2009/10/03
Tokyo Anime Center – Akihabara, Tokyo
Catch the latest information about Japanese animation
“Tokyo Anime Center”
It is the new landmark in Akihabara, a holy site of animation that is also popular among foreign tourists. It is a place where you can get the latest information on commercial animation. It is included in Akihabaras new discovery tour and/or various sightseeing tours for foreign tourists organized by companies as JTB, Hato Bus and HIS, so many foreign pop-culture lovers, love to visit this place. Among its 34,000 annual visitors, about 10 % are foreign tourists, reflecting the high popularity of Japanese animation abroad. In addition to its regular and special exhibition corner, large size versions of promotion images of works by production companies such as “Toei Animation” and “Studio Pierrot” are shown on the screen in the annex of the center. There is also a variety of character goods, including world popular animations such as “NARUTO” and “BREACH” available. Also, as a unique experience available in this special site, you can try the postrecording of animation work. This experience takes place in a studio which is used by the voice-over actors, producing the Animation Centre’s internet radio. This postrecording experience completed with the help of several staff, is a valuable attraction that you can not experience in other places. You will do the voice-over while watching the animation on TV. Provided with the script, you may find that it takes a lot of doing. The length of the script is about 90 sec. to 150 sec. but you may need about one hour for a briefing, 2-3 rehearsals and actual postrecording. Yet, it is said that only a very few people can do well on the first take. There are 5 microphones in the studio; therefore a maximum of 5 people can be dubbed at the same time. However, only one microphone is used for professional jobs. It is surprising that several voice-over actors share the microphone changing their standing positions during the act.
- Address: Akihabara UDX 4F, 4-14-1, Sotokanda, Chiyodaku (2 minutes walk from JR Akihabara station)
- Tel.: 03-5298-1188
- Opening hours: 11:00-19:00
- Closing date: Monday (except Summer holiday season)
- Entrance Fee Free of charge
Post recording trial experience
Basically available on Sat., Sun., and holidays. Application is accepted at first-come and first-served basis on that day (start at 11:45) Experience only 1000 yen, experience with a commemorative DVD that contains scenes of your postrecording session and the finished animation work with your voice-over, 1800 yen
Photo by : Nozomi Takahashi
