Shopping Guide
Today, there is no doubt that Japanese anime has established a worldwide popularity. Among the many works being created, directors and producers of popular works along with animation studios creating such works are gathering attention. Kyoto Animation, known as KyoAni for short, is one such studio that has created countless popular anime and has a worldwide fanbase.
An event between KyoAni and Animation Do called KyoAni & Do CTFK 2013 was held on Nov. 30. In this article, we will bring to you a report of the event. By the way, the “CTFK” in the event’s name is the initials to the original anime Chūnibyō demo Koi ga Shitai!, Tamako Market, Free!, and Kyōkai no Kanata.
Many fans arrived at Miyako Messe in Kyoto before the event began at 10 a.m. Many wreaths decorated the entrance in celebration of the event. Among them were even ones given by KyoAni fans. When the event opened, numbered tickets to attend a signing event with the character designer on the anime Free!, Futoshi Nishiya, began being distributed. It seemed like almost everyone lined up for one, and within 10 minutes, they were gone.
In the large exhibit space, original illustrations from the four “CTFK” works were on display and attendees were able to gaze at many pieces of art actually used in each anime.
There was a line the entire time goods were being sold, and we caught sight of many fans with smiles on their faces and arms full of new goodies.
Along with messages to fans from the staff at KyoAni and Animation Do as well as from the seiyū of each anime on display, fans could also leave their own messages. Many fans stopped on their way out to write a message filled with zeal or to just look at what others wrote.
Discussions among staff members of KyoAni and Animation Do also took place every hour. At a director discussion, Tatsuya Ishihara of Chūnibyō demo Koi ga Shitai!, Naoko Yamada of Tamako Market, and Yasuhiro Takemoto of Hyōka were all present to introduce fans to their personalities and the way they work. Director Yamada also talked with surprise guest Yukiko Horiguchi, character designer on Tamako Market, on how things are progressing on the follow-up to Tamako Market.
Also, before the signing event, Futoshi Nishiya gave the inside story on designing characters on the anime Free. The room boiled over with excitement when Tatsuhisa Suzuki, the voice of Makoto Tachibana in the anime Free!, appeared on stage at this discussion after participating in a nearby stage show for Kyōkai no Kanata. At the end of the show, he said to the audience, “Let’s meet again next summer, okay?” to which the female fans responded in shrill cheers that resounded through the room!
KyoAni & Do CTFK 2013 ran non-stop from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For fans, this day-long event was certainly like a dream. Kyoto Animation and Animation Do are two animation studios that you should definitely keep your eye on!
In the second part of our report, we’ll take an in-depth look at the various stage shows that were held throughout the event. Look forward to it!
© Trako / Kyoto Animation Co. Ltd. / Chūnibyō Demo Production Committee
© Kyoto Animation Co. Ltd. / Usagiyama Shopping District
© Koji Oji, Kyoto Animation Co. Ltd. / Iwatobi High Swim Club
© Nagomu Torii, Kyoto Animation Co. Ltd. / Kyōkai no Kanata Production Committee
This is a Tokyo Otaku Mode original article.
