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【TV Programs Project News】.....
Japanese ver. >
♦Tensai Televi-kun MAX BITWORLD wins 2009 Good Design Award!
  • Showers of accolades for Bit World!

  • ©NHK
    BITWORLD (March 2009 live broadcast on NHK Educational TV), produced by DIRECTIONS, Inc., won the 2009 Good Design Award (Media Category). With previous honors from BANFF and the NHK Production Center, 2009 has been a great year for BITWORLD!

  • Recognized for innovative visuals and pioneering new possibilities in broadcast media
  • The CG virtual BITWORLD gathers ideas in real time from children throughout Japan, and the interactive TV format enables studio guests to generate the TV show content utilizing the internet. The jury praised the TV program for its innovative visuals, and for creating a new kind of interactivity that pioneers new possibilities for broadcast media. The Good Design Award recognizes the TV show from the perspective of the design world, and reflects the show’s achievements and experimental approach with interactive programming that links live broadcasts with the internet, and builds on know how gathered from the original Tensai Bit-kun that got its start at the dawn of the 21st century.

  • Details on the award here. (Japanese only)
  • What’s the Good Design Award? Check it out here.
  • 【TV Programs Project News】.....
    Japanese ver. >
    ♦News in English Conversation Summer Special wins the 1st NHK Production Center Award!
    News in English Conversation Mobile Special (NHK Educational TV, on air August 2009), produced by DIRECTIONS, Inc., wins the 1st NHK Production Center Award!

    ©NHK
  • Interactive live broadcast using mobile phones highly praised for reaching new audience segment
  • News in English Conversation focuses on helping people talk about current events in English. DIRECTIONS, Inc. produced Mobile Phone Challenge! News in English Conversation Summer Special, which went on air in August 2008 and has been honored with the 1st NHK Production Center Award. News in English Conversation distinguished itself from NHK’s many language programs through its pioneering interactive broadcast using mobile phones, which enabled the show to reach a new audience segment.

  • Responses from the audience reflected on the TV show in real time
  • This live broadcast used a quiz format based on English language news actually aired by NHK’s international division, with vocabulary questions for different skill levels and listening comprehension questions. The show gathered the responses sent from audience mobile phones, and reflected the results in real time on the TV program. The program grabbed attention for the its pioneering content, which allowed viewers to see if their answers were correct, and as well as their national ranking.
    【TV Programs Project News】.....
    Japanese ver. >
    ♦Tensai Televi-kun MAX BITWORLD wins 3 major awards!

    ©NHK 
    BITWORLD, produced for NHK by DIRECTIONS, Inc., won the Best Interactive and Immersive Interactive Rockie awards at the 2009 Banff World Television Festival (BANFF). Attracting over 800 entries from around the world, BANFF is the premiere North American competition for television content. In addition, BITWORLD won the NHK 2008 Production Chief's Special Award. The award highlighted BITWORLD's success in involving viewers in creating the TV story via the program website and online games. Website page views exceeded 5 million for the 3 days before and after each live broadcast, and the number of children participating in the website and games increased with each show, exceeding 100,000 participants for the 4th live broadcast on March 6, 2009.
    【Original Animation Project News】.....
    Japanese ver. >
    ♦Special all night screening to celebrate the Time of Eve act03 DVD release — thanks everyone for the fantastic turn out!
    We held an all night screening to celebrate Yasuhiro YOSHIURA’s “Time of Eve” DVD release (Japan only), held at the legendary Tokyo Theater Shinjuku from midnight March 29. The 200-plus seats in the theater remained packed until the evening’s finish at 5am. The event-packed program included a talk session with director Yasuhiro YOSHIURA, voice actor Kenji NOJIMA, and anime critic Ryusuke NAKAGAWA, as well as a Q&A session with audience members, door prizes and an autograph session with the director. The night also featured works by AC-bu, Tayuta MIKAGE, and other cutting-edge creators produced by DIRECTIONS, INC.

    Click here for the screening line up.

