Anime Film ‘Mirai’ Wins Annie Award Best Animated Independent Feature
05.February.2019 | ANIME&GAME / MOVIE
Studio Chizu’s Mirai directed by Mamoru Hosoda was selected to receive the award for Best Animated Independent Feature at the 46th Annie Awards.
This is the first time a Japanese director has won in this category. The other nominated films in the same category include Ce Magnifique Gâteau!, MFKZ, Ruben Brandt, Collector and Tito and the Birds.
Hosoda made the following statement about the win: “I was very surprised when they called out Mirai, but I’m incredibly happy. This is a personal film modelled on my own childhood, but for such a small film as this to receive such a big award that encompasses [films from around] the world, in being able to hold hands with people throughout the world and convey my feelings fills me with surprise and gratitude. I am grateful that the story of an ordinary Japanese family reached and was able to be seen by people from different countries. I am thankful to everyone who has watched Mirai, everyone at Studio Chizu, and my wife and children. Thank you.”
RELATED ENTRIES
-
Fans Asked to Name Blimp Inspired by the Upcoming Film ‘Doraemon: Nobita’s Sky Utopia’
20.January.2023 | ANIME&GAME / MOVIE
The film Doraemon: Nobita’s Sky Utopia will be released on March 3, 2023. The 42nd Doraemon movie follows Doraemon, Nobita, and his friends as they venture off to find Utopia, a perfect land in the sky where everyone lines in joy and happiness. They do so using an airship with a time warp function on their adventure, and to commemorate the film’s release, the Flying Doraemon Project began on January 14. A real-life 17-meter-long Doraemon blimp will soon appear in the sky, and fans are being asked to decide on a name for the craft.
The blimp, inspired by the Doraemon movie, will feature popular characters including Nobita, Shizuka, Suneo, and Gian. The blimp is the largest unmanned airship in Japan.
The message of the Flying Doraemon Project is to convey the feeling that in this day and age, children and adults alike can once again look upward and move forward toward their hopes and dreams.
Fans are asked to contribute ideas for the blimps name during the application period. Check the website for more details!
Information
Doraemon: Nobita’s Sky Utopia
Release Date: March 3, 2023
Official Site: https://doraeiga.com/2023/Won’t You Think With Us? Secret Blimp Naming Conference
Application Period: January 14 – February 15, 2023 (Until 23:59)
How to Enter: Please apply using the online application form or by postcard.
Application Form: https://ssl.toho-movie.com/senden/23dora_cp01/
Official Site: https://doraeiga.com/2023/airship/ -
Natsume Mito to Appear in Upcoming Film ‘Kono Chiisana Te’
18.January.2023 | MOVIE
Natsume Mito will star in the upcoming film Kono Chiisana Te (These Small Hands). The film will debut in theaters on April 8.
The movie is an adaptation of the manga series by Mamora Goda, also known for his works Kira Kira Hikaru and Mori no Asagao. The story follows a father who never cared for his daughter and a daughter who has forgotten her father.
This is the feature-length debut of director Hiroyuki Nakada, who previously worked as an assistant director on films such as Love is Light and Tsukuritai Onna to Tabetai Onna.
<Comment from Director Hiroyuki Nakada>
“What is a father?
This question came to me as I was watching my newborn son sleep.
Does supporting a family financially make a good father?
Can a man be a father in some other way? Can he do something else?
While I was pondering this, I came across Kono Chiisana Te.
I really wanted to find the answer to my question, so I decided to work on plans for this live-action film.I hope that everyone who sees this film will take some time to think about their families in this fast-paced world.”
<Story>
Kazuma, an illustrator, lives with his wife Sayuri and their three-year-old daughter Hina.One night, while Kazuma is drinking with his work buddies, Sayuri gets into an accident and is hospitalized while out shopping.
Kazuma falls asleep at the bar and Hina wakes up alone the next day. She is rescued by the police and placed in an orphanage.
Given his actions, Kazuma can’t take Hina home. Having done nothing to help raise her, he’s decidedly unfit to parent. Sayuri doesn’t wake up, and time continues to pass.
Desperate, Kazuma gradually realizes that there are people who care for him and want the best for his life. Determined, he sets out to repair his bond with his daughter.
When Kazuma visits, however, all Hina can do is cry. Has she forgotten her father’s face?
