Just before AnimeJapan 2022! Official Ambassador Takanori Nishikawa talks about AnimeJapan 2022 and Japanese Anime Culture [Interview].

AnimeJapan 2022 will be held at Tokyo Big Sight on March 26 (Sat) and 27 (Sun), 2022.

Due to the new coronavirus outbreak, AnimeJapan was cancelled in 2020 and will be held completely online in 2021, but this year will be the first time in two years that it will be held for real. This year, however, AnimeJapan will be held in real life for the first time in two years. The event will feature the AJ Stage with its splendid members, booths from various companies, and a variety of other events, and the AJ Stage will be broadcast online at the same time.

For the second year in a row, Takanori Nishikawa will serve as the official ambassador of AnimeJapan 2022. Nishikawa is known for his deep knowledge of anime, not only as an artist who has sung many anime theme songs, but also as a voice actor and producer of anime productions.

We asked Mr. Nishikawa, who is of course an anime fan himself, about the highlights of the event, the excellence of Japanese anime, and his suggestions for the future.

If "AnimeJapan 2022" can serve as a bridge for understanding each other's countries

--First of all, how do you feel about being selected as an ambassador for the second year in a row?

Nishikawa: Last year, unfortunately, we had to hold the event online due to the state of the world. The important purpose of such events is to introduce new works to the public, but I think the real appeal of these events is to provide a "special time" for the people who support us on a regular basis.

Of course, there were things that could be done online, and there were also things that could only be done online. However, I wanted people to share the atmosphere and the sense of excitement at the event if possible, so I was very happy to be asked to participate in the second year of the event. As an anime fan myself, I am looking forward to feeling that atmosphere.

--Last year the event was held entirely online, and this year it will be a combination of real and online events. What do you feel you have gained from the experience of holding the event online?

Nishikawa: In the past, people outside of the Kanto area had to travel a great deal to attend. However, with the online event, you can enjoy it at home, at any time, in any environment, and it is also a great advantage that more people than we can accommodate can connect and share new information at the same time. This year, the festival will be held online at the same time, so you will be able to enjoy the best of both worlds.

--Nishikawa: Since you have organized festivals yourself, I imagine you are familiar with the hard work and effort that goes into running "AnimeJapan".

Nishikawa: That's right. It is hard to know what the right thing to do is, and I am sure that the organizers must be feeling a lot of hardship. I myself have tried my hand at various types of events, but the situation of always being next to infection is the same. It is a test of the preparedness of the organizers and those who stand on the stage. In addition to the coronas that we have seen in the past, the current international situation is also a factor, and I think that everyone's anxiety is at its peak. In this situation, I feel how important it is to have an opportunity to understand each other through culture and other means.

（Although the Japanese language is a minority language, there are many foreigners who are interested in learning about the Japanese language and culture through anime, comics, and games. By having them understand our way of thinking and what we value, and conversely by sharing information about their own countries and lifestyles, we can help each other to appreciate each other more deeply. Since "AnimeJapan 2022" will be streamed online to foreign countries, I believe we can be a bridge between the two.

--I think it is an event that can cheer up those who are feeling anxious about their lives.

Nishikawa: Through anime, I have had more and more opportunities to perform overseas. Everywhere I go, I feel that understanding and liking the country of Japan through its works creates communication in a way that has never existed before. I am well aware that some people may say that this is an inappropriate time of year. However, it is precisely because of this timing that I hope to create an opportunity for people to open their hearts, even if it is only a little.

What do you think is the beauty of Japanese voice actors and anime?

--The theme of "AnimeJapan 2022" is "Queue! is. What is your impression of "cue"?

Nishikawa: In music, there is a familiar "cue box. It is something that allows you to adjust the level of the cue box to a situation that makes it easier for you to sing or play. Besides, thankfully, I am also doing voice-over work more and more, and when I participate as a voice actor, I am afraid of the ...... cue lamp (laughs). Japanese recording is unique in that you have to look at the picture, the script, and the cue lamp in three places at the same time, and if there are other cast members present, your attention is divided even more. I always record under a lot of tension, so when I hear the word "cue," my back goes up.

--I think that one of the charms of Japanese anime is the voice actors. From your point of view, what do you think is great about Japanese voice actors and what do you respect about them?

Nishikawa: Nowadays, voice actors are active in multiple genres. Some sing and dance, some direct stage productions, and others are very versatile. I think more and more people are becoming voice actors because they want to do this and that. Among those people, I often come in contact with people who are quite crafty. What is wonderful is that I am surprised that the same person did this character and that character, matching the tone and nuance of the voice to the character, and each line has its own presence in the work.

I am always amazed and overwhelmed by the voice actors' keen sense to express everything with their voices, even though some of their performances include facial expressions and gestures. I would like to follow your example and devote myself to voice work more and more.

--Nishikawa: What else do you think is great about Japanese animation?

Nishikawa: Overseas, animated films are generally shifting to 3DCG, or rather, such works are increasing, and sometimes live-action films are made with budgets dozens or hundreds of times larger than those of Japanese animation. However, I feel that the speed, imagination, and atmosphere that only Japanese animation can create are not fully complemented. In Japanese animation, there is a sense of space between frames, or rather, a sense that the way of taking space is uniquely Japanese. I think that is the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship.

--I understand it well.

Nishikawa: There are works that are a hit in Japan and become a hit overseas as well, but on the other hand, there are also works that catch on overseas and become more popular than they were when they were first broadcast in Japan. Therefore, I would like to create an environment where Japanese productions can spread their wings and be enjoyed globally, not only in Japan but also overseas. I hope that "AnimeJapan" will provide more opportunities to do so.

--Nishikawa: You get a lot of replies on your SNS from people overseas, don't you?

