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.

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.

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.

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.