(C)映画「この小さな手」製作委員会
Information
Kono Chiisana Te (These Small Hands)
Release Date: In theaters nationwide April 8, 2023at Euro Space and other locations
Original Story: Kono Chiisana Te by Mamora Goda / Hiroshi Yoshida
Director: Hiroyuki Nakada
Script: Yusuke Moriguchi
Theme Song: Karen Aoki
Producer: Sho Matsushima
Music: Rhythm & Note
Production: Kono Chiisana Te Production Committee
Distributor: Fulmotelmo Inc.
2022/Japanese/Color/Vista Size/90 minutes<Starring>
Kouhei Takeda
Renwa Satou, Sei Ando
Chie Tsuji, Natsume Mito, Himena Irei, Kenji Mitamura, Yoko Asaji, Reon Yuzuki, Kanji Tsuda, Yuki Matsushita, Yasufumi Terawaki -
SSSS.GRIDMAN Compilation Film Bonuses Revealed
17.January.2023 | ANIME&GAME
Based on the Tsuburaya Productions Gridman live-action tokusatsu series from 1993, the
SSSS.GRIDMAN anime series aired in October 2018. A sequel, SSSS.DYNAZENON, followed in April 2021.Ahead of the release of GRIDMAN UNIVERSE, an all-new anime film coming in March, both SSSS.GRIDMAN and SSSS.DYNAZENON will be getting compilation films. Each will only be
in theaters for two weeks.劇場総集編『SSSS.GRIDMAN』
The SSSS.GRIDMAN film will be in theaters starting January 20. Those buying tickets will
receive a special illustration card with a voice drama created by Akira Amemiya, the director of the SSSS series, while supplies last. The title of the drama is Hinekuremono Demo (Even if You’re Cynical) starring Soma Saito (Sho Utsumi) and Hass (Akari Kito).The newly-revealed illustration card’s design features Yuta Hibiki, Sho Utsumi, Rikka
Takarada, and Akane Shinjo happily snapping photos.SSSS.DYNAZENON will be released for two weeks starting March 10, and those buying
tickets will also get an illustration card and a special voice drama written by Akira Amemiya.The SSSS.GRIDMAN compilation film is being directed by Yoshiyuki Kaneko, who served as assistant director on the anime series. The film will show a somewhat new interpretation of the story under his new direction. Both compilation films will include extra footage leading
up to the release of GRIDMAN UNIVERSE on March 24, 2023.©円谷プロ ©2023 TRIGGER・雨宮哲/「劇場版グリッドマンユニバース」製作委員会
Information
SSSS.GRIDMAN Compilation Film
Limited 2-week screenings begin January 20, 2023
Admission Bonus: Illustrated Card with Voice Drama by Akira Amemiya
Official Website: https://ssss-movie.net/ -
Studio Chizu Cinematic Orchestra to be Streamed Online
To celebrate the first anniversary of the animated Studio Chizu film Belle, a special Cinematic Orchestra will be held on August 14 at the Tokyo International Forum. Original merchandise will also be on sale at the venue, with some pieces featuring an incredible illustration of Belle from the feature film and others displaying Studio Chizu’s symbolic blue sky and white clouds.
With only a few tickets left to attend the concert in person, it has been announced that the concert will be streamed online! Viewers can enjoy this powerful performance by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra along with iconic footage from many Studio Chizu works from the comfort of their own homes.
Studio Chizu’s films are loved around the world. The songs to be performed in this special concert include those from The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Summer Wars, Wolf Children, The Boy and the Beast, Mirai, and Belle.
Which Studio Chizu film has your favorite soundtrack?
©「時をかける少女」製作委員会2006/©2009 SUMMERWARS FILM PARTNERS/©2012「おおかみこどもの雨と雪」製作委員会/©2015 THE BOY AND THE BEAST FILM PARTNERS/©2018 スタジオ地図/©2021 スタジオ地図/©STUDIO CHIZU/©上野隆文
Information
Studio Chizu Cinematic Orchestra 2022 ~Belle 1-Year Anniversary~
Date: August 14
Doors open at 16:00 / Show starts at 17:00
Venue: Tokyo International Forum Hall A
Official Site: https://www.promax.co.jp/studiochizu-inconcertOnline Streaming Date: August 14, 17:00~
Ticket Price: ¥3,000 (Tax Included)
Archived stream available until August 28 at 23:59
Online Streaming Tickets
Available: June 28 – August 28, 18:00
Stagecrowd: https://stagecrowd.live/studiochizu_0814/
Lawson Ticket: https://l-tike.zaiko.io/e/studiochizuinconcert
-
Studio Chizu to Hold Cinematic Orchestra to Commemorate the First Anniversary of ‘Belle’
21.May.2022 | ANIME&GAME / MOVIE / MUSIC
To celebrate the first anniversary of the animated Studio Chizu film Belle, a special Cinematic Orchestra will be held on August 14 at the Tokyo International Forum. The event will feature a number of other beloved Studio Chizu works.
