Learn the Gainax way of producing anime at Fukushima Sakura Yugakusha!

If we're talking about a representative example of Japan's world-renowned entertainment culture, it's otaku culture. And
if we're talking about a work that has had a tremendous influence on otaku culture and continues to produce new works to this day, it's Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Did you know that there's an animation production company related to Evangelion located in Miharu Town, Tamura District, Fukushima Prefecture?
It's Fukushima Gainax, a subsidiary of Gainax (the production company of Evangelion, although the rights are currently owned by Khara).
This time, we'll introduce the anime museum operated by Fukushima Gainax!

What is Gainax?

Gainax is an animation production company that previously produced Neon Genesis Evangelion.
The company name is said to be derived from "gaina," which means "big" or "amazing" in the dialects of Tottori and Shimane prefectures, with an "X" added to it.

Founded in 1984 by Toshio Okada and others, the company has
produced numerous masterpieces that influenced otaku of the time, including Hideaki Anno, famous for "Evangelion" and "Shin Godzilla," and Takami Akai of "Princess Maker."

They have also ventured into experimental works, such as producing an entirely black and white story in an era when color was in its heyday, and producing the first and last OLA (original laser disc animation) in Japan, "Flaming Transfer Student," which often becomes a topic of conversation in certain circles

Even after Director Anno left, masterpieces such as "Gurren Lagann" have been produced

In January 2015, Fukushima Gainax Co., Ltd. was established as a subsidiary, utilizing a former school building in Miharu-machi, Tamura-gun, Fukushima Prefecture. The company
is engaged in animation production and museum management.

Fukushima Sakura Yugakusha Museum of Fantasy and Art

The Fukushima Sakura Yugakusha Museum of Fantasy and Art is an animation museum that has been repurposed from the former Miharu Town Sakura Junior High School building, which was closed down

Fukushima Sakura Yugakusha opened with the aim of creating local employment and developing a tourist base as part of Fukushima's post-earthquake recovery.
There, you can learn about the animation production process and experience the work of an animator.

There is a space for permanent exhibitions and special exhibitions, and the permanent exhibitions include "Experience the anime production site" and "Exhibition of reproductions of original anime drawings."

Experience the anime production process at the Gainax Animation Techniques Exhibition!

The main attraction of the permanent exhibition is the "Gainax-Style Animation Production Exhibition," a facility where visitors can relive the animation production process.
However, the experience is more about simply looking at comical character panels representing the animation production team, making it a fun and educational experience.

The character panel looks like they're having fun making anime

What's more, there's another way to enjoy this panel

At first glance, the character panels depict a busy yet cheerful workplace.
But what's behind them...?

Behind the fun-filled atmosphere lies the truth...!

Wow!
That sounds incredibly difficult!

Yes, these character panels literally have a hidden side!
What will become of children's future dreams after seeing the hilariously unfunny true faces of animators? (lol)
Well, learning about both the outward appearance and the true feelings is also a valuable life lesson!
Let's learn about the real world while having a laugh!

By the way, the artwork used in the etiquette exhibition is none other than "Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann"!
Reproductions of original drawings are also being used, so it's definitely worth seeing!

Special exhibitions such as anime original art exhibitions are also popular!

In addition to the permanent exhibition, they also regularly hold special exhibitions.
These include exhibitions of original artwork from popular anime series, the history of tokusatsu (special effects) works, cat photography exhibitions, and many other non-anime themed events, so it's worth checking out their official website!

There is also an exhibition space for works by Osaka University of Arts on the second floor, so it might be fun to try and find a diamond in the rough that will become a big hit in the future!

INFORMATION

Chimon

A balding writer who loves travel and laughter.
A nice guy who hides his thinning hair by shaving his head!
He travels north and south to bring smiles to Tohoku through his writing!

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