Residents of Kyoto Prefecture may be used to the local bursts of festivity that come around this time of year. What's new, though, may be the sudden influx of excited anime enthusiasts.
This year will mark the city's fourth time hosting a three-month-long exposition of anime and manga titled "Kyoto Cross Media Experience 2012."
Two events are scheduled to kick off this weekend. The Kyoto International Manga Museum will organize an exhibition that highlights anime production firm Gainax. In its 30-year history, the firm has never seen such an in-depth exhibition before. Gainax is known for creating some of the world's most well-received anime series including "Aim for The Top!" and "Neon Genesis Evangelion." Showcasing plenty of authentic records and visual data, the exhibition will show visitors from the ground up how the company has conceived such anime, while offering a rare peek into the routine hustle and bustle of its working studio.
Another upcoming event is Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair 2012, described by organizers as one of the biggest of its kind ever held in the Kansai region. With more than 40 of both anime- and manga-related contents on the lineup, the local media believes the trade show will attract a massive turnout. A wide range of anime work will be featured, from long-running whodunit series "Detective Conan" to increasingly popular science-fiction show "Uchu Kyodai," which was recently adapted into a feature film, following its successful TV debut as an anime series in April.
"The Theory of Gainax Animation — A Flock of People Makes Animation!" runs at Kyoto International Manga Museum from Sep 22 till . Tickets cost ¥1,000. For more information, call (075) 254-7414 or visit www.kyotomm.jp . "Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair 2012" takes place at the Museum of Kyoto-shi Kangyo (Miyakomesse) from Sep 21-23. Tickets cost ¥1,000. For more information, call: (075) 222-3324 or visit www.kyomaf.jp .
