.
I just found an interesting article on the Washington Post Today. The Textile Museum will have a gathering of everything Harajuku on Sunday January 10 from 2 to 4pm. The admission is $20, RSVP is required.
So if you can't afford a plane ticket or a JR Yamanote train pass to Harajuku, this is the place to go.
This is a must see who is curious about seeing bronze faced, crazy hair, and even crazier outfits.
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