Really appreciate this look (especially the photos) at a seminal moment in the the anime fandom. Such a cool historical interlude. Interesting also to think how much early globally localized shows (gachaman, kimba, astroboy, speed racer, etc) were seeding the ground with the aesthetic appreciation for the dream machine that was tuning up. I have a distinct recollection of watching the credits of Speed Racer and trying to figure out where the unusual-sounding names came from…similarly seeing the katakana on my childhood jumbo Reideen…visual breadcrumbs leading to Japan.
Could one say this was the equivalent to the 1972 Star Trek Convention in NYC? When a fandom gelled and the suits said “hmmm, hey we can make money off these people!” .
I think the lines outside of the Yamato theatrical screenings were what gave the movie people the idea that anime might be the Next Big Thing, so perhaps the New Century Declaration was more of a confirmation than an inspiration? Pivotal nonetheless!
As they say, the revolution was televised. I think maybe, again parallels with Star Trek fandom, this was the time when Masscomi really rose up to understanding its power of shaping culture. The NYC Trek convention and its coverage in TV Guide magazine, and this event and the press it garnered, both things reached out and told a generation “hey you guys! You’re not the only one who likes this thing!”, reached out in a mass event way, dare I say an awakening? Mayhap, a contact be invoked?
Wow, I'd never heard about this. Fascinating to learn about the roots of a culture I love and am so indebted to. What a world—great article, thanks for covering this and sharing it with us modern-day anime fans who didn't know.
Really appreciate this look (especially the photos) at a seminal moment in the the anime fandom. Such a cool historical interlude. Interesting also to think how much early globally localized shows (gachaman, kimba, astroboy, speed racer, etc) were seeding the ground with the aesthetic appreciation for the dream machine that was tuning up. I have a distinct recollection of watching the credits of Speed Racer and trying to figure out where the unusual-sounding names came from…similarly seeing the katakana on my childhood jumbo Reideen…visual breadcrumbs leading to Japan.
The katakana on the stomach of Jumbo Getta Dragon was my gateway drug into Japanese pop culture, too.
This is so cool and interesting as a 21st century anime fan from the west.
It's sadly forgotten history among younger generations of fans -- just trying to keep the flame alive!
Could one say this was the equivalent to the 1972 Star Trek Convention in NYC? When a fandom gelled and the suits said “hmmm, hey we can make money off these people!” .
I think the lines outside of the Yamato theatrical screenings were what gave the movie people the idea that anime might be the Next Big Thing, so perhaps the New Century Declaration was more of a confirmation than an inspiration? Pivotal nonetheless!
As they say, the revolution was televised. I think maybe, again parallels with Star Trek fandom, this was the time when Masscomi really rose up to understanding its power of shaping culture. The NYC Trek convention and its coverage in TV Guide magazine, and this event and the press it garnered, both things reached out and told a generation “hey you guys! You’re not the only one who likes this thing!”, reached out in a mass event way, dare I say an awakening? Mayhap, a contact be invoked?
Wow, I'd never heard about this. Fascinating to learn about the roots of a culture I love and am so indebted to. What a world—great article, thanks for covering this and sharing it with us modern-day anime fans who didn't know.