The vibrant atmosphere of Kyoto will soon host a promising event, the 'Anime x Game Jam UE2 in Kyoto', taking place on September 19, 2026. This year, the event will be held in collaboration with the Kyoto International Manga and Anime Fair (Kyomafu) at the Kyoto City Kyocera Museum. Notably, the event will feature a special appearance by Koichi Noguchi, the producer of the highly anticipated animated film 'Paradise Lost: Heart's Resonance', set to release on November 13, 2026.
This year’s Anime x Game Jam awards ceremony is particularly exciting as it marks a significant shift from previous years where results were revealed via YouTube. Participants can look forward to live announcements at the ceremony, making it an unforgettable experience. The ceremony not only celebrates the talents of the creators who have tackled unique challenges using advanced game engines like Unreal Engine and Unity, but also welcomes a special guest, Koichi Noguchi, who will present awards and provide insights to the winning teams.
As the gaming and animation industries actively merge, the importance of innovation and technology cannot be overstated. This year’s event theme, 'What You Can’t Compromise', reflects the passionate dedication of young creators who participated in a two-day hackathon, pushing their boundaries under the guidance of experienced mentors. After this intense creative session, the successful teams took part in a three-week online enhancement period, leading to remarkable final projects that will be showcased during the awards ceremony.
In addition to honoring the winners, the event will feature an enlightening special talk session that delves into the world of Noguchi’s work and the intricate production processes behind 'Paradise Lost'. During this session, he will join Atsushi Matsumoto, the chairman of the Anime Industry Innovation Conference (ANiC), to explore the integration of cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence in animation production. They will discuss the journey and challenges faced, the innovative use of 3D environments, and an in-depth exploration of the visual styles adopted in the film.
The event will unfold in two parts: the first dedicated to the awards ceremony and evaluative discussions led by judges, and the second focusing on the informative talk session. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with industry experts and gain invaluable insights into the future landscape of anime and gaming. This is a fantastic chance for aspiring creators and professionals interested in the fields of animation, gaming, and content production to connect and learn from established names.
The program schedule is as follows:
- - 13:00 - 14:10: Anime x Game Jam UE2 Awards Ceremony
- - 14:20 - 15:00: Special Talk Featuring Koichi Noguchi and MC Atsushi Matsumoto
With limited seating for just 50 attendees on a first-come, first-served basis, those interested in attending are urged to secure their spots promptly by signing up via the event page. Participation is free of charge.
For more details and to register, visit the event page here:
Event Registration.
This gathering promises to be an enlightening experience for anyone passionate about anime, gaming, or anyone aiming to thrive in these dynamic industries. Whether you are a creator, a student aspiring to enter the field, or simply a fan of the works being recognized, this event is a must-attend. Join us as we celebrate and foster the next generation of creative talents in Kyoto. Don't miss the chance to witness the rich tapestry of creativity unfold and to see who will be crowned champions of the Anime x Game Jam UE2 in Kyoto!