On Sunday, Takuya Kimura came to DUN for the Pokémon advertisement photo shoot.
Aoki Haruhi, Asano Risa, and Ishino Mika were all on site.
"Very good, just like that. Hold the plushie and smile even more happily."
"Hmm, change poses. Let's do a cooler look."
Under the photographer's direction, Takuya Kimura struck various poses.
The flashes in the studio clicked incessantly.
"Wow, this guy is really handsome," Asano Risa exclaimed.
"Mm-hmm." Ishino Mika first glanced at Aoki Haruhi, then nodded in agreement.
Although Takuya Kimura was very handsome, the President didn't seem to fall short either.
Overall, Aoki Haruhi's features were more masculine.
His lips were thinner, his brow was bold and imposing; he was a standard handsome man.
Aoki Haruhi, hands in his pockets, was also secretly sizing up Takuya Kimura.
Takuya Kimura this year still wore his hair long.
Not very tall.
Aoki Haruhi himself wasn't particularly tall, only 175cm, but here in Japan, he felt like a little giant.
Kimura was even shorter than him, which made Aoki a bit puzzled.
Logically, according to Johnny & Associates' official height reports, Kimura Takuya's height was 175cm, so he should be about the same height as him, but—
Aoki looked at the thick-soled shoes Kimura was wearing and found it a bit strange; despite the shoes being thicker than his own, Kimura was still shorter in height. So, what was Kimura's real height?
He turned his head to look at Asano Risa and Ishino Mika.
The two girls' eyes were filled with little pink bubbles.
Aoki couldn't help but sigh; girls really were visual creatures.
Kimura Takuya was probably one of the better-looking types among men who wore their hair long.
His face was relatively thin, yet every feature was large: big eyes, a big nose, and full lips. This kind of face couldn't really be called effeminate, nor could it be called overly masculine.
In short, he was just Kimura.
In Japan, entertainers actually earn very little money. Unless they reach the top tier, their monthly income is probably about the same as an average office worker's.
In the future, many idol groups will not only fail to make money but will even have to pay out of their own pockets.
For an agency with a complete industry chain like Johnny & Associates, from the time an individual enters the auditions to becoming a trainee, there is no income during this entire period. Although the company covers food, housing, and training, they don't pay a single cent.
Moreover, the costs are ultimately borne by the talents themselves. Once they are cultivated and formed into a group, they have to go everywhere to perform and earn money, paying back the burden and expenses they incurred on the company during their trainee days. The company squeezes every last drop of effort out of you until you finally make it big and become a popular idol.
Only by standing at the top of the pyramid can one earn a substantial income; otherwise, one's life is essentially over.
Fortunately, Kimura belonged to that type of person whom heaven favors—naturally gifted with maxed-out stats, both in terms of appearance and acting talent; he was truly top-tier.
After taking a few sets of photos, the next step was the commercial shoot.
The commercials to be shot today were for Pokémon merchandise and a Pokémon game.
Therefore, to ensure the shoot went smoothly, Pokeni had also prepared several units of the soon-to-be-released Sega GP.
Several game cartridges were also prepared, mainly for fear of sudden crashes or burning out again.
When introducing Pokémon to Kimura, Asano Risa couldn't bring herself to look him in the eye; her face was flushed bright red.
However, thanks to her decent eloquence, she managed to stumble through the introduction, after which Kimura bowed slightly to her.
"Alright, I think I understand."
Kimura's lines were very short, largely because the time for the commercial was limited. As long as the theme could be conveyed and leave a lasting impression on the audience, the goal of the commercial would be achieved.
That was his interpretation.
It was probably similar to a cat; after all, things like Pokémon don't exist in real life, but if you project your feelings onto pets like cats or dogs, then it becomes understandable.
The filming process went quite smoothly.
I have to say, Kimura's acting talent is genuinely good. With just a little bit of grasping, he could make his performance both natural and vivid.
There was no exaggerated expression, which made it feel very comfortable.
This was completely different from the over-the-top acting seen in future Japanese dramas or commercials; you could tell that this guy was truly experiencing it with his heart.
"Cut!"
The director waved his hand and said, "That's a wrap."
"Thank you all for your hard work."
Aoki Haruhi stepped in at the right moment, "I'll treat everyone to a drink tonight."
The group didn't show much of a reaction, just nodded happily.
After the GG shoot, Aoki Haruhi and Kimura sat on the steps of the set and chatted.
Not far away, Asano Risa and Ishino Mika were hiding behind a reflector, silently watching the two of them.
It had to be said—
The picture was truly beautiful.
