Exhibition art pieces. Photos courtesy of Byte in a Cup
It is difficult to determine the extent of the influence that Japanese comics, cartoons and games have had on Thai people. From classics, the likes of Doraemon and Atom Boy, to more contemporary works like Detective Conan and Fullmetal Alchemist, Japanese pop culture has permeated into the collective psyche of Thai people for as long as most of us can remember, and has had a major role in the formation of Thai pop culture as we know it today.
To highlight the significance Japanese entertainment has had on the world, The Museum of Traditional and Contemporary Thai Art in collaboration with the National Art Centre Tokyo will be hosting the “Manga-Anime-Games From Japan In Thailand” exhibition, showcasing some of the most influential pieces of Japanese entertainment in the past 25 years. The exhibition was first held in Tokyo last year, and was in Myanmar in February. In Thailand, the exhibition will feature 45 pieces of Japanese entertainment titles, divided among the three categories of anime (animated cartoons), manga (comic books) and games.
The event will also feature panel discussions with speakers working in the many facets of Japan’s anime, manga and games industries, from designers to critics. The panels have limited seats, so be sure to check out the exhibition’s Facebook page for regular updates on speakers and registration.
“Japanese anime, manga and games have always enjoyed a passionate following in Thailand, especially among the country’s youth,” said Tamotsu Aoki, director of the National Art Centre Tokyo.
“These three contemporary Japanese art forms have had a significant role to play in spreading Japanese culture around the world, and it is our honour to be hosting this exhibition for people all over the world.”
In terms of manga and anime, the notable titles featured at the exhibition tend to tip more towards contemporary pieces of work rather than cultural classics, such as Kill La Kill, Fate/Stay Night, Sword Art Online and Digimon. Each exhibition is made up of a brief summary of what the title is about, accompanied by various pieces of concept-art and animation storyboards from the original artists themselves. As for games, notable titles include the likes of Dragon Quest IV, Pokémon and Gran Turismo.
Exhibition art pieces. Photos courtesy of Byte in a Cup
This source first appeared on Bangkok Post Lifestyle.