A Pioneering New Experience: Spectators Join the Action in the 20th Anniversary of 'The Secret Society of the Taka's Claw'

Celebrating 20 Years of 'The Secret Society of the Taka's Claw'

On January 10, 2026, the 20th anniversary kickoff event for the renowned animated series 'The Secret Society of the Taka's Claw' was held, gathering around 400 attendees, including selected audience members and influential figures. This event marks the beginning of a year-long celebration framed as the 'Taka's Claw 20th ANNIVERSARY YEAR,' filled with various commemorative projects.

Event Highlights

Set in the iconic Roppongi Hills, known as a sacred site for the Taka's Claw fandom, the event featured a groundbreaking screening called '20th Anniversary! Gather, Members! Gihills Experimental Theater - AI Interactive MOVIE Screening.' Here, attendees experienced a unique blend of technology and storytelling through the debut of an innovative AI interactive movie system developed in collaboration with AI VOLT, a pioneer in generative AI solutions.

The AI Interactive Movie

The star of the evening was the interactive movie titled 'The Culprit is You! But Sorry if I'm Wrong,' which allowed audience members to truly participate in the film. Here’s how it worked:

1. Avatar Integration: Randomly selected audience members had their faces transformed into Taka's Claw-style avatars, appearing as characters within the movie.
- Video Generation: Attendees submitted photos to create custom animated characters.
- Voice Generation: Pre-recorded voice inputs were used to produce dialogue in real-time.
- Conversational Dynamics: Simple personality-based questions helped craft tailored interactions, making each viewer's experience unique.

2. Budget Gauge Evolution: The innovative 'Budget Gauge' displays real-time budget usage within the film. As audience participation increased via a point system tied to merchandise purchases and other activities, the movie's screenplay and ending adjusted based on how many points were contributed—a mechanism likened to 'tip-throwing' in the cinema.

Additionally, viewers could buy effects that animated illustrations in the film and influenced the size of their names in the credits, showcasing direct community involvement in the cinematic experience.

As part of the narrative, the film also teased that the last installment of 'The Secret Society of the Taka's Claw' would be produced in 2027, captivating fans' imaginations about the storyline's future.

Event Highlights: A Multifaceted Celebration

The event featured not only the screening but also engaging dialogue sessions with director FROGMAN and AI VOLT’s CEO, Mikado Gunkan. Fans enjoyed photo opportunities with characters and interactive displays featuring favorites like 'Poipon' and 'J-Pon,' making the kickoff fitting for the milestone.

Attendees expressed delight, reminiscing about their long-standing affection for the series and anticipation for future developments. Comments reflected a sense of nostalgia mixed with excitement for the fresh directions the franchise is taking.

Directors' Remarks: Enthusiasm for the Future

FROGMAN, CEO of DLE, expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic turnout, highlighting an extraordinary attendance rate exceeding 90%. He emphasized that the event was not merely a celebration but a glimpse into the future, reflecting an appreciation for past achievements while focusing on technological advancement.

Mikado Gunkan noted the complexity of merging entertainment with AI technology and the introduction of the 'HAIRICOM' system, which opened new avenues for interactive storytelling while acknowledging the challenges faced.

About 'The Secret Society of the Taka's Claw'

Since its inception in 2006, 'The Secret Society of the Taka's Claw' has captivated viewers with its unique animation style and sharp humor, blending timely topics with surreal gags. The series has expanded across television, film, and online platforms, solidifying its status as a cherished part of Japan’s animated heritage.

DLE Inc.: Innovation in Animation

- Stock Code: 3686 (TSE Standard)
- CEO: Ryo Ono
- Location: Chiyoda City, Tokyo
- Founded: December 27, 2001
- Website: DLE Inc.

As DLE looks ahead to 2026, the company aims to not only celebrate its legacy but also push the boundaries of storytelling by transforming traditional viewing experiences into interactive participatory events. With new initiatives and a robust vision for the future, audiences are invited to join the ever-evolving journey of 'The Secret Society of the Taka's Claw.'