Japan Computer Graphics Lab

Background

In 1981, Japan's first commercial CG studio, JCGL (Japan Computer Graphics Lab), was established in Minamipeidai, Shibuya Ward. JCGL was a two-story boutique-like structure with a studio and machine room in the basement, giving it a playful feel. It is said that Bill Gates also visited the facility during his visit to Japan. In 1984, the film Lensman was produced by Kodansha and distributed by Toho Towa. Spaceships and other objects are expressed using 3DCG. It was based on technology from the New York Institute of Technology.

JCGL gradually became exhausted due to the obsolescence of its equipment as equipment became more sophisticated and cheaper, its financial situation deteriorated, and lawsuits over patents, and it was absorbed by Namco (currently Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.). Although the staff of JCGL at that time was dispersed, it continued to contribute to the development of CG in Japan. In 1985, the CG Curriculum Study Group was established within JCGL to train staff, and later developed into the CG-ARTS Association, which conducts CG Creator Certifications.

1st Logo (Opening) (1983-1984)

Visuals: There is a zooming starfield shown for ten seconds. After the time passes, four metallic gold rounded bars with a light blue glow engulfing them expand from the middle, and they pan to reveal four compressed abstract letters reading "JCGL". A ball of light that reflects from the letters rotates briefly before stopping in it's usual position and angle.

Technique: CGI.

Audio: The opening of the reel. The 1983 reel has an excerpt of "End Title" from the Blade Runner soundtrack as performed by the New American Orchestra. The 1984 reel has an audio sample of the 1984 Lensman movie.

Availability: Shown at the beginning of the 1983 and 1984 reels.

2nd Logo (Closing) (1983-1985)

Visuals: On a black background, a cyan outline of a two-story 'boutique-like' house, abruptly appears, followed by a trail residue in the same color that zooms back and that flashes, revealing out an orange-red patio umbrella table with two chairs outdoors in said color from the left-most, and two outlined green bushes at the right-most. Between the house, the company's logo and full name stacked by two rows, and the address, telephone and telex texts fade over it.

Variants: On the next two years, the completed scene is shown still.

Technique: CGI.

Audio: The closing of the reel.

Availability: Shown at the end of the 1983, 1984 and 1985 reels.

3rd Logo (Opening) (1985)

Visuals: At a white environment, there is a white flooring, complete with abstract blue shapes surrounded by an orange-red glow, with floating white-black striped cubes settled at random places. The camera circulates around the flooring, where it reveals six metallic rings, with two on each being part of the other. that separate when the camera goes near them. The camera then gets near through two heart shapes (representing a hot air balloon) that fly away. The camera then rises up before rising down shortly after. A pair of fuzzy rings release from a small black shape, where the camera gets near it. The shape then engulfs the entire screen, revealing the "JCGL" letters from before, with the background changing to azure.

Technique: CGI.

Audio: The opening of the reel.

Availability: Shown at the beginning of the 1985 reel.