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| * In the original Japanese version of ], the eyecatches for that program consist of a series of Wanted posters, each depicting one of the show's central characters, who are all ] and therefore wanted criminals. | * In the original Japanese version of ], the eyecatches for that program consist of a series of Wanted posters, each depicting one of the show's central characters, who are all ] and therefore wanted criminals. | ||
| * In ], there is "Who's that Pokémon?" segment. The segment challenges viewers to identify one of the series' 300+ fictional creatures, which is obscured in silhouette. After the commercial break, the answer is revealed. | * In ], there is "Who's that Pokémon?" segment. The segment challenges viewers to identify one of the series' 300+ fictional creatures, which is obscured in silhouette. After the commercial break, the answer is revealed. | ||
| * ] has 4 different eyecatches throughout the series that last for several episodes, first one is ] grabbing the ] and it dissolves into the Japanese logo. The second one is the same as above but different colors in and out of commericals. Third one is ] performing the ] and it has Sakura trees in it and the last one is ] and Inuyasha (character) |Inuyasha]] back to back and there are several shards of the Jewel. | |||
| ] | ] | ||
Revision as of 02:44, 4 November 2006
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An eyecatch (アイキャッチ) is a scene or illustration used to begin and end a commercial break in a Japanese TV program, especially in anime and tokusatsu shows, similar to how "commercial bumpers" into/out of commercial breaks are used in the United States.
Unlike in American programs, in which bumps are typically supplied by the network (when they have them at all,) eyecatches are almost always produced by the production company and considered a part of the program itself, rather than (or also serving as) a segue into a commercial break. They are typically 2-5 seconds long. Eyecatches for children's programs are often longer and more elaborate, while eyecatches for programming for adults may consist of nothing more than the program's logo against a black background.
Types
Most programs use the same eyecatch in each episode, but a few change them every week, or rotate a stable of repeating eyecatches. The character who appears on the poster is usually determined by which character was being focused on immediately before the commercial break. In tokusatsu, like Super Sentai, it revolves around the character who focused on in the episode. If it revolves around two members, both characters are shown. Some anime does this as well. The recent program The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is a noted exception. There is only one eyecatch in the entire series, which is contained in the first program and is meant to be a riff on anime cliches.
Oftentimes, especially in programs aimed at children, the eyecatch has a secondary purpose: marketing. Pokémon is the one of examples. (see below) The purpose of the eyecatch is to help children learn to identify the characters and thus increase brand awareness. Likewise, there is a recent trend among magical girl anime in Japan of using the eyecatches to show the heroine having fun with some gadget or toy. The item featured is then made into merchandise and sold. Thus, the eyecatch both creates a product and provides it with free advertising.
Example
- In the original Japanese version of One Piece, the eyecatches for that program consist of a series of Wanted posters, each depicting one of the show's central characters, who are all pirates and therefore wanted criminals.
- In Pokémon, there is "Who's that Pokémon?" segment. The segment challenges viewers to identify one of the series' 300+ fictional creatures, which is obscured in silhouette. After the commercial break, the answer is revealed.
- Inuyasha has 4 different eyecatches throughout the series that last for several episodes, first one is Inuyasha grabbing the Shikon no Tama and it dissolves into the Japanese logo. The second one is the same as above but different colors in and out of commericals. Third one is Inuyasha performing the Backlash wave and it has Sakura trees in it and the last one is Kagome and Inuyasha (character) |Inuyasha]] back to back and there are several shards of the Jewel.
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