(C) Ryoko Kui, KADOKAWA / “Dungeon Meal” Production Committee

Kansai University and the animation production company, TRIGGER Co., Ltd. (Trigger Inc. / President Masahiko Otsuka, Tokyo), is promoting the development of an archival search system aimed at fostering young animators as an unparalleled attempt in the animation industry.
This system is used as an educational tool to learn about past techniques by utilizing valuable original drawings and videos stored by Trigger. Kansai University Professor Yoshinori Yamanishi (Faculty of Informatics) and Yota Kira (Faculty of Informatics, 4th year student) are working on designs that apply digital archives and information search technologies. Aiming for completion in April 2026, we will announce the first public announcement at the “ACTF (Anime Technology Development Forum)” on March 8, 2025.

[Points of this matter]
・Support young animators through the development of an archive search system that is unmatched in the anime industry
・Utilizing the knowledge of Professor Yoshinori Yamanishi of Kansai University’s Faculty of Informatics, we have built a learning environment that applies information retrieval technology.
・ActF Technology Development Forum (8 March 2025) to be announced for the first time

■ Providing a new learning environment by using archives

In the field of animation production, intermediate products such as original drawings and videos are not sufficiently preserved and are often discarded after a certain period of time. Although the process of creating works is a material that is very useful for young animators to learn and use in future creations, it can be said that there is a culture that does not emphasize it. Trigger has been aware of this issue since its inception and has been archiving materials with the permission of clients. In this project, we will develop a system that allows you to search and browse a huge amount of materials, and create an environment in which young animators can learn about past technologies and contribute to the improvement of technology.

system screen

■ Applied technology using the knowledge of Kansai University Professor Yamanishi

In this project, we apply the cutting-edge research of digital archives and information retrieval technology developed by a team of Professor Yoshinori Yamanishi and Yota Kira. We will accumulate learning behavior data through analyzing search history, and study what kind of animator’s technology will attract attention and what kind of learning effects can be expected. This will systematize animators’ skill acquisition and promote the skill improvement of the industry as a whole.

■ The system was first unveiled at the “ACTF Technology Development Forum” on March 8

This system is scheduled to be unveiled for the first time at the “ACTF (Technical Development Forum)” to be held in Tokyo on March 8, 2025. Demonstration of the system will be carried out, and examples of use will be introduced to those involved in the animation industry and researchers.

<About the animation production company TRIGGER>
Animation studio established in 2011. We will deliver entertainment to the world with the policy of “Customers cannot enjoy works that they cannot enjoy.” While mainly working on original animations such as “Kill La Kill”, “Little Witch Academia”, “Promare”, and “Gridman Universe”, he also focuses on human resource development.

▼Details of this matter▼
Kansai University Press Release
https://www.kansai-u.ac.jp/en/assets/pdf/about/pr/press_release/2024/No70.pdf