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♦DIRECTIONS opens Facebook page!!
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♦North America premiere of “Time of EVE: The Movie” at top children’s film festival!
Reaching new audiences at New York International Children’s Film Festival 2011!
“Time of EVE: The Movie,” produced by DIRECTIONS, Inc., premieres at the New York International Children’s Film Festival 2011 (NYICFF 2011)! The festival draws over 20,000 attendees each year, and is recognized as the most significant film festival for children and teens in North America. “Time of EVE: The Movie” screens twice on March 12 (Sat) and March 19 (Sat). The festival runs from March 4th through March 29th. For details and schedule information, visit the official website ( http://www.gkids.tv/intheaters.cfm )
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♦"Introduction to Observing Gnomes" screened on 1/30 at the International Film Festival Rotterdam's XL Not Kidding program!
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♦i3DG to be featured at the International Rotterdam Film Festival!!
Groundbreaking installation that brings 3D movies to the palm of your hand, co-developed by DIRECTIONS, Inc.
i3DG, selected for the Japan Media Arts Festival 2010’s Entertainment Division, will be featured at the International Rotterdam Film Festival, along with a highly anticipated workshop co-organized by local organizers V2 . i3DG continues to garner high accolades, both within Japan and abroad.
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♦Time of EVE: Original Version Blu-ray release!!
The Time of EVE: Original Version Blu-ray responds to demand for another release of the sold-out single episode DVDs, some of which triggered bidding wars on auction sites. For this Blu-ray release, director Yasuhiro YOSHIURA re-edited scenes, and remastered the audio and video. The cover features a new illustration by Time of EVE character designer Ryusuke CHAYAMA. Limited edition bonus offered for purchases through the Official Webshop. Sales from other retail outlets (Amazon, etc.) begin at the end of January 2011.
♦Time of EVE: The Movie is a big hit on the Japan iTunes Store!
Time of EVE: The Movie made a splash on opening day of the Japan iTunes Store in November 2010, beating out big-name movies to grab the number one spots for both rentals and sales! Two months after the iTunes’ store launch, Time of EVE is still in the top ten for sales and rentals, fueled by impassioned customer reviews and high ratings.
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♦Live-action adaptation of the hit picture book series "Gnome Guidebook" !
 DVDs released on 10/20!
The hit picture book series "Gnome Guidebook" (by Toshitaka TABATA) has sold over 330,000 copies. DIRECTIONS, Inc. produced the DVD "Introduction to Observing Gnomes," a companion to the book "Introduction to Observing Gnomes #1: Capturing and Caring for Gnomes in Captivity," released this September.
What is all the fuss about ...?
You'll find detailed explanations of gnome ecology and mannerisms, including step-by-step instructions on building the traps needed to capture gnomes and how to care for them in captivity. Filled with visually arresting visuals never before released, and created under the stewardship of the creative team at DIRECTIONS, Inc. Learn all about the various gnomes living in our midst. Why not include gnome observation as part of your lifestyle?
Hiding Peach Bottom
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Little Flower Head
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© Toshitaka Nabata, Nagasaki Publishing/Kobito Kansatsu Kai
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About the "Gnome Guidebook"
The arresting picture book created by Toshitaka TABATA. His unforgettable characters have captivated the hearts of young children, and their guardians to boot. The gnome world has been extended as a series of picture books and products, and has become a hit among high school/university students and the office lady set. Visit the official website(Japanese only).
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♦i3DG wins Honorary Mention for Ars Electronica's Interactive Art category!
♦Fantastic response at the Ars Electronica 2010 festival (9/2-11)!
