Academic Anime

The Digital Hollywood University of Digital Content will open Japan’s first international anime research lab in April. Masaki Tsuji, who has written for Astro Boy, Devilman, and Kimba the White Lion, will head the institute. His staff will include Yomiuri Television Executive Producer Michihiko Suwa, producer of Detective Conan, Inuyasha, Kindaichi Shonen no Jikenbo, and Kekkaishi; Seiji Mizushima, director of Fullmetal Alchemist and Shaman King; and TMS Entertainment director Masahito Yoshioka, producer of Detective Conan and Fist of the North Star.

The institute is intended to further research into anime production, theory, criticism, and history, with an additional interest in anime-related academic study. Among the topics to be tackled are the adoption of digital technology, fostering producers and directors who are able to cope with the rapidly changing field, and dealing with labor outsourcing. (Anime News Network)