Tokyo Anime Fair 2012 Blowout: Part II
by Ko Ransom,
Satelite, the anime studio responsible for titles including Macross Frontier, had a large display at this year's TAF, with various areas promoting their various new and upcoming shows. The two shows that were most visible were their upcoming AKB48 anime AKB0048 and Aquarion Evol, the currently-running sequel to Genesis of Aquarion. Satelite's Bodacious Space Pirates and Macross F series also had notable presences. One of the most eye-catching parts of the booth was the human-sized model of Aquarion Evol''s titular mecha, but the area promoting next season's post-apocalyptic dystopian sci-fi idol seriesAKB0048 was also quite noticeable. As with most TAF booths promoting shows, some basic information about the characters and story of each series was on display, along with a TV playing short promotional spots. A small showcase was also set up in back to show off some upcoming figures.
On public days, Satelight also ran live shows promoting their recent and upcoming series, including talks by Tatsuo Satō and Yūsuke Yamamoto, respectively the directors of Bodacious Space Pirates and Aquarion Evol. Of course, fans could also buy plenty of merchandise at the booth, including some event-exclusive items such as a handful of key frame artbooks from the Macross Frontier movie signed by famed Macross creator and Satelite executive Shōji Kawamori himself.
Bandai / Bandai Visual / Sunrise
Bandai's massive booth in the center of the floor had merchandise from many series out on display, from sections promoting for various Gundam series, Tiger & Bunny, and the Code Geass series to other areas promoting titles such as Phi Brain, Natsu-iro Kiseki, an Daily Lives of High School Boys. Particularly interesting pieces included the bicycle-sized Gundam AGE model on one side of the display, as well as the mannequins displaying Tiger and Bunny attire, complete with Kotetsu cap on the other. A display with a video and two pieces of promotional art for Hiroyuki Okiura's upcoming A Letter to Momo could also be found on the back side of the display.
Studio Ghibli / Nippon Television
Studio Ghibli and Nippon Television once again teamed up for their TAF booth, which meant that Hosoda Mamoru's upcoming Ōkami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki was sharing space at the front of the booth with Goro Miyazaki's From Up On Poppy Hill. The Ghibli half of the booth featured small displays for Poppy Hill, their recent "Konyara no Uta" commercial for Nisshin Seifun, and an area for the Japanese version of Michel Ocelot's Tales of the Night. The Nippon Television side of the booth featured areas for Ōkami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki and Lupin III: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine, as well as a Chihayafuru area with a tatami-mat floor where Waseda University's karuta club not only helped demonstrate the game, but also ran a tournament during the public days.
Gonzo
Gonzo had a small and modest booth at TAF that was dedicated to their recent Last Exile sequel, Last Exile -Fam, The Silver Wing-. The highlight of the booth was a replica model of the Vespa vehicle from the series, while some art and merchandise from the series was also available for visitors to browse.
Studio 4°C
Studio 4°C's small corner of exhibition space was entirely devoted to PES, the new commercial project directed by Yuichiro Hayashi that they're working on with Toyota. You can check out the trailer here. The booth mostly consisted of a few computers playing trailers and some free promotional clear folders that were being given out.
The Society of Japan Animation Company
The booth for the somewhat awkwardly-named industry organization made up of member companies including Artland, Oh production, and Mushi Productions was centered around Angel Scandys, an anime project led by Noboru Ishiguro, who recently passed away. Regardless, voice actresses involved in the project were present at TAF, holding talk shows and signing sessions for fans. Considering the activity and the presence of the booth, it seems that there is still, fortunately, progress being made on Ishiguro's final work.
The Japanese video streaming giant Nico Nico Douga had a "Nico Nico Shrine" set up at their booth, where visitors could reveal their hopes and prayers to the internet, and watch as it replied to them in real time. The booth, as well as the ubiquitous bags that were handed out throughout the event, were primarily promoting the Nico Nico Choukaigi (Super Convention) event they'll be holding for users on April 28th and 29th.
TV Tokyo's space was mostly occupied by a glowing, blue, curiously-shaped dome. The dome's walls were covered in images of recent and upcoming anime titles, including Haiyore! Nyaruko-san, the Pretty Rhythm series, the Jewelpet series, Fairy Tail, and Sengoku Collection. On the second public day, the channel held a live event featuring voice actresses from Sengoku Collection at the event's TAF Stage.
Good Smile Company
Figure makers Good Smile Company had a booth primarily devoted to showing off their newest wares, in particular figures from the Vocaloid, Black Rock Shooter, Madoka Magica, and Guilty Crown series. Good Smile's charity efforts were also a major part of the booth, with one side reserved for the many figures from the company's Cheerful Japan charity project, while a poster promoting the Saturday premiere of Yutaka Yamamoto's ("Yamakan") 3/11 charity animation "blossom" was also displayed.
Good Smile Booth Gallery
Click here for Part III!
Good Smile Company photos by Adrian Lozano
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