IWA November Meeting

On the evening of Wednesday, 18 November 2009, 13 IWA members and families gathered at Mrs. Ic's house to listen to AIU's Professor Darren Ashmore give an informative and insightful lecture on the origins of Japanese animation.

Using a DVD of Lupin the 3rd as a backdrop, Dr Ashmore began with the historical roots of modern manga. Using pictures and anecdotes from history, he outlined the development of a uniquely Japanese drawing style, focussing on the 12th century Choujuu giga (lit. 'animal-person caricatures'), and the famous 19th century artist Hokusai's character portraits. He also detailed the inspirations provided by Japanese culture, history and religion. After the arrival of Commodore Perry in the 18th century, some Japanese manga artists began to apply their skills to political satire, as seen in publications such as The Japan Punch.

From then on, the unique east-west combination of drawing and storytelling (also heavily inspired by western novels, art, and early American television serials, etc.) continued to flourish until the arrival of Tezuka Osamu's Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atomu), which marked the birth of modern anime. Dr Ashmore's student then gave a brief talk about popular modern manga, and passed around examples for the audience to see.

A pot luck dinner followed the lecture, and IWA members feasted upon a wide range of beautifully-presented international foods including Japanese, local Akita, Italian, Indian, and general Western food; salads and vegetables, followed by coffee, cake and fruit for dessert.

To top off the success of the evening, our first real snowfall of the year occurred as members drove home. A magical ending to a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

Attending: Ms. Kaw/Car/Con/Sho/Ito/Kur/Kon/Mor, Mr Ic and Ms Nar and Tom and their husbands.