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Why do you want to work in anime?
To help people. To make anime that does that.
A national university grad, and ex-public servant.
Why such a drastic switch?
Chiharu...Oji.
To surpass the works of Director Chiharu Oji.
Seven years later
"Kachang kachang, kachang kachang..."
"Every time I hear a train, it comes out."
"The sound of...home."
Editing studio: P-Duck
Director.
Director!
Check this.
Sure, go ahead.
Do we really need this shot?
It'll kill the tempo, and cost to draw and shoot.
The schedule's a death match. Too tight.
Yes...
Stick to the storyboards.
- Sure. - No way.
We can't!
Get someone else to redo it.
- ASAP. - What the hell?!
I asked you about the Animezon cover last week!
Right, director?
I'm leaving promotion up to you.
You heard her. We go with this.
This can't go on the cover.
Too late to say that now.
I can't decide just looking at a computer screen.
Too late to say that too!
"Sound..." Add a star.
"...back."
- Use this then. - Hell no.
This will be more eye-catching.
Fine, we'll go with this. Okay?
Yukishiro here.
Okay?!
- Sorry I missed you. - Wait, dammit!
We ain't done!
Hey! Wait up!
A meeting for our new project, yes.
We'll go with this! You okay with that?!
Koshigaya, Koshigaya. Relax. Okay?
He really pisses me off...
Michino called him?
He's moonlighting again. He said he handpicked newbie Hitomi, but...
I hear he offered the job to Michino first.
Huh. Sounds about right.
We could hear you.
Hitomi, don't let him grind you down, okay?
Yukishiro thinks newbies are easy to push around.
National university, ex-public servant. He loves catchy labels like that.
Typical ex-HR mindset.
Don't get exploited.
Huh? He did this? Whoa, that's nasty.
It's all scrunched up.
Turn it over.
He says that's okay.
We'll go with it.
What, this? Wait...
I checked with him.
Kayako Arishina "Fate Front: Liddell-light" Chief Producer
The phone you have called is out of range, or turned off...
Hey there.
Hello sir!
Hello Mr. Taguchi!
Great to have you again today.
Director Oji's away again?
Still unwell, apparently.
I thought he'd quit again.
Of course he wouldn't! Our on-air date's soon.
He'll come tomorrow. No, I'll make him come.
Says the legendary production assistant.
You're a trusty producer now.
You're in safe hands.
Let's check it.
Director Oji?
I'm coming in. May I?
He's gone AWOL?
"Get back to me." Call unanswered
Alright, see you tomorrow.
So, how's "Little Prince" Oji doing?
Babysitting him's tough.
He used to work for us.
Causing trouble all over. I regret it deeply.
Oh no. It's no trouble at all.
The 5 pm Saturday slot's our turf. I never thought you'd take us on.
Our director's a newcomer. Please go easy on her.
Mr. Yukishiro! About the cover...
So, this is our newcomer director, Hitomi Saito.
I'm "Fate Front: Liddell-light" producer Arishina.
"Liddell"? I appreciate the talkshow with Director Oji.
Sure.
So?
Oh, let's not talk here...
Alright.
I hope he comes back... Director Oji.
What do you mean?
I'll draw the cover.
Animezon would surely love it if you did.
Absolutely not.
Better to turn them down. "Director Saito can't draw it."
No time to explain now. Get that girl to do it.
"That girl"?
The amazing animator on "Summer Chorus." Her name is...
Kazuna Namisawa?
Oh, with Fine Garden? She did key animation for "Soundback."
I think...that was her name. Let's get her to do the cover.
I can't!
R-Right now, I'm... w-with someone special.
A date?
Oh, no no, not quite...
Then please do it.
Your CEO agreed to it.
Can't right now, sorry!
All okay?
Oh, totally. No problem at all.
Hey...
Yes?
Are you free after this?
There's something I want to give you.
My company's new product.
What do you think? I'd really like to know.
Mr. Osato!
Oh, Mr. Miyamori. Good to see you again.
Oh, a date? Sorry, sorry!
No, how could I date her?
Don't you know her?! She's Ms. Kazuna Namisawa!
Huh?! Huh?! The amazing animator?!
The amazing Ms. Namisawa!
Whoa! I love ep 4 of "Summer Chorus!" Kaori washing her hands in melted snow!
Meeting you is unbelievable! I'm honored!
Thank you.
"How could I date her?"
Er, is that work calling?
I was asked to do an Animezon cover. But I said no, so it's okay.
Animezon...?
That's incredible!
Animezon?!
This way.
Production company: Tokei Animation
I know, I know. Sorry to ask so late.
Unforgivable. I pulled all-nighters to take this special day off, but...
Ms. Kazuna Namisawa!
Sorry I'm late.
This is "Soundback" director Saito.
You're the one? You're their mother?