    Fans wait for the screening to begin

    The packed house

    Talk session

    YOSHIURA chats with fans as he signs DVDs

    Long line for the autograph session
    【Original Animation Project News】.....
    Japanese ver. >
    News flash! Starting 12/1 the long-awaited 3rd episode of "Time of Eve" streams free for just 1 week (in Japan only)!
    time of eve
    The 2nd episode of "Time of Eve" streamed free on Yahoo! Japan for 1-month only from 10/1, and boasted accesses numbers that surpassed the first episode. In fact, Yahoo! Japan's anime weekly ranking from 10/13 showed episode 1 at #2, and episode 2 and #4. A big thanks to all "Time of Eve" fans! Don't miss episode 3 from 12/1! (note: Yahoo! Japan streaming accessible in Japan only)
    From 12/1, "Time of Eve" episode 3 (act03: KOJI&RINA) streams 1-month for free on Yahoo! Japan (Japan only)
    The latest installment in the "Time of Eve" series makes its work debut on Yahoo! Japan! Streaming available via Yahoo! (PC version), iPhone and Yahoo! via Softbank mobile phones. Free streaming for 1 month only, so don't miss it! (Japan only)

    Stream "Time of Eve" episode 3 'act03: KOJI&RINA'! (Japan only)
    * Yahoo! Video (PC version) from 12/1 (Mon)
    * Yahoo! Video (Mobile version/Softbank 3G Mobile phones & iPhone 3G) from 12/1 (Mon)
    * Yahoo! Video (iPhone/Wi-Fi version) coming soon!
    * "Time of Eve" official website (Win/Mac) from 12/8 (Mon)
    * "Time of Eve" official blog begins!!
    We've started an official blog (Japanese only) so you can fully enjoy the "Time of Eve" world. Check it for updates and special offers!

    【Original Animation Project News】.....
    Japanese ver. >
    Special report! At last, free streaming of Time of Eve act02 starts on 10/1!
    イヴの時間
    For everyone who is following the Time of Eve series, the wait for act02 is over!
    Yasuhiro YOSHIURA's phenomena "Time of Eve," produced by DIRECTIONS, Inc. The world-wide/media-wide premiere for "act02: SAMMY" starts with free streaming on Yahoo! Video (Japan only), riding the hot response to the release of act01 in August. "act02: SAMMY" via Yahoo! Video for PC, and Yahoo! Video for iPhone and SoftBank mobile phones.
    Special streaming limited to 1 month, so don't miss it!

    Check out episode 2 of Time of Eve here! (Japan only)
    * Yahoo! Video (PC) from 10/1 (Wed)
    Click here to view the series page, where streaming continues for "act01:AKIKO" !!
    * Yahoo! Video (mobile for SoftBank 3G devices) from 10/2 (Thu)
    Compatible models: SoftBank 3G mobile telephones (except for 702MO, 702sMO, 705NK, 802SE, 702NK702NKII 804NK, 802N, 920P, 823P, 820N, 821N, and the X series)
    * Yahoo! Video (iPhone/Wi-Fi only) coming soon!
    * Time of Eve official site (Win/Mac compatible) from 10/8 (Wed)

    【Original Animation Project News】.....
    Japanese ver. >
    ♦Special report! Worldwide launch of Time of Eve!!
    eve
    ●US-based free streaming service begins 9/24!!
    Time of Eve act01 (English subtitled version) is available from an anime streaming site in the US from 9/24 PST, and the English version of act02 launches on October 2 1AM PST. Stay tuned for new developments! Streaming/download access not available in Japan.

    ●French subtitled version goes online too!
    Dybex, the renowned European anime distributor, launches the French versions of Time of Eve act01 and act02 in early October via the Dybex website, followed by the German, Italian and Spanish versions. Dybex is the European distributor of YOSHIURA's mesmerizing work "Pale Cocoon" - look for new exciting developments with Dybex as the Time of Eve series unfolds.

    ●English version of the Time of Eve official website arrives!
    English version of the official Time of Eve website launches! Immerse yourself in YOSHIURA's world, and check out the latest news and bonus materials about the series.


    ♦Free iPhone access to the popular "The Time of Eve"!

