THERE'S no doubt that anime, or Japanese animation, is enjoying widespread popularity - perhaps now more than ever before.
And this has been an especially sweet year for Singapore's comics, animation and toy fans.
Two mega-events, the Singapore Toy and Comic Convention and Anime Festival Asia (AFA), were held at Suntec Convention Centre within the last five months.
At both events, fans were treated to appearances of big names in the anime and toy industries, such as Kunio Okawara (see sidebars), who appeared at the anime fest.
For a generation weaned on anime and anime-influenced celluloid heroes like Transformers or Gundam robots, attending these events was a dream come true.
Gundam fan Clive Lee, 29, told my paper: "Instead of flying to Japan, I can now see popular items and listen to celebrity designers speaking at first hand."
The two-day toy convention, hosted by local toy-design company and event organisers Play Imaginative, attracted 140,000.
While there are no official figures for the anime fest, organisers I-Promo and Dentsu Singapore have said it drew "within our expectations of 80,000 people".
Cable channel Animax Asia estimated that Singapore accounted for almost US$50 million (S$75.4 million) of global anime sales last year.
Globally, the Association of Japanese Animations said anime titles chalked up around US$2.2 billion in revenue last year.
In the United States, too, Japanese anime has been booming in recent years, thanks to the release of titles like Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh! on major television networks.
According to a 2006 report by the Japan External Trade Organization, the number of Japanese anime DVDs exported to the US increased from 2.1 million in 2000 to 12 million in 2005.
Anime's widespread popularity has had spin-off effects, most noticeably on the toy industry, where Japanese influences are becoming increasingly popular.
Italian designer Simone Legno, the Italian US-based founder of lifestyle brand tokidoki (which means "sometimes" in Japanese), says that his cute characters - like Cactus Friends - were "inspired by Japan's kawaii, or cute, culture".
Today, his designs can be found on everything from shoes to snowboards.
And let's not forget that Japanese artists like Takashi Murakami have gained widespread appeal in the West. Murakami famously designed a pattern for use on French luxury brand Louis Vuitton's bags.
But while Japan makes headway in the West, Asia will continue to take the lead.
At last month's AFA, Mr Susumu Tsubaki, representative director of management consultancy Pan Asia Partners, predicted that "Asia will become the No. 1 market for anime by 2020".
While no official statistics are available, Play Imaginative estimates that the Singapore toy market alone is growing at a rate of 10 per cent annually.
my paper got to know some of the big-wigs in the anime and toy scenes.
HERO #1: KUNIO OKAWARA, 60
AKA: The father of Gundam robots
What he does: As the mechanical designer for Gundam and other anime series, he is famed for designing robots with special weapons and realistic-looking parts like laser beams and cannons. He was in Singapore last month to speak at Anime Festival Asia.
Why you should know him: Okawara started designing for the popular anime series Gundam in 1979. The multifaceted epic traces a fictional war between Earth and its space colonies. To date, he has worked on many projects, including the latest Gundam Seed Destiny and Gundam 00.
His style has influenced a younger generation of up-andcoming animation talents such as Okubo Junji.
Trivia: He usually shows his completed works to his wife, Noriko, 59, for her comments. In his own words: "Working on Gundam has changed my life. I did my first design for the series when I was 31, and have continued to do so professionally till today.
"Many people have asked where I find inspiration for the robot designs but honestly, those are based on discussions with the teams, which involve many staff members working on the projects. They may already have some requests about what to include for specific characters and mechanics.
"For example, the flashy designs for Mobile Fighter G Gundam were developed because the range was pitched at children."
HERO #2: YASUFUMI SOEJIMA, 37
AKA: Actionanime genius
What he does: The former director and designer for famous Japanese animation company Gonzo Studio has built a name for himself in 3-D action and supernatural anime, working on titles like Final Fantasy Unlimited, Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo, and Last Exile. He was here for the Anime Festival Asia, where he obliged my paper's request to draw a self-portrait.
Why you should know him: He has broken out big in the West, collaborating on ground-breaking animated music videos for Linkin Park (Breaking The Habit) and directing Dream Theatre (Forsaken).
He is also the star storyboard artist for LaMB, Animax Asia's first original animation production to be released next year.
Trivia: The self-confessed geek was initially trained as an oil painter. He can spend hours discussing a single scene in classic anime movies like Ghost In The Shell.
In his own words: "It's not just Japan that has created the culture of anime. The rest of Asia is also often involved, and many works are outsourced outside of Japan.
"For instance, I am the storyboard artist for LaMB, but Singapore- based Imaginary Friends Studios provided the concept art, design and web manga.
"Although most animators work for many years before achieving success, we love drawing anime and coming up with original stories.
"Being an 'otaku' ( Japanese term for a manga-, anime- or game-loving nerd) is also a profession. I'd term myself as a professional otaku."
HERO #3: SIMONE LEGNO, 30
AKA: The reinterpreter of "kawaii".
What he does: The Italian born, United States-based designer was discovered when the founders of American cosmetics company Hard Candy stumbled on his website in 2003 and invited him to form the tokidoki (meaning "sometimes" in Japanese) business venture.
He creates whimsical, colourful characters for the brand, such as Cactus Friends, which feature dogs and human-like creatures dressed in "cactus suits". Their childlike innocence reflect the happy world of Japanese anime, according to Legno, who appeared at the Toy and Comic Convention.
Why you should know him: Before finding fame, British newspaper The Independent had labelled Legno's personal website as one of its "10 Best Sites of the Week" in 2003. tokidoki designs have been featured on limited-edition Onitsuka Tiger sneakers, LeSportsac bags and Hello Kitty accessories.
Trivia: Legno supports the Italian football club AS Roma.
In his own words: "What does an Italian guy know about Japanese culture? Lots! I grew up watching shows imported from Japan in the 1980s and have been drawing Asian characters since I was little.
"I flew to Japan the first chance I got, and fell in love with the kawaii, or cute, culture.
"The girls in my works are different from the manga girls, which have big eyes and big breasts. I prefer to mix happiness with a slightly sexy touch."