Takaya, Towa, Mayu... I'm a Ryu fan though. Oh!
You're the one who gave birth to them?
I am. Er, I'm really sorry about today.
I'm over it now. This always happens to me.
Okay, the deadline's looming, so...
Oh, I have just one condition.
Time's short, and I don't have my desk or tools.
Credit me with a pen name.
Alright...
We can't do that.
That's the least you can do! After you dragged me here...
You were asked to do this because you're Kazuna Namisawa.
We need your name. "A 'Soundback' cover by Kazuna Namisawa."
In name and deed. Please give us your name and art!
- He forgot her name! - Yeah!
Oh, crap! Got it! Okay, you got it!
The concept is Towako beside Mayu, embracing her and yelling.
What is she saying?
Sorry?
Towako. What is she saying here?
"I'll give you anything."
Got it.
Okay, I'll work with that.
"Animezon: Who will reign supreme this quarter?!"
Anime is quintessential Japanese entertainment.
Its market size is 2 trillion yen, and every quarter, 50 new shows
are made, and are being made at this moment.
Thank you.
Those who work on the production floor battle daily
to create the most successful, and most supreme anime.
They strive to reach the highest pinnacle, which is...
...anime supremacy!
Storyboard photography
Animation meeting
Line photography
Art & CG meeting
Art
Finishing
Photography
I'd like to add more radiance here.
What percentage?
Give me a specific numeral.
Oh, don't mention numerals. Direction is about passion. Passion.
Passion?
Be more specific.
Like I said, a deeper blue!
Cobalt blue? Cerulean? Aegean?
Rush check! All staff, come to the preview room!
Where's the director?
- Leave it, she'll come. - No sign of her.
Hitomi Saito "Soundback" Director
ANIME SUPREMACY!
Er, some changes. A train sound instead of a temple bell.
Next...
That's...a change to my script?
Yes. I've changed the sucking sound.
A temple bell feels too old hat.
Oh really. Old hat? My idea?
Well... Nostalgia is important,
but our director sees it differently...
You don't get it. This'll have repercussions later.
You okay with lots of corrections?
You're behind as it is.
Well... We'll take that on board.
Stick to...the storyboards.
Roger that!
Okay, that's all...
Thanks!
Thank you.
Excuse me, can I stay here? For storyboarding.
I told you. A figure meeting from 4 pm.
Directors don't attend...
Directors I work with attend. Let's go.
"Osamu Yukishiro sent you a file"
"Soundback Merchandise proposal"
Read it before we get there. Also, a fashion mag interview at 5 p.m.
A fashion mag?!
Sorry, um...
Please show the characters and mecha more than my face.
Sure! Let's do a test.
Ignore her. She's the face of the show too.
And she's almost cute.
Thank you.
My looks are irrelevant. And what does "almost cute" mean...
We use all we have. If the show fails, you're finished. Want to risk that?
Good. Now...
Turn that frown upside down.
Let us fix you up.
Mr. Yukishiro! Good to see you!
Good to see you too!
Time to shoot. Let's go.
I'm with Tokei Animation...
Don't mind me.
This is it.
Yeah, great vibe.
"Genius director Chiharu Oji's comeback!"
Wow! That's wonderful!
Director. Well done.
I'm really sorry. Yukishiro always pulls this crap.
Newbies need promotion, I know. But isn't this too much?
Magazines, social media, radio, dining with sponsors...
Forget that noise, I want to focus.
With that temper, you could be a news commentator. Koshigaya, look into it.
This is for social media. Smile.
Good, good.
We haven't heard a peep from him for a week, correct?
Correct. But I'll make sure...
A few years ago, Director Oji pulled out of a show.
He did.
If he doesn't come back, can you handle it?
Millions are riding on this.
I'm aware.
Plus, we let talent go and canceled an info show's 15-year run for this.
We owe their agencies for this new anime slot!
- I know. - No you don't!
"New director candidates (confidential)"
Ms. Arishina.
- Ms. Arishina. - Yes!
He'll come tomorrow...
Er, I mean, well... Can I help you?
This promo video. Can't do it without the director.
I'll play back what we've done.
Haven't felt this way in ages.
Desperate to know where this story goes.
I'll do it.
I know this show almost as well as the director.
Give it to me... Your sound...
I told you...
I told you I'll do anything!
To get out and drive out that monster!
Your...sound...
Anything...
I'll give you...anything!
That's not it.
Stronger at the end. Weaker at the start.
Take 18. "I'll give you anything."
I'll give you...anything!
That's not it.
Um...
Towako decides to give her sound here, doesn't she?
Isn't more emotion good...
That's not Towako. Don't act like you know.
Take 19. From the same line.
Recording.
I'll give you...anything!
That's not it.
Uh-oh, she's crying.
Why are you crying?
Please tell me what moved you to cry.
Break time.
Excuse me, let's take a break.