    イヴの時間
    Free access to episode 1 of Yasuhiro YOSHIURA's new anime "The Time of Eve" expanded to iPhone (hi-res Wi-Fi only) as of 8/8.
    Starting 8/8 you can access "The Time of Eve" via iPhone, in addition to Yahoo!Video (PC version) and SoftBank's 3G mobile phone service. Enjoy watching this hot new work with your friends!


    ♦Huge response to "The Time of Eve" free online broadcast!

    Yahoo!Video (PC version) free broadcast of "The Time of Eve" is a huge hit!
    Click here to access the first episode of "The Time of Eve"!
    Popularity of Yasuhiro YOSHIURA's long awaited "The Time of Eve" episode 1 on Yahoo! Video and "The Time of Eve" official site has blown away all expectations. New episodes from the series will be released every 2 months, with free access for the 1st month (6 episodes in total, 15 minutes each).Immerse yourself in YOSHIURA's ever evolving world.


    Free access to the first episode
    of "The Time of Eve" here!
    Yahoo!Video (PC version)
    ◆Yahoo!Video (mobile version/compatible with SoftBank 3G mobile phones)
    ◆Yahoo!Video (iPhone version/Wi-Fi only)
    "The Time of Eve" official site (compatible with both Win and Mac)
    イヴの時間

    ♦Don't miss the new and improved "The Time of Eve" official website!
    The official website for Yasuhiro YOSHIURA's long awaited work "The Time of Eve" has been renewed as of August 1st. Check out the new design and expanded content! Get free access to episode 1 (Flash version), and the trailer for episode 2. Don't miss it!

  • Click here for "The Time of Eve" official website! (Japanese only)
  • Access the official mobile phone website at http://timeofeve.com/i/ (Japanese only)

  • ♦Screening of "The Time of Eve" at the JAPAN EXPO in Paris!
    Daily screenings were held at the JAPAN EXPO in Paris (July 3-6) at an event sponsored by Belgium-based Dybex Inc., European distributors of "Pale Cocoon."

    JAPAN EXPO, held every July in Paris, introduces Japanese pop culture including manga, anime, videogames, music and fashion, as well as calligraphy, martial arts, tea ceremony, origami, and other forms of traditional Japanese culture.

    ♦Premium screening of "The Time of Eve"

    First episode (act01) of Yasuhiro YOSHIURA's latest work "The Time of Eve" will screen at the Tokyo International Anime Fair 2008 (held at Tokyo Big Sight from 3/27 Thu) at the Creators' World stage. And don't miss YOSHIURA's intro and talk!
    Screening schedule:
    3/27 Thu 12:00-12:30 (Business day)
    3/29 Sat 15:00-15:30 (Public day)
    3/30 Sun 15:00-15:30 (Public day)

    Visit the Tokyo International Anime Fair 2008 official website for details
    http://www.tokyoanime.jp/en/index.php

    Note: The screening is free of charge (with entrance fee to the Tokyo International Animation Fair venue). "Business days" are open for industry-related attendees only, and those under 18 are not admitted on those days.
    ♦DIRECTIONS, INC. at the Tokyo International Anime Fair 2008!
    Tokyo International Anime Fair (TAF) - the world's largest anime market - is close at hand!
    Don't miss the DIRECTIONS booth!

    * Special program screening

    At the DIRECTIONS booth treat yourself to the latest promo for Yasuhiro YOSHIURA's much anticipated anime "The Time of Eve," Tayuto MIKAGE's internationally acclaimed "Breeding," and AC-bu's explosive work-in-progress "Amazones." The booth will also feature extensive new information on the productions, and features DVDs produced by DIRECTIONS. Booth number: E-06.
    Dates: 3/27 (Thu) - 3/30 (Sun) 2008
    Times: 10:00 - 18:00 (until 17:30 on the last day)
    Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, East Hall 1/2/3 and others

    Click here for access information.

    DIRECTIONS booth: E-06
    Note: 3/29 and 3/30 are open to the general public. 3/27 and 3/28 are "Business days" for industry-related attendees, and those under 18 years of age will not be admitted on those days.

