The Koreans are coming!

Japan, Inc., May, 2004

We popped into Tokyo International Anime Fair 04 at the end of March. While Japan is notorious for its penchant for branding everything "international" without actually being that way, this year's Anime Fair was a notable exception. The proliferation of English-language guides, promos, speakers and interpreters made a loud declaration: Japanese animation has world-wide appeal, and its producers are ready to reach out.

166 animation minis and megaliths participated in this year's event, held in the cavernous halls of Tokyo Big Sight on Odaiba, the synthetic island in Tokyo Bay. 31 of those anime makers were from abroad, six more than attended last year's gathering. And get this: The winner of this year's Grand Prix went to a foreign maker--Korean animators Dongwoo for their ten-minute "Africa," a socially conscious anime with brilliant technique and a sobering message. Look out, Cutie Honey!

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