"Reij" Against the Machine

Japanese news services are reporting at least one person who's happy to see the National Media Arts Center (a.k.a. the "Anime Hall of Fame" to its proponents and the "National Maid Cafe" to its detractors) become a reality: Reiji Matsumoto, creator who was instrumental in helping make classics like "Space Cruiser Yamato," "Galaxy Express 999," and "Dangard Ace."

"I think it's wonderful," he said at an Agency of Cultural Affairs hearing on the topic held today. "I would like to see it assume the role of promoting the growth of future talent." He described the state of the industry as being in "imminent danger," explaining that "while Japan is known as a major power [in animation and comic books], foreign talent is catching up."

Director Shinji Higuchi, on the other hand, expressed a somewhat less optimistic opinion. "I truly believe the center is necessary. But it's become a tool of the ruling and opposition parties. The [current] plans need to be scrapped and started over." 

The Center is currently due to open in 2011, with a concrete plan for the facility due later this month.

Comments

[Steve Harrison]

I hate to be 'that guy' here, and I know you're just reporting, but but but.

Leiji Matsumoto is NOT the creator of Space Battleship Yamato. He was significant in the realization of it, yes, so much so that Nishizaki gave him profit participation, but Yamato was Nishizaki's baby.

We must be sure to be correct in such matters.

[MattAlt]

Noted and revised. Wouldn't want the Nish raining hell and thunder down on us.

[Steve Harrison]

and you know he could! hell, he hung with LOUDNESS and rocked out! I have pictures!

It just is a personal bugaboo. It would be like crediting Ralph McQuarrie with creating Star Wars.

Which, to a large effect he did, as Lucas wasn't able to really sell Star Wars to Fox until he had those image paintings, which did a lot to set the visual 'look'. McQuarrie was VITAL to Star Wars, but he would have nothing to make painting of without Lucas.

So, same as like Nishizaki and Matsumoto, only Matsumoto got a HUGE credit and profit participation as a reward. Nishizaki could easily have done what other producers have done, grabbed the credit and just left Leiji as 'another cog'in the production machine. (cough cough Tomino and Sunrise as a whole)

Just sayin'. :)