【Check out the iPhone-only website!
i3DG puts 3D movies in the palm of your hand
 The compact 3D visual installation piece i3DG, co-developed by DIRECTIONS, Inc., won an Honorary Mention Award in the Interactive Art category at Ars Electronica , the international competition at the forefront of digital art and media culture!
i3DG debuts at the Ars Electronica 2010 festival!
i3DG was unveiled to the public for the first time at the festival, held from 9/1 to 9/11 in Linz, Austria. The booth attracted visitors of all ages, and i3DG elicited high praise for delivering a groundbreaking installation experience. Scenes from the festival will be presented on the i3DG website [http://i3dg.mobi/] - check it out!
i3DG attracted big crowds throughout the festival. Visitors were enthralled by the radically compact device and surprising 3D images
★Dedicated website goes online.
★i3DG web [http://i3dg.mobi/]
★Check the site for the latest info on i3DG!
* Note: the site can only be viewed on iPhones/iPod Touch devices.
i3DGis remarkable in that 3D image production/playback requires no special skills or technology (such as videotaping simultaneously with two cameras, or CG production techniques).
Stay tuned for more developments!
For details on the Ars Electronica award:
http://www.aec.at/prix_history_en.php?year=2010#honorarymention2010interactiveart
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♦Time of EVE: The Movie hits theaters nationwide in Japan!
Theatrical runs extends to 11 theaters!
The theatrical run for Time of EVE: The Movie kicked off on March 3 in Tokyo at Ikebukuro Theater Daiya and Theater Shinjuku, and has spread like wildfire throughout Japan to Osaka, Sapporo, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Okayama, Shizuoka, Horishima and Iwate.
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♦Time of EVE is a smash hit!! Sets new opening day record for ticket sales!!
(from left): Miki MURAI (Event MC), Rie TANAKA (Sammy), Yasuhiro YOSHIURA (Director), Rina SATO (Nagi) at the Evelend tasting corner in the movie theater
New record set for opening day attendance/box office receipts for Ikebukuro Theater Daiya since its renewal opening!!!
Time of EVE made its theatrical debut on March 6th at Ikebukuro Theater Daiya and Theater Shinjuku. The opening day screenings were packed, and featured special events with the director and voice cast. Plus the audience got to savor the aroma of coffee along with the movie screening, thanks to a special tasting corner that featured a recreation of the Evelend coffee that appears in the film.
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♦Hoshi Shinichi’s Short Shorts wins the grand prix for comedy at the 37th International Emmy Awards!!!
©NHK/Telecom Staff, Cooperation: Marina Hoshi/Shinchosha
(top row/from left): Tayuta MIKAGE/Bokko-chan, Kazuo EBISAWA/After Service, PANTOGRAPH/He-y, Come on Ou-t,
(bottom row/from left): Yusuke SAKAMOTO/Kaishu ni ojimasu, Fujio TANABE/ All-Purpose Spy Gadget, Toshiaki HANZAKI/Fuman
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Animation contents produced by DIRECTIONS, Inc.
We handled production for the animation works in the Hoshi Shinichi’s Short Shorts series (NHK BS2, produced by NHK/Telecom Staff). The series has gone on to win the comedy division grand prize for the 37 th International Emmy Awards!! The award recognized a 30-minute omnibus of 9 comedy works culled from the overall series, which aired a total of 77 works.
For details on the 37th International Emmy Award:
http://www.iemmys.tv/news_item.aspx?id=90
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♦Tensai Televi-kun MAX BITWORLD wins 2009 Good Design Award!
Showers of accolades for Bit World!
©NHK
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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 21 st century.
Details on the award here. (Japanese only)
What’s the Good Design Award? Check it out here.
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♦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
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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 1 st 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.
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♦Tensai Televi-kun MAX BITWORLD wins 3 major awards!
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©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.
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♦Special report! Worldwide launch of Time of Eve!!
♦Huge response to "The Time of Eve" free online broadcast!
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.
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Free access to the first episode
of "The Time of Eve" here!
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♦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)
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♦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.
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♦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.
♦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!
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■ 「airartlog」Check out Vol. 3 of the "Journeys to visit people we want to meet" series! - Frédéric le Junter -
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/
♦airartlog AAL036 V2 25th Anniversary@WTC
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.
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♦DIRECTIONS, Inc. produces music video for "Tokyo Nukemichi Girl" Life Goes On!
