A Peek into an Animation Department Class
Animation Department; Year 1, Semester I
Animation Fundamentals
Instructor: Masatoshi Fukuyama
At
9 a.m., the start of the school day, we head to Classroom 123.
A pleasant sky is visible through the massive classroom windows
of New Building #1.
Today’s class focuses on how to draw “douga.” In charge is veteran
animator and animation director Professor Masatoshi Fukuyama. A
pro educator, he has also taught in China and at junior colleges
and is known for his gentle manner of speaking.
Douga (also known as “nakawari”) are drawings that fill in the
space between the beginning and end of a movement (“genga”). The
students learn how to draw a bowing movement using familiar characters
that the instructor provides. On top of each desk is a tracing
table, douga paper, a time sheet, and of course a pencil sharpener.
Using the white board, Professor Fukuyama carefully explains various
elements related to the drawing process, like how people and dolls
move differently or special techniques for drawing lines. And probably
because the class is so small, he can move about the room and give
the students personal attention as they follow his instructions.
Once everyone is finished, the instructor explains the next procedure
and checks the students’ progress. Like this, class continues until
the bell for the break rings. Yet most people keep on working!
The students ask the teacher about things they don’t understand
and confirm that their work is correct. Doesn’t the instructor
need a break too? Everyone must really enjoy what they are doing.
Some of them are also chatting, having a drink, or just relaxing.
Once the break ends, class begins again. It continues in the same
manner as the first half until the final bell rings at 12:15.
Introducing the Manga Department Supervisor
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After becoming a part of Studio Live, Kazuko Tadano worked on the genga for “Minkii momo” and “Ginga hyouryuu baifamu.” In 1984, Tadano was the animation director for “Wee Wendy” (“Tongari boushi no memoru”) and in 1985, she was the character designer and animation director for “Dancougar – Super Beast Machine God” (“Choujuu kishin dankuuga”). From 1992-1994, she oversaw the character design and animation direction of “Sailor Moon” (“Bishoujo senshi seeramuun”), and “Sailor Moon R” (“Seeramuun R”). In 1995, she struck out on her own and created Studio Viewn. In 2002, she was in charge of character design for “Petite Princess Yucie” (“Puchi puri yuushi”). Tadano also works on game character designs, comics and illustration collections.
