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|  A greeting of a President |
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| Almost half a century has passed since TV animation was firstly aired in Japan in 1963. Boys and girls who watched animation with fascination on black and white TV are now in parents' generation, and animation becomes something in common to talk about with their children. It seems animation is indeed rooted as a part of Japanese culture.
The term "anime" Japanese people use normally in daily life has evolved to the international term "ANIME". "ANIME" is now well-established as a new genre, crossing over borders and developing beyond the boundaries of western animations.
So far Japanese animations have been aired and well accepted in the U.S. and European countries. Young generations grown up with Japanese animations are increasing overseas. Along with such spread, Japanese character business is also expanding its market to the world.
Recently Japan is facing severe social problems such as economic stagnation and low birth rate. Under such situation, Japanese animation/character related businesses are exposed to drastic environmental changes brought about by diversification of media, which leads to make the industry develop in various manners. Diversity of market, rapid development of digital media including broadband, and globalization - the pace of such changes is too fast. Nonetheless, we are not allowed to be left behind on any account.
Japanese animation industry could make a big leap. Yet the task before us is to develop animators and artists who support the industry. Some nations, such as Korea and China, which used to be subcontractors of Japanese as well as Western animation industries, are becoming to consider animation business as a key industry and steadily gaining competitiveness with governmental supports. I believe it is a major factor for further promotion of Japanese animation that both governmental and private organizations work together to cultivate young animators responsible for the next generation.
The Association of Japanese Animations (AJA), established as a limited liability intermediate corporation in May, 2002, became an incorporated associate this year. We will further promote our business activities such as development of animation production technologies, collection and transmission of market information, study and protection of copyright, and introduction of Japan's animation culture through international exchanges.
This time I am honored to assume the third president of AJA. There are so many problems to be solved, and the task will be a challenge for me. I, however, would like to do my best to contribute to the promotion and development of Japanese animation industry, which Japan can be proud of, and really appreciate your further support and encouragement to AJA.
President, The Association of Japanese Animations Yuji Nunokawa
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