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" music video Click "here" to see a clip.
 The full album Yestermorrow Village, which includes "Tokyo Nukemichi Girl," goes on sale from Sony Music Direct on 2/20/2008.
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♦3 works by MIKAGE to be screened at TOLLYWOOD on 2/16!
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| 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!
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!
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!
♦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.
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♦Beyond the Train Tracks selected for the Holland Animation Film Festival!
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 Screenplay Award at the Sapporo Short Fest 2006
 Held 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.
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DIRECTIONS, Inc. is currently recruiting animation creators to create segments for children's TV programs.
To submit your work, or for more information, please email us at
web@directions.jp
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<Much anticipated iPad app!>
Digital Pet
Tanukichi-kun
Tanukichi-kun, comedian Akira Boy's partner, is dispatched straight to you.
Requirements:
iPad i0S3.2 or later
Language: Japanese
Price: 115 yen
>> View in the iTunes Store
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Price: 5,250 yen (tax incl.)
Item number: DIREC-011
Pre-orders are being taken for the Time of EVE: The Movie Blu-ray with bonus materials!!
(Japan release/Japanese only)
NEW!!
"PALE COCOON"
Original Soundtrack CD
Price: 1,500 yen (tax incl.)
Product Code: DIREC-010
"Time of Eve," SF animation like you've never seen it before, from acclaimed anime creator Yasuhiro YOSHIURA. Don't miss out on the fantastic voice talent in the series.
Sg.CD "Time of Eve" Image Song
"Time in Tenderness"
Price: 1,000 yen (tax incl.)
Product Code: DIREC-009
DVD Episode 6
"act06: MASAKI"
Price: 1,400 yen (tax incl.)
Product Code: DIREC-008
DVD Episode 5
"act05: CHIE & SHIMEI"
Price: 1,300 yen (tax incl.)
Product Code: DIREC-007
DVD Episode 4
"act04: NAMELESS"
Price: 1,300 yen (tax incl.)
Product Code: DIREC-006
Buy yours from the Official Shop!
* Japanese version only (DVD Region 2, no subtitles)
DVDs featuring original works by indie animation creators Yasuhiro YOSHIURA and Tayuta MIKAGE.
“Pale Cocoon”
Director: Yasuhiro YOSHIURA
Product Code: AVBD 34307
Price: 2,940 yen (tax incl.)
Click "here" to purchase your copy!
"Beyond the Train Tracks"
Director: Tayuta MIKAGE
Product Code: AVBD 34308
Price: 2,940 yen (tax incl.)
Click "here" to purchase your copy!
Produce & Sales : DIRECTIONS, Inc.
Distribution : avex marketing Inc.
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2011/08/30
「Top」News updated.
2011/06/21
「TV Programs」updated.
2011/03/02
「Top」News updated.
2011/01/31
「Top」News updated.
2010/10/27
「Top」News updated.
2010/05/20
「Top」News and
「TV Programs」 updated.
2009/10/07
「Top」News updated.
2009/06/12
「Top」News updated.
2009/04/01
「Top」News updated.
2008/11/27
「Top」News and「Original Works」updated.
2008/11/26
「TV Programs」 and 「Showcase」 updated.
2008/10/01
「Top」News updated.
2008/09/24
「Top」News updated.
2008/09/09
「TV Programs」Renewal.
2008/08/11
「Top」News updated.
2008/03/21
「Top」News updated.
2008/02/08
airartlog Japanese version updated.
AAL040 released.
2008/01/29
「Top」News updated Update on the "Tokyo Nukemichi Girl" music video
2008/01/15
【Original Animation Project News】 updated.
2008/01/08
airartlog Japanese version updated.
[I-N-G] AAL038 released.
2008/01/05
Showcase page newly created.
2007/07/21
airartlog English version site unveiled.
2006/04/01
artairlog goes online.
2006/01/27
English page created.
2006/01/18
DIRECTIONS Official Website launched.
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DIRECTIONS is now on 