    Public day admission fees...
    Advanced-purchase/ Adults: 800 yen, Junior high and high school students: 400 yen
    At the door/ Adults: 1,000 yen, Junior high and high school student: 500 yen
    * Free admission for elementary school students and younger, senior citizens (65 years and older), and physically challenged individuals
    * Please click here for more details

    Visit the Official Website for the latest info and details on TAF 2008
    ♦Launching free video streaming of YASUHIRO's works on Yahoo!Streaming
    The Yahoo!Streaming special page for Studio Rikka launches on 3/21. Don't miss free streaming of Studio Rikka works!

    Includes highlight clips from YOSHIURA's long awaited work "The Time of Eve," as well as his previously released works.
    Don't miss the mobile phone version of Yahoo!Streaming!

    [Streaming contents]
    "The Time of Eve" Episode 1: Highlight clips (mobile phone version compatible with SoftBank mobile phones only through 4/30)

    "Pale Cocoon" and "Aquatic Language" full size works (PC only through 4/2)

    * Studio Rikka mobile version launches!
    In addition to the free streaming of YOSHIRA's works on Yahoo!Streaming, the mobile version of Studio Rikka's website is launching as well. The mobile website URL is:
    http://www.directions.jp/k_rikka/
    Check out cast info for "The Time of Eve" and bonus info on "Pale Cocoon" and "Aquatic Language," as well as news updates.


    ♦MIKAGE's "Breeding" selected for Anifest 2008!
    Tayuta MIKAGE's latest work "Breeding" has been selected for the Short Film competition at the 7th Anifest International Animation Festivalheld in the Czech Republic.

    In addition, MIKAGE's latest anime has been selected for theTaiwan International Animation Festival. Visit again for the competition results!
    【AAL Project】.....
    Japanese ver. >
    「airartlog」Check out Vol. 3 of the "Journeys to visit people we want to meet" series! - Frédéric le Junter -
    air artlog

  • AAL040 Frédéric le Junter An artist who makes amazing musical instruments in a village in France (Updated 02/08)

  • This trip pays a visit to the experimental music artist Frédéric le Junter, in France's Flandre region. Enjoy his uniquely creative and experimental instruments, which he creates in his pastoral home/atelier. Our talk guest is photographer Tokuko SHIODA, introduced to us by Rei Ricketts.

    ・Frédéric le Junter Official Site: http://flejunter.free.fr/

    English edition of airartlog updated with the Berlin trip
    ♦airartlog AAL036 V2 25th Anniversary@WTC
    air artlog

  • The last report in the series covering DEAF 07: AAL036 V2 25th (Japanese only; updated 12/3)
    Streaming of the events (works and performances) commemorating the 25th anniversary of DEAF's organizing body V2. Unique experiences include being surrounded within a 3-sided box by electronic sound. Featuring guest Rei Ricketts, bag designer.
  • ♦What is AAL all about?
    We zip around the globe to bring you the latest in the world of art. Documented by art devotee Kiyoshi with visuals by Kenji. Enjoy the choice "Art Trips" selected by AAL.

    【Music Video Project】.....
    Japanese ver. >
    ♦DIRECTIONS, Inc. produces music video for "Tokyo Nukemichi Girl" Life Goes On!
    Tokyo Nukemichi Girl
    The Moonriders' Tohru Okada heads "Life Goes On," the funny and stylish pop unit that brings together talented and notorious musicians. DIRECTIONS, Inc. produced the music video for their famed song "Tokyo Nukemichi Girl." The cute results splendidly match CG and real photos. Directed by Masura Uno of DIRECTIONS, Inc, with CG by Wildgoose. And the video features the FLIP-FLAP team from "Tensai Bit-kun," the TV show produced by DIRECTIONS, Inc. for NHK. Don't miss it!
    Tokyo Nukemichi Girl
  • "Tokyo Nukemichi Girl" music video Click "here" to see a clip.
  • Yestermorrow Village
  • The full album Yestermorrow Village, which includes "Tokyo Nukemichi Girl," goes on sale from Sony Music Direct on 2/20/2008.
  • 【Original Animation Project News】.....
    Japanese ver. >
    ♦3 works by MIKAGE to be screened at TOLLYWOOD on 2/16!
    Beyond the Train Tracks A Past on Film KLOKA
    Beyond the Train Tracks(2005)  A Past on Film(2002) KLOKA(2001)

