Introduction

I'm creating this site to post rough translation of any Japanese language interviews, articles, and factoids from Anime magazines and related books which may entertain non-Japanese fans of Anime and in hope to aid academics to write more reliable paper on subject of Anime.

There are some English language books out there talking about Japanese animation, but in very limited scope. Limited scope as in mainly focused on cultural background and history. Rarely anyone talks about visual art side of Japanese animation. Basically, how did they made their animation. There are so many subject matters on it, yet books only talk about filmography of well-known directors. That is why I'm still awaitng for possible release of Peter Chung's (director & creator of cult animation "Aeon Flux") book on japanese animation studios.

As a Japanese Animation fan, I have noticed that a lot of college student fans write their passionate analytical papers about their favorite Anime titles. Of course, most of these students themselves are not native or professional users of Japanese language, so it's like trying to make a silk purse with sow's ear. With English language books focused on one particular face of Japanese animation, notably cultural and historical views only, it's very difficult for fans to write reliable and diverse subject matters when language barrier prevents them from exploring further.

When writing an essay, thesis, or research paper, on a foreign media, isn't it better to obtain some reference materials from country of its origin when its possible? If a person is going to write an article on German films out his love of German pop culture, then wouldn't it be better to obtain some reliable reference materials in German to back his view? Internet is supposed to be unlimited source of information, but most fans here don't read Japanese. Therefore language barrier deters them to explore and discover new information.

With recent popularity of Hayao Miyazaki, western writers and fans are coming up with books practically focused on his works and life. Very few people do talk about animation artists other than Miyazaki and they're very limited. Sometimes their view of Japanese animation industry seems to be revolve around Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli when there are hundreds of other animation studios and thousands of artists in Japan grinding out their own unique expression of commercial animations. Of course, blog sites like 'Anipage Daily' recognizes the diversity and its author writes eloquent articles about obscure and talented Japanese animation artists other than Miyazaki.

Due to limited resource and connections, most western Anime magazine writers don't have luxury of time to do in-depth interview with all kinds of veteran artists. Canada's "Protoculture Addict" magazine is known for their review articles, but like any other western Anime magazines, their interviews and behind-the-scene are weak.

I could be wrong, but I think that most fans here who buy those Japanese magazines like Newtype, Animedia, and Megami, and Animage magazines for pretty promotional illustrations rather than article contents.