KYOANI & DO FAN DAYS 2017

Since 2013, Kyoto Animation has showcased its growth in a bi-annual event called the Kyoto Animation and DO Fan Appreciation Event (aka KYOANI & DO FAN DAYS) which highlights the studio’s accomplishments of the previous two years. In 2017, the theme of the third such event was known as “This is What We Are Now!” and featured three of the studio's top animation media: Violet Evergarden, Sound! Euphonium and Free!

The event showcased over 3,000 pieces of key animation, along with storyboards and background artwork. It further provided interactive opportunities, such as the “Studio Zone,” where fans could watch chosen animators at work, engage the artists in conversation and have questions answered. While sometimes thought otherwise, the studio uses the same tools as other Japanese animation studios: key animation is drawn by hand, RETAS Studio is used for digital coloring and Adobe AfterEffects for compositing. What sets this studio apart is its unique aesthetic and attention to lifelike detail.

In another area of the venue, production materials were displayed, as well as life-sized backgrounds and character cut-outs from famous works with whom attendees could pose for photographs. The event also introduced Baja, the studio’s new mascot. A short anime called Baja’s Studio depicted Baja in action at screenings scheduled throughout the event with a Japanese Blu-ray edition available for purchase.

Finally, attendees were treated to a preliminary screening of the then-upcoming film, Special Edition Free!-Take Your Marks!- (aka Tokubetsu Free!-Take Your Marks-). Another mini-event titled, "Delivery! Various editions of Kyoto Animation & Do," was planned for October 29, 2017 at the Miyako Messe Exhibition Center, but was cancelled.