    The short-film movie theater TOLLYWOOD in Tokyo's Shimokitazawa will screen 3 works by Tayuta MIKAGE - Beyond the Train Tracks, KLOKA, and A Past on Film - as part of the special program "Light and Shadows @ Tollywood". This 5-day program, held from 2/14-2/18/2008, presents various works themed on "light and shadow". Don't miss this opportunity to see MIKAGE's works on the big screen!
    For program details click 'here'.
    The screening is part of a collaborative project called Shadow Graph, put together by the apparel brand tiny dinosaur and glass art unit JUNIO. * Link in Japanese only.

    -Tayuta MIKAGE's screening: 2/16/2008 (Sat)
    -Doors open at 18:00, Screening starts at 18:50
    -Admission Fee: 1,000 yen (tax incl.)
    -Venue: Short-film movie theater TOLLYWOOD >> Map
    -Address: Sherubo Shimokitazawa 2F, 5-32-5 Daizawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
    -Tel: 03-3414-0433 (Tickets can be reserved over the telephone)

    ♦"Breeding" selected for the Taiwan International Animation Festival!
    BreedingBreeding
    Tayuta MIKAGE's "Breeding" was selected for the Short Film category of the 2007 Taiwan International Animation Festival, held in Taipei from 9/28 to 10/7. Screened as part of the Kaleidoscopic World of Animation.
    * Link in Chinese only
     
     
    ♦Beyond the Train Tracks screened at the 20th Tokyo International Film Festival!
    Beyond the Train Tracks Tayuta MIKAGE's ‘Beyond the Train Tracks’ (producted by DIRECTIONS, Inc.) was screened (TOHO Cinemas Roppongi Hills) at the Cjax (Canada-Japan Short Animation Exchange) event on 10/26 as part of the Tokyo International Film Festival. (link in Japanese only) This screening presented 31 short animation works created by groundbreaking Japanese and Canadian artists, selected by leading figures in the animation/film world, and was closely watched for the Japan premieres of several outstanding Canadian works.

