This would allow the Media Arts National Center to sidestep legal restrictions on the digital recording and storage of copyrighted anime and manga materials, which the caucus cites as hindrances to their proper preservation by currently existing organizations.
Proponents also say that the Media Arts National Center would serve as a mecca for overseas tourists with an interest in anime and manga, serving as a must-see on their Japanese travel itineraries.
The Japanese Diet’s multi-party Manga, Anime, and Game Caucus plans to present a bill seeking funds and authorization to establish a facility to be called the Media Arts National Center, which will store and catalog anime and manga genga, a term that literally translates as “original pictures” and which generally refers to animation cels and original manga artwork.
The center would also supply visitors with information on new anime and manga franchises, as well as details about upcoming domestic anime and manga-related events.