The event will feature a symphony orchestra performing songs from many Studio Chizu films while famous scenes play on an oversized screen. The works to be featured include The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Summer Wars, Wolf Children, The Boy and the Beast, Mirai, and Belle.
Masakatsu Takagi will be playing piano while Hanako Oku and Ann Sally will be attending as guest vocalists.Original merchandise will also be on sale at the venue, with some pieces featuring an incredible illustration of Belle from the feature film.
Which Studio Chizu film is your favorite?
Featured Works
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)
Summer Wars (2009)
Wolf Children (2012)
The Boy and the Beast (2015)
Mirai (2018)
Belle (2021)Information
Studio Chizu Cinematic Orchestra 2022 ~Belle 1-Year Anniversary~
Date: August 14, 2022 / 16:00 – 17:00
Venue: Tokyo International Forum Hall AOfficial Site: https://www.promax.co.jp/studiochizu-inconcert
Tickets
Lottery Entry Period: May 18 – May 29 at 23:59
Lawson: https://l-tike.com/st1/studiochizu-2022
General Sales
Available starting June 18 at 10:00
*More details to be announced at a later date.
©「時をかける少女」製作委員会2006/©2009 SUMMERWARS FILM PARTNERS/©2012「おおかみこどもの雨と雪」製作委員会/©2015 THE BOY AND THE BEAST FILM PARTNERS/©2018 スタジオ地図/©2021 スタジオ地図/©STUDIO CHIZU/©上野隆文 -
New 90-Second Trailer, Key Visual Released for DEEMO: Memorial Keys
21.January.2022 | ANIME&GAME / MOVIE
DEEMO: Memorial Keys is scheduled to release in select locations nationwide on February 25, 2022, and a new key visual and 90-second trailer filled with brand-new footage just dropped!
The key visual was created by Mebachi, a popular illustrator known for creating the character designs for both DEEMO and the ending animation of Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club.
Against the backdrop of the castle where Deemo lives, a spiral staircase made of piano keys leads guests to a mysterious world. Alice, the main heroine, and Deemo, the masked girl, along with other characters are seen gazing up at the sky. Cherry blossom petals and light pour down from above in this emotional key visual that perfectly encapsulates the story’s world.
DEEMO tells the story of a girl who falls from the sky. She has no memories and finds herself traversing a strange castle. The sound of piano rings out, and the girl must discover the truth of who she is, and where she finds herself.
DEEMO: Memorial Keys Trailer
Based on the popular DEEMO mobile game, many famous tracks from the title will appear in the movie, so fans shouldn’t miss it!
ⓒRayark Inc./「DEEMO THE MOVIE」製作委員会
-
Boat Race Tokoname in Aichi Prefecture to Screen Popular Films at Drive-in Theater
The Boat Race track at BOATRACE Tokonome will be home to a 3-day Drive-in Theater event on November 19, 20, and 21. The vast west parking lot will welcome guests to enjoy three films from the safety and privacy of their vehicles. In past years, the Hamanako, Tokuyama, Naruto, and Mikuni locations have participated. Now, it’s Tokoname’s turn!
Selected Films
La La Land (with subtitles) – November 19, 2021
© 2017 Summit Entertainment, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
The Secret Life of Pets 2 (dubbed) – November 20, 2021
© 2019 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
A Whisker Away – November 21, 2021
© 2020「泣きたい私は猫をかぶる」製作委員会
This lineup of films can be enjoyed by families, lovers, and friends. The final film, A Whisker Away, is a coming-of-age fantasy set in the city of Tokoname. Visitors can enjoy these films on one of the largest air screens in Japan, at 722 inches. Don’t miss some additional boat race content that even beginners can enjoy!
Information
BOATRACE de DRIVE-IN THEATER in BOATRACE Tokoname
Dates: November 19, 20, 21 – Doors open at 18:00, film starts at 19:00
Address: BOATRACE Tokoname West Parking Lot (4-111 Shinkaicho, Tokoname-shi, Aichi)
Official Site: https://boatrace-driveintheater.com
-
Studio Chizu’s Belle Exhibition Gets Free Online Tour in Collaboration With Animate
05.July.2021 | ANIME&GAME / MOVIE
In promotion of Studio Chizu’s upcoming animated film Belle, Animate is holding a free online tour which will begin on July 15.
