"Eternal Yugure," an original TV anime produced by PAWORKS, the animation production company behind "true tears" and "SHIROBAKO," is currently airing on the late-night anime slot "Super Animeism TURBO" on MBS and TBS. It's a full-scale love story set in a future world where AI technology has advanced. Protagonist Akira Himegami, who has pledged his love to his beloved Towasa Oh, awakens from years of cold sleep to find a city devastated by war. An android named Yugure, who bears a striking resemblance to Towasa, appears before Akira, and they embark on a journey together, believing they will be reunited with Towasa, who is believed to be alive somewhere in the world. We spoke to director and series writer Tsuda Naokatsu about the behind-the-scenes production.
◇What does it mean for humans to be human?
-What were you responsible for in this work?
I come up with the story, draw storyboards, and passionately explain to the staff what kind of work I want to create, showing them what they should aim for. As the name suggests, my role is to direct the work.
-What is the theme of the work?
The theme is simply "challenging values." I decided on this theme with the premise of writing a love story. It is also an attempt to find some kind of answer to the days when my values are constantly being shaken and I can't find an answer, knowing that I can't continue like this, but just dragging on. The fact that it is science fiction is simply my hobby. I like all kinds of science fiction, from hard to soft.
-Are you trying to portray dystopia and controlled societies as "possible futures" or a mirror of the present?
I decided to set the story in a dystopian world because I thought that depending on how it was portrayed, it could function as a mirror of the present day. The restrictions of a controlled society aren't just a story about the future, but are common to the past, future, and present to a greater or lesser extent. I thought the theme I was portraying might be a little complicated, so I set it with the hope that the idea that "the world we know well has become a dystopia as a 'possible future'" would make it easier for viewers to empathize.
-Regarding the origins of the project, you commented, "It all started when I thought it would be irresistible if I woke up in the distant future and an incredibly beautiful and cute android asked me to marry her."
I think androids are the romance of humanity. If possible, I would like to live until androids are actually common in ordinary households. I feel that the story of androids lies in the fact that they resemble humans but are not human. This is depicted in various dramas, with both joy and sorrow, but it gives us an opportunity to think about the value of existence, such as what it means to be human, and at the same time, what it means to resemble a human. Ultimately, it would not be surprising if androids replaced humanity.
--A new system called "Elsie" that is different from marriage is also introduced. Will "Elsie" become the core of the story?
I chose the two institutions of "marriage" and "ELSie" as motifs that would be easy to empathize with when depicting the theme of this work, "shaking up values." After all, it's hard to connect with a story unless it's a familiar issue. If people watch this anime and get excited talking with their friends about whether they're in favor of "marriage" or "ELSie," then I'll be pleased.
◇Trying to prove love with each person's own values
--Why did you set episode 0 a little in the future instead of the present day?
If we go back to the present day, it feels like androids are still a long way off, but if we go a little further into the future, there will be AI, which has been a hot topic in recent years, and I felt that people would think, "It's coming."
--From the first episode onwards, the setting is a world devastated by war. It doesn't seem like a primitive world, with trains running through it, but what level of civilisation did you set?
I wanted to depict a post-apocalyptic world. However, I was concerned that if the world was too desolate, it might not be convincing for a controlled society, so I decided to create a post-apocalyptic, dystopian world where a unique civilization has formed. I set the rule that the further you get from urban areas, the lower the level of civilization, and then I built the worldview around the early 1900s.
--You'd think it would be centered around serious developments, but there are some comical parts as well. The balance is exquisite.
I just wanted people to fall in love with the characters. I'm really curious about the love lives of my favorite characters. There are many moments when I fall in love with a character, and I find myself watching their snappy exchanges over and over again. I would be happy if people who watch this anime feel the same way.
-What are your particular concerns about the action scenes?
Yugure aims to be a "beautiful, cool, cute, and extremely strong android." It is set in a world without magic like in fantasy works, but the android is capable of movements that are impossible for humans, so we are aiming for dynamic action with a wide range of movement.
--The beautiful visuals that are unique to PAWORKS are also appealing. What is the appeal of PAWORKS' works?
There are many appealing aspects to PA works. While the "work-related" and "transparent" aspects are often mentioned, I personally find the "works that build up a life" particularly appealing. It's a mundane and painstaking process, but seeing the staff working so positively to carefully depict it, I was impressed by the fact that the appeal of video is something that is created by people.
-Finally, please give us a message.
This work is about charming and cute characters who try to prove their love through all emotions, from joy and anger to sadness and happiness. Akira, Yugure, Amoru, and Towasa all try to prove their love through their own values. Please watch along to see what choices they are forced to make and the answers they come up with. You will not regret it!
