"Eternal Yugure," an original TV anime produced by PAWORKS, the animation production company behind "true tears" and "SHIROBAKO," is currently airing on the MBS/TBS late-night anime slot "Super Animeism TURBO." 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 lover, 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 with Producer Hiroyuki Aoi of Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS) about the behind-the-scenes production.
◇A story about finding true love
-What were you responsible for in this work?
I am the production producer of the work, and I am responsible for overseeing the entire project, from planning to promotion.
--How did the project come about?
This work was originally born from a conversation I had with Director Tsuda Naokatsu about "making an original anime someday." This was around January 2017. From there, we came up with various project ideas, but nothing really took shape, and we struggled through the days. Meanwhile, PAWORKS, with whom the director and I had previously worked on different projects, came up with the idea of "making an original TV anime," and this project came to fruition.
--It's a "real love story," but it's also science fiction.
This work is both a full-fledged love story and science fiction. As can be seen in the promotional video and visuals, the main theme of the work is "a story of searching for true love." Although the story is set in a futuristic world, it depicts the idea that the essence of "love" may not change over time.
-What is the appeal of your work?
The greatest appeal of original anime is, of course, the unpredictable developments. Every episode leaves you with a sense of excitement, wondering, "What will happen next?" The director and all the staff are passionate about making something even better, and they work through trial and error as they go along. I myself tell Director Tsuda, "That's amazing!" every time I'm present during the editing process.
-What is the appeal of Director Tsuda's work?
Director Tsuda has been a truly wonderful person, incorporating the elements necessary for a work from various angles, ever since we worked together on "Planetarian." He also served as series composition for this film, and as its "creator," he has devised every single shot, down to the smallest detail, to create the excitement for the work.
--What do you feel is unique to PAWORKS?
Working with PAWORKS, I was impressed by their wealth of knowledge and know-how when it comes to creating original works. Their precise ideas and progress in response to the question, "How can we make this work more interesting?" conveyed a strong sense of their passion for creating high-quality works. I feel a deep respect for them as I work with them.
◇The appeal of PAWORKS
--What difficulties are unique to this project?
The difficulty with an original work is that it took a long time to get the project off the ground. We spent many days groping in the dark, and it took a total of eight years. It was difficult, but also fun.
-What do you think is the appeal of PAWORKS' works, not just this one?
PAWORKS works with a strong commitment and passion on original works, creating stories and characters from scratch. As a result, the scenarios and characters in each of their works are very compelling. Even when a work is based on an original work, they have an incredible ability to reconstruct the elements necessary for its adaptation and turn it into an even more interesting film. I feel that each and every staff member has a deep love and passion for their work, which is evident in every corner of their work.
-Finally, please give us a message.
In a future world, a man is pressured into marriage by an android who looks just like his fiancé... This work is packed with content, including laughter, emotion, battles, and a full-fledged love story.