Aoki Haruhi was wearing a black suit, sitting on the steps with his legs naturally extended, exuding an indescribable sense of untamed grace. With his well-defined facial contours and imposing eyebrows, his handsomeness was even more pronounced.
Kimura Takuya, with his long hair which he would occasionally sweep back, moved with a unique flair as he listened attentively to Aoki, his full lips moving as he spoke.
Although they couldn't quite put their finger on what that "flair" was.
It certainly wasn't effeminate, nor was it overly masculine; it was just captivating, making one want to watch for a little longer.
"Both of them are handsome men."
Just then, a voice from behind startled Ishino Mika and Asano Risa.
Turning around, they realized it was Tsuda Nao.
"President Tsuda."
The two of them quickly bowed slightly.
"What are you doing here?"
Tsuda smiled and waved a hand. "I just finished a meeting and decided to drop by to take a look."
She tilted her head, carefully examining Kimura Takuya, her eyes full of curiosity.
"Hmm... Aoki-san's eye for talent is truly sharp."
To be able to single out Kimura from the many artists at Johnny & Associates—this level of insight was nothing short of impressive.
Tsuda mused inwardly.
Even someone like her, who was accustomed to seeing artists and had discovered many newcomers herself, might not necessarily have been able to do what Aoki had done.
When did he first notice Kimura?
"Do you know a director from Hong Kong, China named Wong Kar-wai?" Aoki Haruhi asked with a smile.
Kimura Takuya thought for a few seconds and nodded, "Hmm. He seems to be a very famous director."
Although Kimura Takuya had already shown talent in acting this year, in reality, he had no intention of fully entering the film and television industry yet. At least for the time being, the focus of Kimura's career was on his idol group.
"If he invites you to make a movie in the future, don't agree," Aoki said.
"Huh?"
Kimura was full of question marks.
It was mid-July.
Kimura's "GG" filming was completed, and the first episode of the Pokémon anime by Kyoto Animation was finished.
Kigami Yoshiji brought the videotape to Tokyo and played it in the Pokeni conference room.
Seeing the scene where Ash braves the Spearow flock to protect Pikachu, Asano Risa even teared up a little.
She lowered her head and gently wiped the corner of her eyes, finally feeling like a mother seeing her child being born.
It hadn't been easy; they were finally seeing the Pokémon anime, and the Pokémon game would be released soon, too.
After the video finished playing, Kigami Yoshiji set down the remote, turned around, and briefly explained why Kyoto Animation chose to create it this way, the reasons behind their choices, and the corresponding benefits.
He then politely asked, "I wonder if President Qing has any questions or anything that needs to be adjusted by Kyoto Animation?"
The production quality of Kyoto Animation had visibly improved significantly.
At least looking at the first episode for now, the production value was even better than the original version produced by TV Tokyo in the previous life.
It was true: practice really is the best and fastest way to grow.
After a few more rounds of polishing, Kyoto Animation should be quite formidable by this time next year. Looking at the animation currently being produced, Qing Zhiyuan could already see the shadow of the future Kyoto Animation.
After a few more times of polishing, by this time next year, Kyoto Animation should be quite formidable. Watching the animation production right now, Aoki Haruhi could already see glimpses of what Kyoto Animation would become in the future.
[No, no.]
[You've done an excellent job.]
Words like these almost slipped out.
But then, Aoki Haruhi suddenly remembered something.
"Hmm..."
Aoki Haruhi pondered for a moment and said, "The production quality and script of this episode by Kyoto Animation are quite excellent, and the voice acting is spot on, really resonating with the audience. I have just one small suggestion."
"Yes, please go ahead," Kigami Yoshiji said, standing respectfully with his hands folded in front of his chest, waiting for what Aoki Haruhi had to say.
"The strobe technique," Aoki Haruhi said, pointing at the television. "Near the end of the first episode, when Pikachu jumps onto Ash's shoulder and releases lightning, the entire screen flashes, doesn't it?"
"And then the whole TV screen flashes. This should be the standard strobe technique your company uses, right?"
"That's right," Kigami Yoshiji nodded earnestly. "It's to enhance the visual effect, making Pikachu's electric discharge more impactful, while simultaneously highlighting Pikachu's inner transformation at that moment, as well as the sense of power that comes with it."
Aoki Haruhi was actually quite knowledgeable about this.
In animation production, a technique of flashing different colored lights in the background is often used to convey a sense of impact.
At a frame rate of 24 frames per second, the image is alternated every 1 to 2 frames.
For example, during an explosion, the screen might flash white → black → white → black in rapid succession.
