TOKYO >> The Agency for Cultural Affairs is investigating the status of original drawings by Japan's leading manga artists and researching ways to preserve them. The agency aims to prevent valuable drawings and other materials from deteriorating or being lost.
The agency began its investigation in January with the cooperation of Tetsuya Chiba (85), known for works such as “Ashita no Joe,'' and will gradually expand the investigation to include other famous manga artists. Until March, we plan to mainly introduce drawings and materials from Chiba.
In addition to cataloging, researching and improving the condition, the effort also includes photographing dozens of items and considering how to preserve them for possible digital use.
The value of Japanese manga works is increasing both domestically and internationally, with Osamu Tezuka's original drawings for “Astro Boy'' selling for high prices at auctions overseas. However, many such works are often privately owned by their creators or their families, raising concerns that the works could be lost or taken out of the country.
In consideration of these risks, the Japanese government is hastening the establishment of a preservation system, such as a national collection of original manga drawings.
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