Studio Chizu’s past works have enjoyed great success both in Japan overseas and include Wolf Children (2012), The Boy and the Beast (2015), Mirai (2018), and the highly-anticipated forthcoming entry Belle, which will be released in Japan on July 16, 2021. All the films are directed by the Academy Award-nominated Mamoru Hosoda.
The online tour will be offer early-access digital entry to Animate’s upcoming Studio Chizu Exhibition which is set to open at Animate Yokohama Vivre on July 16. Shotaro Otan, the store manager of Animate Yokohama Vivre who is also active as a YouTuber, will guide viewers through the exhibition as well as show products that will be sold online as part of the event.
Ten random people who purchase Studio Chizu-related goods from Animate once the tour ends will be randomly chosen to win some free Belle merchandise too.
©スタジオ地図 ©2021 スタジオ地図
Information
Studio Chizu Exhibition animateONLYSHOP Free Online Tour
Date: July 15, 2021
Time: 21:45-22:45 (JST)
Entry: Free
Tour Guide: Shotaro Otan (YouTuber/Shop Manager)
Booking Period: June 24, 2021 – July 15, 2021Book Here: https://www.his-j.com/oe/detail/T6/?area=O9&country=OEA&city=HOJ&product=HOJ0014
Studio Chizu Exhibition animateONLYSHOP: https://www.animate.co.jp/onlyshop/406691/ -
Studio Chizu Animation Studio Celebrates 10th Anniversary at Yomiuri Land
04.July.2021 | ANIME&GAME / MOVIE / SPOT
Tokyo-based amusement park Yomiuri Land and flower park HANA・BIYORI are celebrating 10 years of Studio Chizu, the animation studio spearheaded by director Mamoru Hosoda, as well as the upcoming release of their new film Belle with a special event that is running from July 17 to September 5.
Studio Chizu 10th Cross Park in Yomiuri Land
Flowers collide with digital art at HANA・BIYORI
Solve puzzles in an AR rally
Themed food
Exclusive merchandise
The events will celebrate Mamoru Hosoda and Studio Chizu’s entire filmography including The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Summer Wars, Wolf Children, The Boy and the Beast, Mirai, and their upcoming film Belle which will be released in Japan on July 16. This includes themed attraction, food, merchandise, and more. There will also be a special AR rally where guests will need to locate hidden characters around the park. A digital art show will also take place at HANA・BIYORI which is connected to Yomiuri Land.
More details about the attractions and food will roll out in early July.
Information
Studio Chizu 10th Cross Park in Yomiuri Land
Running: July 17, 2021 – September 5, 2021
Yomiuri Land/HANA・BIYORI Address: 4015-1 Yanokuchi, Inagi, Tokyo 206-0812, Japan
Yomiuri Land Official Website: https://www.yomiuriland.com/
HANA・BIYORI Official Website: https://www.yomiuriland.com/hanabiyori/ -
YOASOBI’s ‘Mou Sukoshi Dake’ Ranks Number One On RecoChoku’s May 2021 Award
15.June.2021 | MUSIC
Japanese music streaming site RecoChoku has revealed the top song and album rankings of artists for April 2021 who earn the site’s RecoChoku Award for the month. Taking the number one spot for the monthly single charts is YOASOBI with Mou Sukoshi Dake (‘Just a Little More’) which released on May 10 as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Mezamashi TV.
RecoChoku Award Monthly Music – May 2021
Single Charts
1st Place: “Mou Sukoshi Dake” – YOASOBI (Released May 20, 2021)
2nd Place: “Kaitou” – back number
3rd Place: “Kirari” – Fujii Kaze
4th Place: “Butter” – BTS
5th Place: “Cry Baby” – Official HIGE DANdismAlbum Charts
1st Place: “ZZ’s II” – Momoiro Clover Z (Releasing May 17, 2021)
2nd Place: “THE BOOK” – YOASOBI
3rd Place: “Kimi Shika Katan (Special Edition)” – Hinatazaka46
4th Place: “Butter” – BTS
5th Place: “LADYBUG” – LiSAYOASOBI’s Mou Sukoshi Dake is inspired by the novel Meguru. by Chiharu and first hit the air on March 29 as the main theme for the weekly Japanese news show Mezamashi TV. Excited words of praise flooded social media in Japan when it played on the show. The single’s cover art was created by hmng and captures a scene of a schoolgirl bathed in light. This girl also appears in the novel, giving a peek into its story as well as the feeling of the song itself. Mou Sukoshi Dake has ranked number one two weeks in a row for RecoChoku’s weekly rankings on May 12 and 19 and has now taken the monthly spot.
YOASOBI’s success doesn’t stop there however as it was recently announced that band member ikura is receiving her voice acting role in Studio Chizu’s upcoming anime film Belle which is set for release this July.
Momoiro Clover Z’s compilation album ZZ’s II is set to release on May 17 in celebration of the group’s 13th anniversary. The tracks were re-recorded by the current four members. There are 10 songs in title including Nippon Egao Hyakkei -ZZ ver.-, Saraba Itoshiki Kanashimi-tachi yo which features arrangement and guitar work by Tomoyasu Hotei, and more.
Momoiro Clover Z have been posting videos of songs from the album on their official YouTube channel. The album came in at number one on the daily charts and that has continued in the weekly and monthly charts.Information
RecoChoku Award Monthly Music – May 2021
Single Charts: https://recochoku.jp/ranking/single/monthly/
Album Charts: https://recochoku.jp/ranking/album/monthly/ -
Studio Chizu Releases 5th T-Shirt For 10th Anniversary
04.June.2021 | FASHION
Since January, Studio Chizu has been teamed up with the Japanese apparel brand Graniph to release a new t-shirt design every month in celebration of their 10th anniversary. The fifth and final design was released on May 26.
Studio Chizu’s past works have enjoyed great success both in Japan overseas and include Wolf Children (2012), The Boy and the Beast (2015), Mirai (2018), and the highly-anticipated forthcoming entry Belle (2021). All the films are directed by the Academy Award-nominated Mamoru Hosoda.
Mirai x tupera tupera
The past four t-shirt designs have included The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Summer Wars, Wolf Children, andThe Boy and the Beast, each illustrated by a different popular artist. The fifth and final design is for Mirai which was drawn by tupera tupera and features Mirai, Kun, the mother, the father, and the pet dog Yukko.
Graniph posted an interview with tupera tupera on their YouTube channel which you can watch below in Japanese.
tupera tupera Interview
(C)2018 スタジオ地図
(C)STUDIO CHIZUInformation
Studio Chizu x Graniph: Mirai x tupera tupera
Released: May 26, 2021
Price: ¥2,750 (Tax Included)
Buy In-Store or Online: https://www.graniph.com
Graniph YouTube: https://youtu.be/RYfKzzm_moo
Art x Media: https://www.graniph.com/pr/collaboration/detail/202101_studiochizu -
Anime Film Belle’s Studio Chizu Announces Exhibition at TeNQ Space Museum
Studio Chizu, the Japanese animation studio working on the upcoming anime film Belle which is set for release sometime this summer, has announced an exhibition at TeNQ Space Museum in celebration of their 10th anniversary and in promotion of their newest work. It will be held from July 7 to November 14.
Studio Chizu’s past works have enjoyed great success both in Japan overseas and include Wolf Children (2012), The Boy and the Beast (2015), Mirai (2018), and the highly-anticipated forthcoming entry Belle (2021). All the films are directed by the Academy Award-nominated Mamoru Hosoda.
One of the biggest aspects when it comes to creating an animated world are the backgrounds used. This exhibition will focus on two key background features threaded throughout Hosoda’s creations: the sky and clouds. Both of these sceneries are showcased in different ways in all four of his films and will be explored throughout the event with a special, exclusive showing of a slideshow with various scenes of the sky and clouds littered in the filmography, as well as a more ‘academic’ exhibit of the cumulonimbus, a cloud that symbolises Studio Chizu, and more.
Limited edition mask case
There will also be a selection of original merchandise for anime fans to pick up, as well as a limited stock face mask case when purchased together with select tickets.
Exhibits to look out for at the event
Who are Studio Chizu?
Learn about the 10 year history of the Japanese animation studio Studio Chizu.
Studio Chizu and the cumulonimbus
The cumulonimbus is a cloud synonymous with Studio Chizu’s works – see it in all forms from their filmography in this special exhibit.
Information
TeNQ Studio Chizu 10th Anniversary Exhibition
Running: July 7, 2021 – November 14, 2021
Where: TeNQ Space Museum
Price: general ¥1,800 / Students ¥1,500 / 4-12 Years ¥1,200 / Seniors (65+) ¥1,200
Opening Hours: [July-August] Weekdays 11:00-18:00 / Weekends 10:00-19:00
Exhibition Page: https://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/tenq/event/exhibition-24.html