Launched last November, the "Animator Skills Test (Aniken)" — spearheaded by the NAFCA (Japan Animation Film Culture Alliance) to assess fundamental animation skills — has been a hit with the industry. For years, Japan lacked a standardized certification for animators, making Aniken a crucial opportunity for aspiring talents to get their skills officially recognized.
Now, the second round is set for June 21, 2025, with registrations currently open. Recently, Minister Minoru Kiuchi, the man behind Japan's "Cool Japan" policy, even stepped up to experience the test firsthand, eager to understand the intricate world of animation.
Minister Minoru Kiuchi tackled the "keyframe tracing" section of the test. He revealed that even before the new cabinet took office last year, NAFCA's surveys and test reports had already given him a deeper insight into the current state and challenges of Japan's animation industry.
His recent visit was purely to grasp the actual work involved. But for a newbie like him, the experience was eye-opening: "It looks like simple tracing, but it's incredibly difficult!" he exclaimed. Even for a foundational skill in the test, it clearly demands serious practice.
The current skill assessment categories include the "Storyboard Breakdown Test" (Dessin-wari Test) and the "Tracing & In-betweening Test" (Trace & Tap-wari Test). As shown in the diagram, the difficulty increases towards the left, aiming to precisely differentiate animators' skill levels. There's also a "Material Combination Test" designed to evaluate various other technical skills.
Don't let the simplicity fool you! Even veteran animator Masaaki Iwane, who worked on iconic series like the "Pokémon" series, "Zettai Muteki Raijin-Oh," and "Brave Saga," took the Level 5 Line Art and Storyboard Test in the first edition — and failed! Turns out, even pros need to prep.
The inaugural test last year garnered massive positive feedback, a welcome development for the animation industry. Those who pass will undoubtedly gain a significant edge in future job prospects. If you're dreaming of breaking into Japan's animation scene, this exam is definitely one to watch! ( Check out the official exam website here! )
▼ The official textbook, "Animator Skills Test Official Textbook: Tracing & In-betweening Level 6 & 5 Edition," is available for order on Amazon Japan.
