On December 13th, director Mamoru Hosoda's masterpiece "Summer Wars" was screened at the 1st Aichi-Nagoya International Animation Film Festival (ANIAFF), an international anime film festival being held in Nagoya. Approximately 16 years have passed since "Summer Wars" was released in 2009. Director Hosoda commented on his feelings about the film, saying, "I think it's a lucky film. I was blessed with the staff, cast, and audience."
Although the film was made about 16 years ago, the virtual world, AI, and other things depicted in the film have become reality. Director Hosoda commented with emotion, "This world has become reality. I never thought it would turn out like this. I personally think it's a wholesome film that depicts an idyllic world with hope for the internet."
The character that made the biggest impression on Director Hosoda was Grandma Sakae (Jinnai Sakae), and he revealed, "There was a model for her - my maternal grandmother. She was strong, she kept the household together, and she encouraged young people. My grandmother was like that too. Her name was Hashimoto Katsuyo. It's my pen name, and it's my grandmother's name."
Ryunosuke Kamiki Kamiki, the voice actor for the main character Kenji Koiso, made a surprise appearance at the screening. Kamiki said, "I feel proud every time I hear people say they love ' Summer Wars.' I'm also proud that it airs every summer."
One of the highlights of the festival is the Director's Focus section, which will feature director Hosoda. Director Hosoda commented, "Something wonderful is happening in Nagoya. I've been invited to international anime film festivals around the world, and I've seen the film festival and the city become one. Now it's finally happening in Japan. I think it's very significant."
"Summer Wars" is set in a society where the real world and the virtual world of OZ coexist. The story follows the protagonist, Kenji, a high school student who is a genius at math but timid, who is asked by his crush, Nanami Sakuraba(Hitomi Miyauchi), Mizuki Tanimura, Sumiko Fuji, Riisa Naka, and Ichiro Nagai.