You might feel better now you've spoken your mind,
but I have to deal with it, and I detest that.
That's why I objected.
To hiring her on looks, not talent. So...
Yes, she's popular. She's a draw.
That's what we have to do so a nobody can beat Chiharu Oji.
Yukishiro here.
She probably sees herself as an idol, not an actor.
I think your direction wasn't wrong at all.
"TV network proxy war Evening anime duel!"
Eclairs...
I'm home.
Zakuro?
I thought Zakuro might be bored.
Taiyo...
Stay there!
Here you go.
Is this an anime?
"Yosuga of the Light"
So Taiyo, do you have a favorite anime?
Nope.
Don't like anime?
I hate it.
Why?
Anime's a bunch of lies.
Heroes aren't real. Only dumb kids believe that stuff. Right, Zakuro?
Take it.
I bought a new one.
Keep it.
There's no magic in this world.
Mr. Saito.
Mr. Saito? Mind paying us back?
He's not here!
No adults are here...
So, do you watch anime?
That's an exception.
Tomorrow, I'll meet the person who made it, and talk with him.
I'm home.
Huh? Taiyo? Taiyo?
Your mom's back.
- See you. - See you.
The day of the talkshow
"Liddell-light" "Soundback"
Are you nervous?
I'm meeting Director Oji at last.
Don't worry. Everyone will only look at him.
I know that!
Even so,
this is going to be superb PR.
He's not coming...
You think "people are like garbage"?
Good to see you, Ms. Arishina.
Screw you! Screw you! Screw you! Screw you!
Screw you, asshole!
That hurt. Even my dad never hit me before.
Where were you?!
Here, a souvenir.
Hawaii?
Yeah. Over on Kauai.
Couldn't get any work done here. I needed a change of scenery.
So I took a vacation-slash- research trip.
To Hawaii, for a week? At a time like this?
No, traveling took time too.
I was only there for about five days. No time to relax.
You could've told me.
Phone died at the airport. Watching anime.
So! So, so, so, so... Here.
"Episode 4 storyboards"
Storyboards to ep 11. I'll work on final ep ideas.
Okay, shall we go?
Our spring anime festival's main event. Genius director Chiharu Oji,
and newcomer director Hitomi Saito's talkshow!
First, let's welcome Director Saito!
Next, Director Chiharu Oji!
Please take your seats.
First, let's see promo videos for their shows, and let them explain.
Director Saito, over to you.
Start please.
Er... "Soundback: The Kanade Stone" is about...
...a stone called Kanade that uses... the power of memories of sounds...
...to create a robot, which appears in the anime.
Hey. What is "the power of memories of sounds," exactly?
Well... For example,
the main characters hear a wind chime, and their memories related to it
help the Kanade Stone create a robot.
The robot's name is Soundback. Towako and friends pilot it in battle.
12 episodes. Look forward to seeing other robots appearing in each ep.
Yes, another Tokei anime with boys and girls.
A light, simple robot anime.
Er, well, actually...
Next, the man you've all been waiting for. Director Oji!
Introduce your show.
Director?
Alright, let's just play the promo!
You want it?
You want power?
Power to change...
...your inescapable fate.
A power only you'll have.
Live on! Nobody can make you give up, no one in the world, except yourself.
"Fate Front: Liddell-light" is a magic girl motorbike anime.
Heroine Juri transforms her bike with her soul,
and races her rivals.
She's 6 at first, and ages a year with each ep, meaning...
...she's a growing heroine.
So, 12 different robots appear?
Yes.
Wow. Sounds interesting.
No it doesn't, it is interesting.
Well well, wasn't that amazing?
When "Yosuga of the Light" came out, your good looks became a hot topic!
Rumor has it you wanted your heroine to die in the last episode...
Yeah, but they wouldn't let me. That's not today's topic though.
Sure, there's much more!
"Yosuga of the Light," truly changed anime, didn't it?
It's not just for otaku and core fans, it's for normal people. It's mainstream.
Some are even saying, all Japanese are otaku now!
What are your thoughts...
Are you kidding me? People really say that?
Er, yes.
That's pretty damn condescending. Isn't it?
Listen.
"Normal people" don't exist.
Also, if my work is wanted, otaku and core fans are welcome to it.
Once it's seen, it belongs to the viewers.
While normies dated and had sex, my virginity gave me insomnia.
I spent my youth jacking off to anime girls.
But I won't let my "abnormal" youth be called unfortunate.
It's not depressing, or unhappy.
It's not escapism either.
If people use my work to help them survive reality,
I love them like a brother or sister.
Because I was like them.
Don't use unreal terms like "normal people" and "we're all otaku."
If I can work for people like me, I'm happy.
D-Director Saito, Director Oji's "Yosuga of the Light" inspired you
to quit being a public servant for anime?
Yes.
