Learn Gainax style anime production method at Fukushima Sakura Yugakusha!

Otaku culture is one of the most representative forms of entertainment culture that Japan boasts to the world.
One work that has had a huge impact on otaku culture and continues to produce new works to this day is Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Did you know that there is an anime production company related to Evangelion in Miharu Town, Tamura County, Fukushima Prefecture?
Fukushima Gainax is a subsidiary of Evangelion production company Gainax (the rights are currently owned by Khara).
This time, we will introduce the anime museum operated by Fukushima Gainax!

What is Gainax?

Gainax is the anime production company that produced Neon Genesis Evangelion.
The company name is said to be derived from the Tottori and Shimane dialect word "gaina," which means "big" or "amazing," with an "X" added.

Founded in 1984 by Toshio Okada and others, the company
boasts Hideaki Anno, famous for "Evangelion" and "Shin Godzilla," and Takami Akai, of "Princess Maker," and has produced many masterpieces that influenced otaku fans of the time, such as "Aim for the Top!" and "Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water."

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, a subsidiary, Fukushima Gainax Co., Ltd., was established in a repurposed abandoned school in Miharu Town, Tamura County, Fukushima Prefecture, and
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 was opened to help with the recovery from the Fukushima earthquake, creating local jobs and developing a tourist destination.
At the school, you can learn about the process of animation production 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 permanent exhibition is the "Gainax Style Anime Making Exhibition," where you can relive the anime production process.
Although it is called an experience of the production process, it is just a matter of looking at comical panels depicting the animation production team, so it is nice to be able to learn while having fun.

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 fun workplace.
But what happens when you take a peek behind the scenes?

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

Ugh!
That looks really difficult!

Yes, there is a hidden side to these character panels!
What will happen to the children's dreams for the future when they see the hilariously unfunny true faces of animators? (lol)
But it's also a form of social learning to learn about both the public and the real thoughts!
Let's learn about the real workplace while laughing!

By the way, the artwork used in the exhibition is from the famous "Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann"!
It also features reproductions of the original artwork, 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 hold special exhibitions on a regular basis.
There are plenty of non-anime exhibits, including original drawings from popular anime works, the history of special effects films, and a photo exhibition of cats, so it's a good idea to check 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 thin-haired writer who loves traveling and laughter.
A nice guy who hides thinning hair by shaving his hair!
I will run north and south to make Tohoku smile with my writing!

sbtimon.hatenablog.com/