Anime Hall of Fame Development Canceled
The Japanese government officially cancelled plans to build a “national media arts center,” commonly referred to as the “anime hall of fame” last Thursday. Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Tatsuo Kawabata explained, “We’ve decided not to build an animation facility after reviewing the supplementary budget for the fiscal year through March.” The facility was initially proposed by Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) but was heavily criticized by the minority Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ). The DPJ took over control of the Japanese Parliament following recent Japanese elections. The LDP proposed that the facility would spotlight and promote contemporary Japanese creative culture. The opposing DPJ called the proposed facility a pet project of LDP chairman Taro Aso.
Since I’m neither Japanese nor living in Japan, this has no direct consequence on me. But I do have to selfishly admit that I’m disappointed to see the Japanese government not consider anime & manga worthy of national attention & respect.
Source: The Japan Times
Related Posts
About The Author
john
Add a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
I don’t think that deciding not to build a Anime Museum is a lack of respect. That would almost sound like anything without a museum is not being respected (which I know isnt what you meant John, but…)
I think that with the money that the Japanese government has been wasting, it is really important for Japan to try its best to focus its money on smart spending.
There is so many wasted ‘projects’ with complete disregard to the local sentiment, with a lot of buildings being made with noone to use them, Japan needs to somehow learn to start making something with direction, not just another museum in some part of town.
Of course, if its well thought out and perhaps made to compliment massive tourism, then by all means it may be a great idea. But if not, then god no!