#Japan #Kyoto #Arc & Beyond #Animax FYB #CR Motion

Arc & Beyond Collaborates with African Studios for Animation Initiative

In an exciting development for the animation industry, Arc & Beyond, a general incorporated association based in Japan, has announced its partnership with two prominent animation studios from Africa: Animax FYB Studios in Ghana and CR Motion Plus Ltd in Nigeria. This collaboration will bring to life the `TAIDO African Animation Challenge 2026`, a program aimed at fostering local animation talent and creating job opportunities for young people in Africa.

Kicking off on October 23, 2023, the program will feature mentorship from Japanese animation experts, providing participants with invaluable training and guidance in storytelling, character design, and short animation production. This initiative is part of the larger TAIDO Project, which seeks to address the challenges faced by youth in Africa in securing stable employment, using the art of animation as a medium to highlight and share African narratives globally.

Overview of the TAIDO African Animation Challenge 2026

The program will allow African animators to work under the mentorship of several renowned figures in the Japanese animation sector, including Professor Koji Yano from Kyoto University of the Arts, visiting professor Kenichi Watanabe, and freelance animation producer Emi Okawa (artist name: gamegame). Participants from the two studios will engage in an immersive experience culminating in a public presentation and feedback session on their short films, slated for spring 2026.

• - Duration of the Program: From October 23, 2023, until the end of March 2026.
• - Participating Studios: Animax FYB Studios (Ghana) and CR Motion Plus Ltd (Nigeria).
• - Mentorship Team: Koji Yano, Kenichi Watanabe, and Emi Okawa.

Crowdfunding Campaign for Support

In line with securing the necessary funding for the program, Arc & Beyond is launching a crowdfunding initiative through the platform For Good, aiming to raise 1 million yen. This campaign will run from October 23 until December 22, 2023, and seeks to engage the community in supporting this innovative venture. More details and participation options can be found on their crowdfunding page: For Good - TAIDO Project.

The Vision Behind the TAIDO Project

The mission of the TAIDO Project goes beyond just animation; it aims to elevate African culture and stories to a global audience. The project is rooted in the belief that by connecting African narratives with Japanese animation expertise, it can create sustainable opportunities and paths for young creatives in Africa.

The name TAIDO reflects the heart of African animation culture, symbolizing its rhythm (胎動) that spreads across the globe and builds into a significant tide (Tide). This initiative is spearheaded by Arc & Beyond in collaboration with esteemed partners such as Kenichi Watanabe, Joji Sato from the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Nairobi Office, and Emi Okawa.

Comments from Project Leaders

Miku Kitabatake, Producer at Arc & Beyond, emphasized the importance of fostering a partnership between African stories and Japanese animation techniques. The goal is to transform the passion of African youth into fulfilling careers, thus paving the way for a vibrant future in animation.

Similarly, Francis Y. Brown, CEO and Creative Director at Animax FYB Studios, noted that the TAIDO Project represents a fusion of African creative potential with Japan's superior animation technologies, aiming to redefine global narratives through collaborative efforts.

Jide Martin, CEO of Comic Republic / CR Motion Plus Ltd, highlighted the importance of authenticity in African storytelling, expressing pride in addressing unemployment among African youths while connecting them with established networks in the Japanese anime industry.

In conclusion, Arc & Beyond is committed to pushing boundaries and expanding possibilities through partnerships and innovative technology, with the TAIDO Project serving as a pivotal step toward an inclusive future in animation.

For media inquiries, please contact: Arc & Beyond, Social Liaison Department. Email: [email protected].