Tokyo: Anime Creation Workshop with a professional Animator

Thinking about adding an artistic twist to your trip to Tokyo? This Anime Creation Workshop offers a rare chance to step into the shoes of a real Japanese animator. With just two hours, you’ll learn the ins and outs of anime production, from storyboarding to character animation, all guided by a professional with credits on My Hero Academia and Lupin the Third.

What we love about this experience? First, the chance to create a personal animation and actually take the data file home—truly a souvenir that’s both fun and creative. Second, working with real studio tools like pen tablets and CLIP STUDIO PAINT makes the process feel authentic. Third, the private lesson with English interpretation ensures personalized guidance and clear explanations.

One consideration? The workshop is designed for people aged 15 and up, so it’s not suitable for younger children. Also, while the experience is accessible for beginners, a basic understanding of digital tools helps maximize your enjoyment. This workshop suits anime fans, aspiring artists, or anyone curious about the behind-the-scenes magic of Japanese animation.

Key Points

• Authentic Studio Experience: Work with professional tools like pen tablets and CLIP STUDIO PAINT, just like industry pros.
• Personalized Guidance: Enjoy a private, English-interpreted lesson tailored to your skill level.
• Creative Souvenir: Leave with your own short animation data file—perfect for sharing or revisiting later.
• No Experience Needed: The instructor guides every step, making it accessible for beginners.
• Behind-the-Scenes Stories: Gain insights from a professional who’s worked on major anime series.
• Ideal for Fans & Future Animators: Best suited for ages 15+ with an interest in animation or Japanese pop culture.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Workshop

The workshop is held at a cozy studio located on the 6th floor of a building accessible via a yellow elevator. Once inside, you’ll be welcomed into a private setting where your guide, a seasoned animator, will begin by sharing stories from the industry, including behind-the-scenes bits from My Hero Academia and Lupin the Third. These anecdotes give a real-world context to the techniques you’re about to learn and make the experience more engaging.

Learning the Animation Process

Over two hours, the instructor will introduce you to the entire flow of anime production—storyboarding, key animation, and in-between frames. You’ll understand how scenes are mapped out, and see how characters come to life frame by frame. The instructor, who speaks both English and Japanese, will break down complex concepts into simple steps, helping you grasp the essentials regardless of your art background.

Hands-On Digital Training

The core of the experience is practical. You’ll use pen tablets and CLIP STUDIO PAINT—software widely used in the industry—to animate a character. Expect to practice character movement, including in-betweening to smooth out motion. The instructor demonstrates how to animate a character’s movement, and you’ll get to try it out yourself, guided every step of the way.

Creating Your Short Animation

By the end, you’ll have assembled a simple but satisfying animation of your chosen character. The instructor will help you compile your frames into a finished clip, which you’ll receive as a digital file to take home. This isn’t just a fun exercise—it’s a tangible, professional-quality project you can proudly share or keep as a unique memory.

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Additional Insights from the Instructor

Guests learn fascinating industry stories, giving the workshop an authentic feel. The instructor, with years of experience on major projects, shares tips and tricks that aren’t typically in beginner tutorials, making this a valuable learning opportunity for anyone seriously interested in animation.

Practical Details & How It Works

The meeting point is easy to find—a cafe on the first floor with clear signage. After checking in, you’ll ascend to the 6th floor via the yellow elevator, reaching room 602 where the session takes place. The cost is $382 for a private group of up to two people, making it a good value for a personalized, professional experience.

Duration & Flexibility

The workshop lasts 2 hours, with multiple start times depending on availability. You can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility if your plans change. The activity is wheelchair accessible, and English interpretation is available, ensuring a smooth experience for international visitors.

Suitability & Restrictions

This experience is designed for ages 15 and above. No prior art experience is necessary, but having an interest in anime or digital art helps you make the most of it. Younger children under 15 are not suitable, as the workshop involves digital tools and a certain level of focus.

Cancellation & Booking

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind when booking. Because it’s a private group experience, you won’t be sharing your instructor with strangers, which makes for a more tailored class.

Why This Experience Offers Great Value

The key to this workshop’s appeal is its authenticity. Unlike generic drawing classes, you’re working directly with professional tools used in the industry, not just paper and pencils. The personal interaction with a working animator adds depth and realism that you won’t get from online tutorials. Plus, the ability to create a tangible animation file means you leave with a real product, not just memories.

While the price of $382 might seem steep for a short workshop, it’s quite reasonable considering the professional guidance, quality tools, and personalized attention. If you’re passionate about anime or digital art, this experience provides hands-on insight that could inspire future creative pursuits.

The storytelling element—hearing from someone who has contributed to popular series—adds an extra layer of authenticity. For fans, it’s a rare peek behind the curtain; for aspiring animators, it’s a chance to learn industry techniques directly from a pro.

Final Thoughts

This Anime Creation Workshop balances fun, learning, and authenticity beautifully. It’s not a cookie-cutter class but a tailored experience led by an expert who genuinely loves sharing his craft. The use of real studio tools and the opportunity to produce your own animation make it a memorable highlight for anime fans and budding artists alike.

Perfect for travelers seeking a meaningful, creative activity that offers a glimpse into Japanese animation’s magic. Because it’s private, flexible, and educational, it’s a smart choice for individuals or couples wanting a unique cultural souvenir. Just be sure you’re okay with a digital-focused session and are 15 or older—that’s the sweet spot for this experience.

FAQ

Is prior art experience required? No, the workshop is designed for beginners and guided step-by-step, so no prior knowledge is necessary.

What age is this workshop suitable for? It’s suitable for participants aged 15 and above. Younger children under 15 are not accepted.

Will I learn about the entire anime production process? Yes, the instructor explains storyboarding, key animation, and in-betweening, giving a broad overview of how anime scenes are created.

What tools will I use during the workshop? You’ll work with professional pen tablets and CLIP STUDIO PAINT, similar to what industry professionals use.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled time for a full refund.

Is the experience accessible for non-Japanese speakers? Absolutely, English interpretation is provided, ensuring clear communication and guidance.

What makes this workshop stand out compared to other drawing classes? Its focus on anime-specific techniques, direct guidance from a professional animator, and the opportunity to create a shareable digital animation set it apart.

You can check availability for your dates here: