Digital producer 8million studio (behind Kemono Friends) announced that an LGBTQ sensitivity reader service will be in production. The initial production for the service was early last week. Starting today, the “Debate+ LGBTQ” service will provide feedback from other LGBTQ members and allies to clients. This is happening before the product is finalized and released.
The finalized product will provide two forms of feedback: surveys for those who want to gather opinions, and group interviews for those that want deeper discussions about the content. 8million will also moderate an online seminar titled “How to Approach Marketing in a Diverse Society” on August 30.
In a press release, 8million highlighted the need for consultancy. While the word “diversity” is becoming common in Japan, it has not traveled far into society. There are many harassment-related incidents, many of which are “unconscious” actions or “ignorance without malice”. 8million has created a service to help bridge the knowledge gap between the two. The service is also cooperating with LGBTQ YouTuber Kazue-chan.
Their channel provides information about LGBTQ issues in Japan. The company plans to keep producing anime, as well as being involved with audio production. Voice actor management, holding online salons for YouTube creators, offering management consulting, and collaborating with Dalian-based CG studios is a goal for the company as well.
The Love for Kemono Friends
8million studio first produced the first season of the Kemono Friends anime in 2017. They also produced the Kemurikusa series in 2019.
The sleeper hit of the winter 2017 season was Kemono Friends. However, there was a lot going against the production of the anime. Early on, the ten-person staff worked for 500 days with a small budget. To make the deadlines, the cost-cutting measures got so bad that restrictive measures were taken on supposed to be moving parts.
Kemono Friends tells the story of Japari Park. A mysterious substance causes the animals in the zoo to turn into humanoid beings called “Animal Girls”. After some time, a child turns up lost in the park and must get help from the Animal Girls to find a way home.
What are your thoughts on Kemono Friends highlighting LGBTQ issues in the industry? Let us know!