Besides achieving a shocking effect through the persistence of vision, this technique also saves time and costs in animation production, which is why it has been widely used for so many years.
"However, this technique causes a serious problem."
Aoki Haruhi looked at Kigami Yoshiji and asked, "Kigami-san, have you heard of photosensitive epilepsy?"
"Hm?" Kigami Yoshiji was slightly taken aback. "Photosensitive epilepsy?"
"Yes," Aoki Haruhi explained. "There is a group of people who are sensitive to light; when bright lights flash, it can trigger seizures, convulsions, and fainting."
"Among our viewers, there are many teenagers whose eyes are more sensitive than those of adults.
Furthermore, children tend to stare at the TV without blinking, and the rapid switching rate of the bright lights is as high as once every 1/12th of a second.
When these children watch the animation, their optic nerves are strongly stimulated, affecting their brain's control centers.
At best, they will feel uncomfortable; at worst, they can faint or have a seizure.
In medicine, these phenomena are known as acute photosensitivity, or photosensitive epilepsy."
"Ah..."
Kigami Yoshiji immediately realized the severity of the situation—
If they used the strobe technique to make Pikachu's skills look impactful, it could very likely cause viewers with photosensitivity to faint, or even become life-threatening.
If that were to happen...
It would probably trigger a massive, malicious incident.
Instead of achieving a positive effect, it would drag Kyoto Animation and Pokeni into the abyss.
Most importantly, the idea of "animation causing injury" was absolutely terrifying.
It was something Kigami could never bear.
No one could bear such a result.
Kigami Yoshiji was horrified and quickly apologized, "I am terribly sorry. We didn't know about this; we were too careless."
"I suggest improving the strobe technique, or simply not using it at all," Aoki Haruhi said. "You should be able to figure out the specifics yourself, right?"
For instance, they could dim the lighting, reduce the flashing frequency, freeze the frame, or lengthen the intervals between flashes. Those methods could convey the same impact without the need for such frequent flashing or overly intense light effects.
"Understood. I see now," cold sweat was already breaking out on Kigami Yoshiji's forehead.
Aoki Haruhi said with a smile, "If we prepare in advance, it should be fine."
In his previous life, such a malicious incident occurred with Pokémon in 1997—
Japanese viewers were watching episode 38 of the Pokémon anime, "Cyber Soldier Porygon," when many viewers that night simultaneously fainted, causing over 600 children and adults to be sent to the hospital.
This event became unprecedented sensational news in the animation industry. The next day, Nintendo's stock plummeted, and the incident caused the Pokémon anime to be suspended for a time.
Because the main monster in this episode was Porygon, this event was also known as the Porygon Incident.
The innocently implicated Porygon was even placed on a ban list.
Porygon: "I'm innocent! Pikachu was the one who discharged the electricity, why am I the one taking the fall?"
The end of this affair was, in fact, quite dramatic.
After recovering, the patients one after another stated that it wasn't Pokémon's fault, and chose to forgive Nintendo and the animation production company.
Moreover, because the Porygon incident created such a sensation, many people who hadn't previously paid attention to or played Pokémon flocked to join the fandom, which actually caused Pokémon's popularity to continue rising.
Pokémon ended up as a blessing in disguise, its popularity skyrocketing all of a sudden.
If Aoki Haruhi had known nothing about this incident, he most likely would have followed the original path Nintendo took, and Pokeni would still have been the ultimate beneficiary.
But the mere thought of so many people suffering epileptic seizures and being hospitalized because of it made Aoki Haruhi feel he couldn't just stand by and do nothing.
Using something like this to stir up hype would be too despicable.
Therefore, when watching the first episode, Aoki Haruhi noticed the problem and raised it.
After returning, Kyoto Animation followed Aoki Haruhi's advice and changed their animation methods and techniques. At the same time, they also invited some well-known neurologists from Tokyo for consultation.
After receiving a positive response, following Aoki's requirements, Kigami Yoshiji and the others from Kyoto Animation submitted the data to TV Tokyo. Together with other television stations, they proposed:
[An animation plan that does not use strobe techniques]
[Prevention of the impact of light pollution on children]
And [animation processing for light-sensitive individuals]
Afterward, the major television stations jointly formulated stricter safety production rules, banning the use of strong strobe techniques and high-contrast backgrounds.
It is highly likely that the animation-induced seizure incident will not happen in this lifetime.
With that, everything is ready.
July 24, 1992.
Pokémon: Original Series, produced by Kyoto Animation, officially airs on TV Tokyo.
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