"Eternal Yugure," an original TV anime produced by PAWORKS, the animation production company behind "true tears" and "SHIROBAKO," is currently airing on MBS/TBS's late-night anime slot, "Super Animeism TURBO." It's a full-fledged love story set in a future world where AI technology has advanced. Protagonist Akira Himegami, who has pledged his love to his beloved lover, Towasa Oh, wakes up 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 3D director Motonari Ichikawa about the behind-the-scenes production.
◇Do not float in the animation
-What were you responsible for in this work?
I'm Motonari Ichikawa, the 3D supervisor. I oversee all 3D-related work, including managing the 3D section's work, quality checks, and meetings with other sections. I also take care of modeling and animation work in my spare time.
-What is your impression of the work?
I personally love dystopias and teen romance stories, so I was excited to look at the script and storyboards from the beginning of the project. As a dystopian story, it has some thought-provoking themes, but it's also a wonderful work that makes you feel the importance of caring for others and the gratitude of having someone by your side who cares about you.
-Which parts were expressed in 3D?
The usual work that PAWORKS does on cars and crowds in the city remains the same in this work, but there were also many special tasks, such as the cannon and bits that transform Yugure's arms, which are unique to science fiction, particle effects, and the electromagnetic barrier effects used by Yugure and his friends.
--What are your priorities when it comes to 3D expression?
While I tried to create a more realistic sci-fi look than usual, I also paid particular attention to expressing textures and movements in a way that wouldn't stand out in the animation. 3D is a tool that excels at enhancing textures, but I tried not to overemphasize or overpower those aspects, instead trying to reinforce the sci-fi worldview.
◇Don't do anything outlandish
--What are some of the difficult expressions that are unique to this work?
It was quite difficult to grasp what people living in a devastated world think and how they live their daily lives. I had to imagine and express a world where people from different cultures live together as a matter of course. However, in the end, I also thought, "If we continue to live our daily lives as a matter of course, it might not be that different from the lifestyle we lead now." So I didn't do anything outlandish when depicting crowds or cars, as it was an extension of my usual way of thinking.
-What orders did the director give you?
It wasn't exactly an order, but I was allowed to think up some of the design for Yugure's transforming cannon, and I think I was given a lot of responsibility for how to express the weapons of Yugure, which aren't modern weapons, in 3D. I repeatedly checked what we had come up with and created with the director, and we continued to brush up on the expressions.
-What do you think is the appeal of PAWORKS' videos?
I think the best thing about the works we create is our honesty. Of course, flashy action and effects are also appealing in terms of animation, but I think we are a company that values expressing the characters living in that world in a way that doesn't seem fake. I think that this work will also allow viewers to enjoy that aspect.
-Finally, please give us a message.
I think this is a really interesting work that can be enjoyed by many people, whether you're a fan of dystopias or youth dramas. I'm sure after watching it, you'll want to live your life with a little more respect for the people around you. I hope you enjoy watching it.
