#Japan #Blender #Chiyoda, Tokyo #Ryochimo #Onakama

Discover the New Session of Blender Aniput Training

The renowned director Ryochimo will guide a new cohort in the Blender Aniput Training program, an intensive five-month course tailored for creators eager to master animation. This program uniquely combines 2D and 3D techniques to empower participants with the ability to create short animations from concept to completion.

Background of the Course

In the realm of animation, the integration of 2D and 3D methods is becoming increasingly prevalent. Techniques such as 3D layouts (3DLO) and pre-visualization for traditional drawing are being widely adopted. Among various tools available today, Blender has emerged as a favored choice for both individual creators and commercial projects due to its powerful capabilities that merge creativity with efficiency.

The need for streamlined workflows catering to team sizes from solo creators to smaller groups is also on the rise. Since completing the first session in 2022, Onakama Inc. has collaborated closely with Ryochimo, refining practical workflows and techniques that harness Blender’s potential, emphasizing the use of Grease Pencil for versatile 2D and 3D hybrid expressions.

In this second session, the course builds upon previous experiences and combines those with insights gained to offer a comprehensive learning journey from theory to production.

Course Overview

Spanning five months, this course extensively covers:

• - Fundamentals of Blender: Participants will learn about essential features and settings, focusing on foundational operations.
• - 2D Skills Development: Training includes crafting 2D animations with Grease Pencil and mastering layouts through practical exercises.
• - 3D Skills Training: Model-making for guide purposes and spatial arrangement using a 3D environment.
• - 2D and 3D Animation Practices: Practical assignments, including creating animations based on the ‘Parkour’ theme, where students blend both dimensional styles.

Format

The course is designed not just for lectures but also includes hands-on assignments and collaboration sessions (five total), allowing progress sharing and feedback. As the sessions are online, participants can join from anywhere in the country.

Key Features of Season 2

• - Enhanced Curriculum: The session consists of 18 meetings over approximately five months, featuring 11 lectures, two extra sessions, and five workshops, adding significant value to the learning experience.
• - Focus on Complete Skill Development: The program emphasizes the cycle of learning through lectures, tackling assignments, and engaging in Q&A, thereby instilling the capability to independently see projects through to completion.
• - Practical Application of Techniques: Leveraging the strengths of Blender in merging 2D drawing styles with 3D spatial elements, students will learn about camera work, layout, and lighting in a cohesive manner.
• - Industry-Standard Workflow Education: Onakama and Ryochimo will share insights on the workflows they have developed based on real-world industry demands, providing training grounded in practical application.

Details of the Program

• - Title: Blender Aniput Training Season 2
• - Location: Online (via Zoom and Discord)
• - Duration: From December 1, 2025 to April 27, 2026
• - Total Sessions: 11 lectures + 2 extra sessions + 5 workshops = 18 sessions
• - Fee: 80,000 yen (excluding tax)
• - Organization: Onakama Inc.
• - Website: Blender Aniput Training

Instructor Profile

Ryochimo is not only an anime director but also holds positions as a director, researcher, and educator. Having debuted as a key animator with BECK in 2004, he has gone on to work on numerous renowned projects across different genres, embracing both 2D and 3D techniques throughout his career. Recently, he has looked to YouTube to share insights into his production methods, actively fostering a community of creators and exploring innovative workflows that mix 2D and 3D in animation using Blender.

Some notable projects include:

• - Key Animator: Noein: To Your Other Self (2005-2006), NARUTO (2006)
• - Character Design/Supervisor: Tetsuwan Birdy Decode series (2008-2009)
• - Directed Works: Yozakura Quartet: Hoshi no Umi (2010) and more.

Mentors and Technical Assistants

• - Shunsuke Saito (Film Director / Animation Director)
• - Makoto Yasumasa (Freelance Illustrator / Blender Helper)
• - Yoshitaka Kubota (Film Director / Animation Director)

From past collaborations with fellow creators, participants in this course will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in animating projects using Blender and innovative approaches that redefine the animation workflow.

About Onakama Inc.

Founded in 2021, Onakama Inc. is dedicated to supporting anime creators by providing them with business solutions and resources. The company aims to create opportunities for creators to realize their ambitions in the anime industry.