Nishikawa: That's right. The dramas and movies of our neighbor, Korea, are enjoyed all over the world. I think that is a development calculated for the global market. Japan can compete with animation, and there is definitely a demand for it. For this reason, I hope that the creators of these works will receive proper recognition and continue to produce excellent works. I would like to work with everyone to carefully nurture the industry, including the environment that supports the people who create these works.

The number of voice actors is increasing. In the same way, I would like to see the establishment of a system that provides a proper environment for the development of animators and directors. Until now, there have been comparisons between live-action films and animation. However, since animation has a solid track record as a kind of cultural export, I hope that it will be truly cherished and that we will support it. I think the significance of "AnimeJapan" is to serve as a catalyst for this kind of thing.

AnimeJapan 2022" is filled with the charm of festivals.

--What are some of the highlights of "AnimeJapan 2022"? What are you looking forward to?

Nishikawa: There will be a lot of stages for popular works, and if you spend a day there, you will be able to see all the works that are being talked about. Of course, you will be able to see the works that you like, but I hope that you will also have the opportunity to see other works that are not your favorites.

I think that is the appeal of festivals. While going to festivals to see your favorite artists and groups you support, you can also experience music by artists you have never heard of or touched before, which will make you say, "I didn't know there was such a thing! I like it!" and it gives me a chance to support new artists I had never heard of before. AnimeJapan" has all of these things, so if you are an anime fan, for example, you can enjoy the same cast but with a different voice tone and facial expression in this work! For example, if you are an anime fan, you can enjoy the same cast but with different voice tones and expressions in different productions. I think this is an event that gathers information on current Japanese anime from many angles.

--What do you think your special stage will be like?

Nishikawa: Actually, last year I was planning to hold the first stage of "Hakuneko Project" (for which I am in charge of the theme song) at "AnimeJapan," and I was also planning to perform the theme song of a new work at "AnimeJapan" as well. But all of them were postponed because we couldn't hold the real event. Nowadays, standing up in front of people and performing in front of them is very valuable, so I hope that this stage will be a good opportunity for people to get a glimpse of what I am doing now.

--Nishikawa-san has been involved in anime in various ways, including theme songs, voice acting, and producing. Is there anything you would like to do in the future, or any other way you would like to be involved with anime?

Nishikawa: I have more opportunities to perform overseas through animation, but there are still many countries that I have not visited yet. I would like to have more opportunities to deliver our products directly to such people once the outbreak of infectious diseases has settled down. I would like to hold one-of-a-kind events that combine anime works and theme songs in one package, and distribute them to all corners of the world. I think it is difficult to organize anime conventions overseas nowadays, so I hope that we can deliver information from Japan more quickly and on our own initiative. Just as "AnimeJapan" has taken root in Japan, I hope to create more and more events that will take root overseas as well.

--Nishikawa: That is one of your proposals to the animation industry.

Nishikawa: That's right. As I mentioned earlier, there are many works that are better received overseas than in Japan. I think it would be a good idea to take data on why these works have become popular and what people find attractive about them, and in the future, create works that are specialized for people in those regions. I think this is evidence, and if we design our productions in this way from the beginning, we will be able to create works that are tailored to each country and region in a way that makes the most of Japan's strengths.

I think that if we design and create products in this way from the beginning, we can create products that are tailored to each country and region in a way that brings out the best of Japan. Is it that popular? I think such data should be utilized, and I think it will lead to better productions.

--Nishikawa: You have always loved anime, but has your involvement as an official ambassador changed the way you look at anime or increased the points you pay attention to?

Nishikawa: I have come to think that the various people involved in the production of anime should be rewarded more. How can we nurture the animators and the people who support the work behind the scenes and develop their next potential? I wonder if there is something we can do as a country. I know this is not a special anime zone, but I hope that we can follow up on this as anime is an indispensable export of Japanese culture.

--Lastly, could you give a message not only to current anime fans, but also to many people in the future?

Nishikawa: I think that the range of generations is expanding, whether it is anime or games. Considering this, of course we want to provide a variety of new information to the current active users so that they can enjoy it, but I also hope that the generation that is hesitant or embarrassed to go to venues because they are all young people will also be able to watch the online distribution.

Just like reading, movies, and sports, anime is something that people can enjoy in their daily lives. This is what I am trying to say. I would be happy if "AnimeJapan 2022" could be a chance for you to do so.

(Reporting, writing, and photography by Kenichi Chiba)

Event Information

AnimeJapan 2022

Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, East Exhibition Halls 1-8 (Only the AJ Stage will be streamed online)

Dates: March 26 (Sat) and 27 (Sun), 2022 9:00-17:00

Ticket prices

　Pre-sale admission ticket: 2,300 yen (tax included) Available until March 25 (Fri.)

Same-day tickets: 2,600 yen (tax included) Sold from March 26 (Sat.) to 27 (Sun.)
　Fast Ticket 3,900 yen (tax included) Sold from March 9 (Wed.) to 14 (Mon.)
Customers who have purchased an "Admission Ticket" and "Fast Ticket (Priority Admission)" will be given priority entry to the main area from 9:00 a.m. (*In order of number).

Contents: Exhibit booths, AJ Stage (online streaming will be available), sponsored events, official goods, etc.

Organizer: Anime Japan, Inc.

Supported by: Association of Japanese Animations / Association of Comic Publishers

Official Website: https://www.anime-japan.jp

Official Twitter: @animejapan_aj (hashtag: #animejapan)

Secretariat: AnimeJapan Management Office (Sony Music Solutions Inc.)

*Conducted with sufficient measures to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.

*There are no plans to hold Family Anime Festa in 2022 for both real and online events.

*The content of the event may be changed or cancelled depending on circumstances.