When I was little, anime didn't appeal to me at all.
Girls granted magic powers grew up in nice homes,
and had cute faces. That was the message.
But...Yosuga was different.
Unexceptional. Living in public housing.
Just like me back then.
For the first time ever, "Yosuga" validated the life I'd lived.
It cast a spell on me.
I entered this industry
to make works that cast spells on their viewers.
So I'm honored my work will compete with that of my hero, Director Oji.
Thank you.
But yours is competing. Mine's the main feature.
That's for viewers to decide.
Good point. Let's let them decide who the winner is.
I won't lose!
What was that? Vowing victory?
Yes. This quarter, I'll win in the ratings and everything else,
and reign supreme!
Can't let a cute face beat me at my own game.
Sorry to do this to your debut.
I'm sorry too. It's your crucial comeback.
Alright, before you do battle, why not shake hands?
No way.
Very well, let's have a warm round of applause for our two guests!
Director Saito seems like a fierce competitor.
I still can't kill my heroine in the last ep?
Sorry?
I really want to kill her this time.
The 5 pm slot is for children.
Wow. So Ms. Arishina, you'd censor content to suit a slot?
I got carried away...
Your setting, Chichibu City, wants to do a location tour.
Meeting at 10 am tomorrow.
I'm devoting all my time to beating Director Oji.
Alright, read this by tomorrow, and compile an A4 page of your thoughts.
Why should I?!
Why should I?
Please do it!
Chichibu, Saitama Animation studio: Fine Garden
We owe the city government a favor, so our ace needs to step up.
Help me out.
Whoa whoa, "help you out" for the umpteenth time this year?
I'm doing "Liddell" and "Soundback," plus,
I did Animezon too. That was too much...
Please, help us out!
Look, look. Mr. Munemori's pleading with you.
Okay? Help us out, please.
A stamp rally?
So lame...
Sorry for worrying you.
You know, I always believed he'd come back!
So... Actually, I'd like to discuss the final episode.
Genius Chiharu Oji. An amazing ending, no doubt.
Well, just for argument's sake...
What if the heroine were to die?
The heroine, dying.
What's the broadcast slot?
Saturday, from 5 pm.
Do stars of shows in that slot die?
They don't.
You're so right.
There's your answer.
These are the viewing rooms.
For "Soundback" here, and "Liddell" there.
At the same time?
The day the first episodes go to air
Do you mind? I'm coming in.
Great time to slack off.
"Don Quixote, Aobadai Store, Tokyo Taste of Hawaii Macadamias"
You didn't go to Hawaii?
Hey! Hey! Dammit! Why?! Who said you could come in?!
You dumbass! This is... an invasion of privacy! Dumbass! Die!
Where were you then?
A hotel. A hotel in Tokyo!
Why?
Come on...
Do you know the pressure of creating something from zero?
It may seem easy for me,
but presumptions like that are pressure, stress.
Scripts and storyboards only get done by toiling away at a desk.
No matter how awful, tedious, or dreary that is.
You've got to sit and stare at paper or a computer.
Only writing cures writer's block.
A break from routine? Futile.
All you can do is keep going, hanging on for dear life.
It's our first air date. Let's watch together.
My friends, hello there!
"Soundback" invitation-only screening
I'm Aoi Mureno, who plays the heroine, Towako. Nice to see you!
She certainly is popular.
Mr. Yukishiro, how do you rate my work?
That's a vague question.
Is it entertaining?
If I say it is, will that satisfy you?
You don't think so?
Some entertaining works bomb. Some unentertaining works are hits.
Which is "Soundback"?
I thought you were the type who believes in their work, no matter what.
Sorry, I'm not that type.
- Oh, you're mad? - I'm not mad.
- Where to? - The restroom.
It's almost time!
Yes, I can't wait!
Everyone, are you ready?
10! 9!
8! 7!
Production company: Studio Edge
6! 5! 4!
3! 2! 1!
Yeah! Three steps at a time!
Two for me!
I'm exhausted!
You're perky in the morning.
You did so well.
Look, Towako.
Whoa, awesome!
Tiny town.
I'll leave here for sure one day.
I don't hate it here.
Only because you're from out of town.
Come on, let's get moving!
Another landslide!
Wait! For Mayu!
Towako!
Give it to me... Your sound...
I told you... I told you I'll do anything!
To get out and drive out that monster!
I'll do anything too!
Me too!
- Me too! - Me too!
Anything!
I'll give you...anything!
Smash it!
Looking back now, that was only the beginning,
of our year together.
To be continued!
That was the women's!
Please hide somewhere else next time.
Here she is! Director Hitomi Saito!
Over to you! Director...
Please say a few words.
Er...
Er, well...
Thank you.
Director, well done.
- Director, thank you! Well done! - Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you!
- Thank you! - Oh! You too!
- Aoi, thanks for clapping. - Thank you!
- Great work. - Same to you!
"Ep 1 ratings bulletin.pdf"
"Soundback!" "Liddell-light!"
It's trending.
- It is? - Yeah, yeah.
"Soundback FTW!" "Surprisingly good!" "See Liddell?" "Oji's a god!"
Two dueling series!
How will their first episodes rate?
Both shows tie for first!
Make the saturation pop. Increase blue by 20. Go crazy with it.
And the particle barrage is weak. Come on, no good. Next.
Hey, transformations are this show's high point. Gotta be gorgeous. Next.
"Liddell" looks even better.
Lots more director feedback now.
I always knew Oji was the master.
Hey.
Towako.
Are you... hiding anything from us?
Why would I hide anything?
Right...
Let's stop for now.
Not another "Endless Eight"...
We're in trouble.
Okay, break time. Let's break.
Let's take a break. Back in 10 minutes.
How could he eat it before me? I'll murder him.
Murder who? Want some help?
I watched it. "Soundback."
It was good.
In exchange for its goodness...
Director Saito, you don't get along with her, right? Aoi Mureno.
Checked her Insta and Twitter?
Gotta open your heart, or your Eva won't move.
Thanks a bunch.
Excuse me, we're looking for a place to put the stamp rally stand.
Do you mind if we take a look around?
- Oh no, no. - Really? Thank you.
Mr. Munemori.
What anime did you like as a kid?
Oh, I used to watch "Dragon Ball" and stuff,
but I guess I preferred playing outside.
Of course!
"I can't believe it." He's a normie...
What? Did you say something?
No, nothing.
Why a stamp rally?
Oh... I don't know much about anime, so I did some research.
Oarai Town in Ibaraki. Hida City in Gifu.
Inukami District in Shiga. I went there and asked them.
I thought we should start with stamp rallies. They stay popular.
Oh...
Hey! Hey!
- Hey! - Munemori!
Hey, you're all there!
You bet! Come join us now!
- No, I'm working! - Damn normies...
I've got one of those too. See?
Episode 3 "Liddell-light" wins with a 2% lead!
Can't beat Chiharu Oji.
Yeah. I was gonna say.
- "Liddell-light" crushes. - Crushing it!
"Soundback" is just a pale imitation.
It's weak, and predictable. You get me?
Special promo! Hello. Burness Style. Please take one.
"Boxing relieves stress!"
Give it to me... Your sound...
I'll give you...anything!
"I'll fry you...anything!"
Even tastier with fried surprise! A "Soundback" collaboration!
It's delicious.
No freaking way!
Where's Yukishiro?
Beats me.
So I was against it from the get-go. A newcomer, and worse, a woman.
She's trying hard though.
Anybody can try hard. Gotta get results. That's a pro.
Just second choice, huh?
Her career's over, messing up her big chance. Poor girl.
"It's tough... but this is war."
Lieutenant!
Good impression, right?
I don't know...
All of us...
Who are we fighting?
Hey. Towako.
Are you... hiding anything from us?
Why would I hide anything?
Episode 6 "Liddell-light" way out in front!
Games have winners and losers. We're just sharing cards.
So what? Why not just hand out cards and talk?
How's the final episode coming?
Well, I can't decide.
Decide what?
How I should kill her.
Know any good ways to kill? Tell me.
Huh? That girl...
What? Did you see something?!
A UFO?! A ghost?!
Making this must've been a huge job.
Ms. Namisawa, may I ask you something?
Sure.
Well, a while back, you used the word "normie"...
That means people who are only happy in reality, doesn't it?
Only...in reality?
You and the people here, unlike me, have rich fantasy lives...
Not just reality.
I only have real life. No wonder you think I'm ignorant, but...
I'll do what I can to help "Soundback."
Stop right there.
Mr. Munemori, your definition of "normie" is a little off.
It's not meant to be insulting, or self-deprecating either.
Calling yourself that is kinda cringey.
Oh. Oh... Oh! Is that right? I mean,
I thought you meant I'm vacant and shallow.
You're not!
You're not...at all.
That's a relief. If you don't despise me, I'm glad.
Sure...
Scrap this whole scene.
For this.
Any more and Fine Garden will pull out.
Impossible. No studio will agree to make changes like this now.
Then find a new one.
I won't be able to!
Then this show is over.
No need for a final ep. How refreshing. Nice working with you.
Are you joking?!
I could say the same. I thought you were more dedicated.
"More"? After all I've done...
After all I've done...
...if I'm not satisfied, this is over.
Please, no more PR like this.
Don't you want more viewers?
I'm saying it's not what's important.
Oh...
You think quality automatically gets ratings?
Of course.
In an ideal world.
Okay, what's a ratings-getting anime to you?
One that reaches an audience.
Get them hooked by any means. Quality comes second to that.
Is "Soundback" reaching an audience?
How would I know?
Listen up, Director Saito.
Reaching an audience with an anime is no easy feat.
If only one out of 100 attempts succeeds, you're lucky.
We have to waste time on the other 99?
That's the way I do it.
Hi, Yukishiro here. Thanks for calling.
Wait. Hitomi.
Going AWOL too?
As if I'd do that!
So what if I'm second choice?
I'll beat Director Oji. That's why I do this!
Why haven't you figured that out yet?!
Sorry about that.
Back to work.
Why do you want to surpass Director Oji?
If my work can surpass his,
it'll reach children like I was.
Children like you were?
I threw away a wand.
A magic wand that a friend gave me
when I was a child.
I thought magic wasn't real.
But...Director Oji made me realize.
Magic might not be real, but anime,
it has a power greater than magic.
That's why I came here.
No no no no...
Oh no!
Turn on! Turn on!
"Boxing relieves stress! Free trial"
Baths are the soul's...
...laundry.
You're an amazing puncher.
Dezaki direction?
Oh, you get it?
Director Saito.
Director Oji's "Yosuga" made you join the industry, right?
Yes, seven years ago.
Seven years ago, huh...
I discovered "Yosuga" by chance.
If I'd seen it when I was little,
my life would've grown by centimeters...
No, only millimeters maybe...
I know my life would have grown richer, faster.
I was the same.
I was already doing this job then,
but "Yosuga" changed the way I felt.
From then on, working with Director Oji became my longheld dream.
But when it came true...
I know the feeling.
Still, you directors are awe-inspiring.
You create whole worlds, like gods.
Novice and veteran directors fight the same battle.
If Director Oji is sacrificing his soul,
I have to sacrifice my soul, my body, and my sleeping hours.
If I lose this battle,
this might be the last anime I ever make.
It's my last chance.
That's why I'm here, doing this.
Sorry, I'd better get going.
Director Saito.
We're fighting too.
Producers, staff, actors, all of us...
We want to reach an audience as much as a director does.
Bye.
"Voice actor Aoi Mureno"
I'm begging you!
We can't. We've done too much already.
Please! I don't want to regret what we could have done!
Oji struggled with himself to create "Liddell."
I want it to be perfect. No compromises!
I'm sorry, but...
I'll do it.
Why did you say that?
Ever seen anyone beg like that before?
I haven't.
If a producer's that dedicated, we have to be more dedicated.
Enriching fantasy worlds is our responsibility.
Yes ma'am.
I'll never forget you.
Never.
"#Chichibu In search of Towako"
Director...
Forgive me!
You went to see it. The "Soundback" location.
You tried to find Towako's voice, but I spoke to you that way...
You wish your childhood self could see it, don't you?
You want to it to be
an anime that children remember, so it helps them someday.
Isn't that right?
Mr. Yukishiro told me.
Mr. Yukishiro?
I think I know how you feel.
I once found an anime like that too.
So hey, what else can we do, right?
I know I was cast to be a crowd-puller.
So I'll...
...be the best damn crowd-puller.
Thanks for your work.
Ms. Arishina made late-night snacks.
Just as I hoped.
Sorry. It's the best I could do.
It's appreciated.
So good.
This is the taste of a legend...
A legend?
Kayako Arishina. When she works,
all work gets done, 100%. A legendary production assistant.
Even as a producer, she makes a mean rice ball.
We can't let her legend die.
There are more left!
So good.
You can kill her.
Your popular heroine with many fans.
Kill her off completely.
Do whatever your heart desires.
A traumatic ending's okay?
I bet the network told you no.
Disc and figure sales ride on final ep quality these days.
Without merch, no chance of a profit.
It's okay.
If you have a reason to kill her.
You're Chiharu Oji. I know you'll have a good one.
A reason why it has to end that way.
Create a brilliant ending that no one can deny.
Give me...
...a weapon to fight the network with.
Mind leaving me alone? Sorry.
That's great. Really great.
Sorry, could you do Towako's trademark pose?
Her trademark pose?
Her trademark line too.
- Trademark line? - Just quickly.
Okay...
You know it.
I'll give you anything!
Whoa, great!
Thank you.
Was he for real?
Yukishiro gets you to do stupid stuff,
dealing with know-nothings like that. I pity you.
Yukishiro's a publicity hound,
but he can't even remember people's names.
Maybe even your name too, Director Saito.
That's Yukishiro for you.
You get dragged everywhere. I'm amazed you put up with it.
It's necessary, no?
No, you're a woman, so he underestimates you.
I don't think that way.
That's dangerous. He only cares about exploiting you and "Soundback."
Better watch yourself, director.
You want to talk exploitation? Make something worth exploiting.
I'm sure Mr. Yukishiro is exploiting me as best he can.
Only I can badmouth him.
It's me who's dragged around most, and causing the most trouble.
But I put my trust in him, so what else can I do?!
He doesn't remember my name? Why would he?!
He thinks it's not worth remembering!
When I was an episode director and AD, he said,
"That woman's direction." "The ep 5 girl." Like that.
I doubt he even knew my face.
Just to have him remember my name...
Do you know how proud that makes me?!
He calls me "Director Saito" now. I'm more than happy with that!
I don't need your pity!
So sorry I'm late.
Mr. Negishi, Mr. Koshigaya, thanks for attending.
Director, did you thank them?
Thank them, for accompanying you.
Thank you.
Final episode's coming up. Let's all make something good.
Director.
Director? Director?!
Hitomi?
How are you feeling?
I'm fine. I'll head straight back.
Oh, don't push yourself. Lie back down.
After "Soundback," how long till you quit Tokei Animation?
You were offered a new streaming series?
Produced by Studio Green.
You know about that?
I know everyone and everything, first.
But...I'll turn it down.
To stay at Tokei Animation.
I want to learn more, from you.
No.
You should quit.
I'm interested in that new series too.
You want to make anime that reaches children like you were... Right?
Then don't hesitate.
Why say that?
You said it yourself.
Why do you want to surpass Director Oji?
If my work can surpass his,
it'll reach children like I was.
However, if you quit, I have one condition. You must adhere to it.
What's that?
Please, quit Tokei Animation amicably.
Director Oji, and many others...
They burned bridges with the company, then went freelance.
So that we can work together again, please, quit amicably.
You want to... work with me again?
Is that wrong?
You have talent.
I love that you boldly said you want to reign supreme.
Learn as much as you can,
before you leave the company. Sponsor relations, and annoying stats.
I'll teach you all I can.
So you dragged me around...
Let's win this.
Absolutely.
And one more thing.
You seem to be mistaken.
You weren't second choice.
You're first choice.
Eclairs.
None are chocolate...
Does your stomach hurt?
No it doesn't!
- Did I do something? - No!
Taiyo.
Did something happen?
Not really.
Taiyo.
Are you...hungry?
Actually, I've only got this.
I know that. "I'll fry you everything." I saw the commercial.
It reached you...
This "Soundback" anime, it's really good, so watch it.
Even starting part-way through.
It's good?
It's good.
Taiyo.
This world of ours is an insensitive place.
Even so...
Once in a blue moon...
...someone'll know how you feel.
Or you'll watch something that seems to know how you feel.
I'll watch it.
Kawamura! I'm sorry, please correct this.
Yeah, later...
Please, please. Please listen. Here.
Um, this scene with Ryuichi.
I fixed it already.
Superbly. That was superb, but...
Miki! Miki!
Here, here.
Sorry, I know you're busy.
This scene in ep 8, the Takaya and Ryuichi confrontation...
Please change the station to countryside.
This feels a little cold.
Ninomiya! Ninomiya, wait! About that meeting item...
Gimme a break...
Aoshima! Aoshima, wait!
Don't you know?!
Towako...
...lost memories each time she fought!
Wait...
You knew?
From the beginning?
She told me not to tell anybody.
"Soundback."
That show yesterday?
- Yeah. - I saw it!
The story was foreshadowed!
Yeah. It's amazing.
So amazing...
Excuse me. Where is the "Soundback" capsule machine?
Oh. Thataway.
- Here. - Thank you!
Ratings gap: Ep. 6: 3.1% → Ep. 8: 1.5%
The enemies you fought were versions of yourselves.
Improve still frame layout and compositing. Maintain quality.
Catching up?
Ep 9: 0.6% ratings gap
It's neck and neck!
I'm not afraid to fight at all. It's just,
gradually forgetting what I'm fighting for...
...scares me right now.
Towako...
Huh? Are you crying?
You know, "Soundback" got so much better.
The voices sound different.
"Who knows what happened, but they sure are better."
"Liddell-light final episode"
What do you think?
You're the only one...
...who has the right... to criticize it.
You're sure about this?
I want it to make people feel hopeful about themselves and the future.
Got it.
Big sis...
You'll forget this sound?
You'll forget me too?
I'll never forget you.
Never.
"Soundback Ep 12 Towako regains all sound memories"
Huh?
I want to change the final ep.
I think they shouldn't regain their sounds.
I wrote a new plot. It's all in here.
Whoa whoa whoa!
Are you crazy? We can't use that ending.
The Kanade Stone should help Towako regain her memories.
Everybody loves a tearful, moving happy end.
That's...
Not to mention, our animators can't make any more changes now.
Got that? If so, put this thing away,
and stick to the storyboards.
Are you sure?
Is that what you want?
Why ask her that?
You know the final ep decides how discs sell.
Go for the mainstream!
I was asking the director.
We're here...
...to turn the director's imagination into reality.
