A screening of the second season of the anime series "Let's Make a Mug Too , " based on a free comic about the traditional craft of Mino ware and set in Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture, was held at Aeon Cinema Toki (Toki City, Gifu Prefecture) on October 13th, where voice actress Minami Tanaka, who plays the main character Himeno Toyokawa, made an appearance. Tanaka expressed her joy, saying, "It's been a while since I've been to Tajimi! It's been a while, everyone!" She continued, "I've been to Tajimi many times while filming 'Yakumo After School.' When I was on the bus, the smell of grilled eel would come in through the windows everywhere... I'd always ask, 'Are you not having eel today?' (laughs). They grill eel differently here, right?" she said, sharing her memories of Tajimi.
Director Jun Kamiya, series composition and scriptwriter Toshihisa Arakawa, and original author Osamu Kajiwara also appeared at the screening.
"Yakumo" is divided into two parts, the first 15 minutes of which is animation, and the second 15 minutes of which is live-action. Tanaka and others appeared in the live-action part, visiting various spots in Tajimi and introducing their attractions. Tanaka reflected, "For the after-school (live-action) location shoot, we went to several locations in one day. We were like, 'Let's go to the next one!' So we went to all kinds of places." "It was packed! But that's what youth is all about," he said.
When asked what she likes about "Let's Make a Mug Too Niban Kiln," Tanaka commented, "It's the episode in episode 5 where Touko-senpai is troubled. Himeno wants to help but can't say it properly... The four of them go to an outlet mall in Toki, and their casual clothes are so cute, it's a youthful scene that made my heart flutter."
Regarding the third season, Tanaka said, "I'd love to do it! It feels like you already have a plan, right?", to which Director Kamiya replied, "W-w-what do you think?", seemingly confused, and added, "I think we can look forward to it." Tanaka concluded by saying, "I'm also hopeful that there might be a third kiln. See you again!"
The "Yakumo" project began in 2010 when volunteers and companies in Tajimi City came together. Since 2012, local IT company Planet has been publishing free comics. The story follows Toyokawa Himeno, who moves to her mother's hometown of Tajimi City, and discovers that her mother was a legendary potter, becoming drawn into the world of pottery. The first season of the TV anime aired from April to June 2021, and the second season from October to December of the same year. It also garnered attention when it was selected as one of the "88 Anime Holy Sites in Japan You Should Visit," a list of "holy sites" that serve as the setting for anime.
A compilation of the first season is being screened at Aeon Cinema Itabashi (Itabashi Ward, Tokyo) until October 16th. A compilation of the second season will be screened at Aeon Cinema Itabashi and Aeon Cinema Toki from October 17th.
