Note: This article is a machine translation from the original Japanese post. If you notice any translation issues, please let us know.
The traditional coloring techniques of Japanese cel animation have been rapidly lost with the digitalization of the finishing process. This article introduces our unique project to preserve valuable cel animation coloring materials as digital data, and its current status.
Project Background
In June 2022, LOPPO, LLC. conducted an interview with Ms. Naoko Sasaki. Ms. Sasaki is the former representative of Wish Ltd., which handles animation drawing and finishing processes, and is a living encyclopedia who supported the coloring process of Japanese animation. During the interview with Ms. Sasaki, the existence of numerous intermediate production materials and related documents from cel animation works since 1979 came to light.
These materials are extremely valuable, and when we consulted with Ms. Sasaki about our desire to take responsibility for archiving them, this project began thanks to her gracious cooperation.
The Significance of Digital Archives
Due to Japan's harsh natural environment, domestic historical materials constantly face the risk of dispersal and loss. Even materials that are fortunately discovered and properly preserved face a dilemma where their intended utilization is hindered due to concerns about physical deterioration and loss.
The solution to this challenge is the "digital archive." Important documents and artworks are replicated as high-precision digital data and organized with proper metadata. This ensures the transmission of records to future generations while enabling widespread access.
The Challenge of Recording "Color"
While the preservation of cel animation intermediate materials is increasing, digital archives of color-related materials are extremely rare. This is because faithfully reproducing real colors in digital space requires specialized knowledge and equipment.
LOPPO possesses advanced digital processing and color management knowledge cultivated through video game development, enabling us to tackle this challenge.
Project Objectives and Scope
The main purpose of this project is to record Japanese-made cel paints and the color designs of works that used them, contributing to future research and production. Additionally, we aim to archive this initiative itself to serve as a useful reference case for digital archiving.
The first archival targets are approximately 800 "domestic cel paint color samples" and approximately 120 "work-specific color charts" stored by Wish Ltd. These materials were in good condition, organized in binders with little risk of dispersal, and suitable for archiving as they required no rights investigation or permission.
Current Progress
In autumn 2022, with Wish Ltd.'s approval, we digitally photographed these materials, and in spring 2023, we completed the database creation of color samples. All color numbers have been mapped to uniform color space. We plan to write a detailed report on the specific methods of photography and digitization.
To maximize the value of these historical and cultural materials of the anime industry, we are carefully preparing for the external publication of the database in coordination with relevant parties. Please look forward to it.
Conclusion
The deliverables of this project will become valuable resources for people interested in animation history and technology. Furthermore, these materials will play an important role in animation restoration and the production of new works. They are expected to convey the historical value of Japan's anime industry to the future while serving as a source of new creation.
Through this project, we sincerely hope to shed light on the people who paint the "colors" of animation, which has received little attention until now, and that the importance and potential of digital archiving will be widely recognized. We would be delighted if we could contribute to the further progress and development of the anime industry.
We express our heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Sasaki and Wish Ltd. for graciously agreeing to this archiving project. We will continue our efforts toward the completion of this project.
Contact Information
For details and questions about this initiative, please feel free to contact LOPPO, LLC. (mail@loppo.co.jp).