  • Click here for the screening lineup. (link in Japanese only)
  • Selected works also screened from November 28-30 at emaginiens 2007 (gathering of emerging CG creators) in France, and the following week at Quizaine du Japan at the Lille city museum.
  • ♦Beyond the Train Tracks screened at the Boston Institute of Contemporary Art!
    Tayuta MIKAGE’s Beyond the Train Tracks was featured in the New Independent Animation from Japan program at the Boston Institute of Contemporary Art , 10/6-7. The Boston Globe's review singles out MIKAGE’s work as “the best” in the screening line up, praising his “compelling storyline” and “visual ingenuity.”
    ♦Updates on the production of "The Time of Eve?" in Animation Note!
    Animation Note Animation Note No. 7 (9/18 issue, in Japanese only), a leading Japanese magazine on animation production, is featuring a series on Yasuhiro YOSHIURA's latest work "Are you enjoying the time of EVE?" (link in Japanese only), exclusive info on drawings, characters, layout, and background art.
    The Time of Eve
    ♦Pale Cocoon officially selected for Russian film festival!
    Yasuhiro YOSHIURA's Pale Cocoon officially selected for the SHORTs moviefest in Russia, in the SHORT GOTHIC LOVE program, with screenings on 10/24 and 10/25. Screened alongside live action works. Click here for a complete list of works in the SHORT GOTHIC LOVE program.
    ♦AC-bu appears on BABY SMAP, and presentation of Amazoness.
    BABY SMAP (Fuji TV) (link in Japanese only) is a TV show that presents the production process for the SMAP X SMAP TV program titles, created by hot new animation creators. AC-bu was featured in the 9/30 broadcast, along with their latest work Amazoness, still in the midst of production. The segment introducing the BABY SMAP production process was also shown on 10/22 on the SMAP X SMAP show.
    【Art Project News】.....
    Japanese ver. >
    ♦Digital Art Festival Tokyo 2007 closes to rave reviews
    Digital Art Festival Tokyo 2007
    Digital Art Festival Tokyo (DAF Tokyo) is Japan's single largest digital art festival, and is based on the Digital Stadium (NHK BS2/BS hi) TV program produced by DIRECTIONS, Inc. This fifth edition of DAF Tokyo featured works at three venues (Panasonic Center Tokyo, Tokyo Wonder Site Shibuya, and Fujisoft Akiba Plaza) from December 7-12. The festival presented all of the Best Selection visual and installation/animation works featured on the Digital Stadium TV program, as well as works by top artists from Japan and abroad, and live performances, symposia, an art market, etc.
    【Installation Project】.....
    Japanese ver. >
    ♦Dream 3D Movie Project featured at DAF Tokyo 2007
    Dream 3D Movie Project
    3D Table Theater (jointly developed by DIRECTIONS, Inc.) is an innovative display system that lets you enjoy 3D images without the use of special headsets. Featured at DAF Tokyo 2006, and attracted attention at DAF Tokyo 2007 with the presentation of Tayuta MIKAGE's latest work A CRADLE.
  • DIRECTIONS, Inc. is currently recruiting artists to participate in creating visuals for the 3D Table Theater system. For information, contact us here.
  • 【TV Programs News】.....
    Japanese ver. >
    ♦Disney Channel Music Party 2007 production
    Disney Channel Music Party 2007
    The Disney Channel Music Party 2007 presented favorite Disney Channel characters with old and new Disney songs. In August over 1,000 people gathered at a large Tokyo venue for the live stage recording of the TV program. Featured fabulous performances by top musicians and performances. This high-quality live production featured music direction by Moonriders' Tohru Okada.

    ♦Broadcaster: Disney Channel
    ♦MC: Mari YAGUCHI & SPEEDWAGON
    ♦Participating artists: Beni ARASHIRO, ORANGE RANGE, the do-nuts, ami suzuki, Nami TAMAKI, D-jam band, Asuka HINOI, bless4
    ♦Music navigator: DJ TARO
    ♦Reporter: Chad MULLANE
    【Original Animation Project】.....
    Japanese ver. >
    ♦Beyond the Train Tracks selected for the Holland Animation Film Festival!
    Beyond the Train Tracks
    Tayuta MIKAGE's "Beyond the Train Tracks" selected for the biennial 'Holland Animation Film Festival', in Utrecht 11/1-5, 2006.
    ♦Beyond the Train Tracks selected for the 22nd Mar del Plata International Film Festival
    Tayuta MIKAGE's "Beyond the Train Tracks" invited to the 'Mar del Plata International Film Festival', held each March near Buenos Aires, Argentina. he 22nd edition of this venerable festival was held 3/8-18, 2007.
    ♦Pale Cocoon wins the top prize at the "NIPPONBASHI International Film Festival"
    ♦Pale Cocoon wins the Screenplay Award at the Sapporo Short Fest 2006
    Pale CocoonHeld for 5 days from 9/6-10, the '1st Sapporo International Short Film Festival and Market' (SAPPORO Short Fest '06) honored Yasuhiro YOSHIURA's “Pale Cocoon” with the Best Screenplay Award! Most of the prizes went to works from overseas, so this is a special honor.


    ♦Beyond the Train Tracks selected for Annecy 2006!
    MIKAGE's work was selected for the Short Film competition at Annecy, the world's top animation film festival.
    ♦Yasuhiro YOSHIURA creates the opening animation for NHK's POP JAM
    Yasuhiro YOSHIURA created the opening animation for POP JAM (link in Japanese only), the popular music program aired on NHK. Check out YOSHIURA’s official website STUDIO RIKKA (in Japanese only) for the least information on his projects.
    (C) DIRECTIONS, Inc. All Rights Reserved.