Hey. Yukishiro.
We are a major company.
Yeah, so we should go all out for supremacy!
No, incorrect.
A major company should...
...have greater vision, and make anime that remains relevant.
Creating that kind of legacy
is the duty of our grand old company.
Director Saito.
What will be your legacy?
In life, there are times when you have to sacrifice
what you hold dear to achieve something.
A miracle at the very end that brings back lost sounds
is too contrived to believe.
When we lose something, we also gain something.
Towako and her friends in this story
don't need somebody else's contrived happy end.
After a loss, a happy end will be waiting.
It might not seem so at the time,
but I hope that'll be remembered later.
I want the final episode to stay in someone's heart.
I think there's still time to make such an ending.
You know...if this flops, you won't make an anime again.
So be it.
Please, let me change the ending.
No...
We will change it.
I think...
...we might be able to help.
Show me.
Well...
If we tweak the compositing and backgrounds, we can use this.
I'll rethink the shooting script.
Seriously? Who's gonna put it together?
Ah, shit!
We gotta do it?
Yes.
Alright!
Thank you! Thank you!
Gotta make deadline!
I brought more!
Thanks!
Here you go.
This is a soundless world composite.
For Towako's face here maybe?
This scene needs soft light.
I want to convey a heartfelt internal monologue.
"What I care..." "...care about..."
A new line here.
- Got it? - Got it.
"While I can still remember what I care about the most."
Maeyamada style.
After the battle, they return home. That'll be a new scene.
Towako descends to Earth. She's still airborne,
but she's descending. Then,
they see their homes, families, and friends,
get emotional, and their eyes gleam.
With that shot, "Soundback" ends.
"The End"
A lot more scenes. It'll be tough, but let's do our best!
Let's do our best!
At last, the new storyboards! Please come and get them!
0.62. No...
0.63 more.
63.
I like it.
It goes guwaaa! Then shaaa...
Yeah, yeah! Guwaaa! Then shaaa...
Right, right!
Passion! Passion!
Passion!
This color.
This...
Ah, sulphur yellow.
Yes! I finally got it across!
It's great.
Great.
The final episode's last line. This is it.
Say it the way you want to.
Okay.
Final episode, rush check!
Let's do this!
The day the final episodes go to air
Don't do this! If you do, your world will cease to exist!
Fine. It's better than losing her.
I'm sorry...
...Juri.
This is the end. You'll all...die with me!
Juri, you have to live!
Oh no... They're eating sounds?!
The sounds within all life.
Like the Kanade Stone said, it's their source of power.
That can't be...
We can't...let them win!
They stole those sounds.
We can't lose to them! We mustn't!
Stop! Towako!
I'll give you anything.
No, Towako! If you lose any more sounds...
...you won't make it home!
Ki-yo-ra!
Juri!
I'll give you anything.
Whatever you want. Take everything.
So...protect her.
While I can still remember
what I care about the most.
Please...
I beg you!
Remember what I said?
You know.
Stupid...
I won't leave you alone.
Listen up! You want us dead, but I've got bad news for you!
Those days are over! There's nothing heroic about dying!
Whatever I look like,
even if no one cares, I'm gonna go on living!
You're gonna accept us. However ugly we are,
take responsibility, and love us!
Live on! Nobody can make you give up...
...no one in the world...
...except yourself!
Towako? Towako?
Can you hear me, Towako?
This is our town.
We've come home.
Big sis!
Hey!
Big sis! Towa!
So beautiful...
Please stay in...
...someone's heart.
Hey.
Thanks.
You knew, didn't you? My reputation after "Yosuga."
"He's out of ideas."
First time I'll admit it.
I couldn't hack it. Even if I got called a genius,
I was afraid my follow-up would show how mediocre I am.
I thought I couldn't direct.
You're a brave one,
for working with me.
Now, let's change the subject. Ms. Arishina, are you taken?
What's come over you?
It's a serious question.
Making an anime series takes three precious years of your life.
Gotta take stock at your age.
You don't seem to have a guy, so I'm worried.
None of your business.
I wouldn't mind marrying you.
"Ratings: 1: Liddell-light 2: Soundback"
We came close.
It's not over yet.
"The event was a huge success! Thank you! Kazuna"
"Soundback files"
Wow! Taiyo!
That's...Soundback.
"I'll give you anything!"
That's so cool! Oh man!
Cool, right? Let's play.
I'll be Takaya!
I'm Ryuichi!
Woohoo!
I'm the villain.
Riho Yoshioka
Tomoya Nakamura
Tasuku Emoto
Machiko Ono
Based on a novel by Mizuki Tsujimura
Screenplay by Yosuke Masaike
Directed by Kohei Yoshino
"DVD/blu-ray pre-order ranking:"
"1st..."
"Soundback"
"2nd: Liddell-light"
English subtitles by Don Brown