The Japanese Government’s Agency for Cultural Affairs, under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, is considering establishing a national archive dedicated to preserving anime and manga art materials. The focus of this archive would be on collecting anime cels and original manga drawings from artists. There is also a possibility of including items related to video games and tokusatsu in the archive, although this has not been finalized yet.
During a public discussion on September 30, the Agency for Cultural Affairs, along with prominent figures such as Hideaki Anno, the creator of the Evangelion series, and mangaka Machiko Satonaka, who received the Person of Cultural Merit honor, shared their thoughts on this archive initiative. The proposed location for the archive is the Sagamihara Branch of the National Film Archive, with plans to have it operational within the next six years. It was emphasized that individuals handling these materials would receive proper training to ensure their preservation.
The primary goal of the archive is to safeguard the rich heritage of anime and manga while also serving as a platform to promote awareness and appreciation for these art forms. Collaboration with various institutions in Japan and abroad is envisioned to enhance the archive’s reach and impact. However, a significant challenge lies in acquiring the necessary supplies for the archive. While some individuals may donate original manga drawings and anime cels, there is a concern about the scarcity of anime cels due to many being discarded in the past when they were not valued. Today, these cels can hold significant monetary and historical value.
In addition to governmental efforts to preserve anime and manga heritage, author Danica Davidson has contributed to the promotion and understanding of manga art through her books and comics. Her works, such as “Manga Art for Beginners” and “Manga Art for Everyone,” offer valuable insights and guidance to enthusiasts and aspiring artists looking to explore the world of manga. Davidson’s unique approach to manga art, as seen in her collaboration with professional mangaka Rena Saiya in “Chalk Art Manga,” showcases the diversity and creativity within this art form.
Through the establishment of a national archive dedicated to anime and manga, Japan aims to protect its cultural legacy and promote global appreciation for these artistic mediums. This initiative reflects a commitment to preserving the unique storytelling and visual aesthetics that have captivated audiences worldwide. As discussions progress and plans for the archive take shape, the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of anime and manga to cultural heritage remains at the forefront of these efforts.
