Summary
Highlights
Ufotable studio head Hikaru Kondo emphasizes the unique artistic touch that only specific artists can bring to 2D animation, even with advancements in 3D CG technology. Demon Slayer, for example, employs five times more 2D animators in-house, showcasing the belief that handcrafted work imbues each frame with the artist's soul. Key animators like Nozomu Abe, Go Kimura, and Misayuki Kunihiro are lauded for their signature impact frames and nuanced touches that elevate the combat scenes in Demon Slayer. This approach is also seen in Western projects like Spider-Verse and Arcane, which blend 3D with hand-painted lines and effects.
Traditional hand-painted 2D animation is incredibly intensive, involving hand-inking cells based on pencil tests and then individually hand-painting them. The multiplane camera, invented by Walt Disney and adopted in Japan, creates depth by layering hand-painted cells over multi-layered backgrounds. Unique techniques like hand-painted streaks for rain in Princess Mononoke and animated glass effects demonstrate how Japanese animators achieve results that modern CG struggles to replicate. Xeroxing cells, a method used by Disney and also in Japan, saves time on hand-inking and preserves the rougher sketch lines, offering flexibility in production costs and artistic style.
In Japan, directors often hand-draw their storyboards and even provide key poses for 2D animation, ensuring their precise vision is translated to the screen with minimal guesswork for timing and visual impact. The rhythm and timing in Japanese animation are critical, following the 12 principles of animation. The video shows an anecdote where Miyazaki himself expresses frustration with his own animation compared to a more skilled animator. Animators meticulously spend hours perfecting minute details, like the spin of a rubble piece, even if it appears for a fraction of a second.
Action shots greatly benefit from video reference and rotoscoping to accurately capture weight and key poses, as illustrated by a Cowboy Bebop shot inspired by Bruce Lee. Animators often learn from martial artists to accurately depict combat mechanics. For classic food anime scenes, studying real-life movement adds realism. Similarly, for musical performances, animators ensure hands align with the actual notes played, a detailed approach also seen in Pixar films. Reference is crucial for tough angles and perspective, and animators even use voice actors for acting inspiration, a practice common in both Eastern and Western animation.
Modern Japanese anime often blends 3D animation with 2D techniques to achieve a harmonious mix. The evolution of CG, dating back to Princess Mononoke, shows how it was creatively hidden to blend seamlessly with 2D art. CG assists with vehicles and exaggerated camera perspectives, pushing creative boundaries and enabling shots that might otherwise be impossible. Digital tools offer animators flexibility for adjustments, experimentation with colors and shapes, and rough layout planning for complex shots. The blend of 3D for structure and 2D for soul, alongside modern camera mapping for backgrounds (as in Princess Mononoke), contributes to the cinematic depth and timeless appeal of Japanese animation.
Despite technological advancements, high-quality anime and manga still rely on strong fundamentals: drawing skills, composition, anatomy, proportions, and perspectives. Western art schools often downplay anime, focusing on foundational rules. Critical skills for manga include panel work, inking, and screen tones, alongside effective storytelling and conveying emotion. Learning these Japanese art forms can be challenging due to language and cultural barriers. However, schools like DL Japan offer access to industry professionals from places like Shonen Jump, providing direct advice for aspiring manga artists. DL Japan offers programs for international students, covering housing and access to industry talent, and Class Creatives, in partnership with DL Japan and Hobs, provides a free introductory course and opportunities for students to learn directly in Tokyo.