http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/tv/imagine/archive201108110800.html
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Aug. 16, Tue.
Main Feature: Japanese popular Animation "Golden Kids"
The Golden Kids series of children's novels first hit the shelves in July 2008 and the four volumes published so far have achieved combined sales of 200,000 copies. They are written by manga author Yoichi Takahashi of Flash Kicker football manga and animation fame. Most new cartoons take the TV, movie or video route but the Golden Kids animation was launched simultaneously in Japan, North America, Europe, Australia and elsewhere in January through the iTunes App Store. There is dubbing in Japanese or English and subtitling in Portuguese or Spanish. It's in fact the sort of epoch-making development we have come to expect from Takahashi. The story centers on FC Golden Kids, a boys' football team based in the Koganedai area. They lose and lose but captain and goalkeeper Goal Kitagawa believes in his team and knows they'll be winners one day. It's all about never giving up and the dream begins from a single victory - all typical of Takahashi and Japanese children's cartoons in general, and for many football kids who grew up with his works, the dream has expanded already. Some are now world-famous players! Here's an in-depth report from the production site, including interviews with Yoichi Takahashi, the director and animators, too.
Creator's interview: Maya Matsumura, Japanese Animation Director
Maya Matsumura is known for her distinctive characters and colorful world view. A graduate of the Osaka University of Arts, she worked part time for a couple of years to make Kapporopitta - Let's Have a Meal Together, the story of a boy who hates to eat and a monster who is always hungry. The two eventually share a happy meal together. Kapporopitta won high praise from her peers and various awards at home and abroad. As a professional director, she also produced the animated children's food education program, Maho Shokudo Charapontan. Recipes from Maho Shokudo were published in a magazine and are actually being served. We interview this rising animation creator.