Latest news with #Natsume
Kyodo News
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Kyodo News
Shingo Natsume's First Original Feature-Length Anime Film "ghost (Working Title)" Announced for 2027 Release!
The highly anticipated latest work from rising animation director Shingo Natsume, his first original theatrical anime "ghost (working title)," has been officially announced! The film is scheduled for release in 2027. Along with the announcement, a teaser visual and partial staff information have been revealed. ▲Teaser visual The teaser visual features a mysterious girl named Nike, holding a glass sword and gazing straight ahead with determined eyes. The background shows a starry sky and vibrantly colored flowers, hinting at the beginning of the story. Shingo Natsume's First Original Theatrical Anime "ghost (Working Title)" Announced! Shingo Natsume is renowned for directing numerous anime series including "One Punch Man," "ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept.," "Sonny Boy," and "The Tatami Time Machine Blues." His unique artistic vision, showcased in his first original TV anime "Sonny Boy," garnered widespread acclaim and established him as a distinctive voice in animation. The recognition for Natsume's work extends beyond Japan, with "Sonny Boy" earning a nomination in the TV competition category at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, the world's largest animation festival. Now, with "ghost (working title)," Natsume is poised to make his much-anticipated debut in original feature-length theatrical animation. The animation production will be handled by Madhouse, the legendary studio behind beloved classics such as Satoshi Kon's "Millennium Actress" and "Paprika," as well as Mamoru Hosoda's "Summer Wars." Madhouse has long collaborated with Natsume and continues to produce works that captivate audiences worldwide. Adding to the project's star power, manga artist Natsume Ono will provide the original character designs, while Norifumi Kugai will adapt them for animation. This reunites the team from the TV anime "ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept.," bringing together a formidable crew currently hard at work on the production. Natsume expresses his vision for the film, stating, "Through the medium of animation, which can be seen as a form of fiction, I aim to create a work that captures the essence of our times while pursuing a sense of reality." The story revolves around the concept of a "ghost" that resides within everyone's heart - genuine feelings that can't be put into words but are undeniably present. The film follows Nike, a young girl who rebels against the world's absurdities to protect the "starry sky." It promises to be a challenging work that poetically depicts Nike's loneliness, bravery, and the subtle changes in her heart as she interacts with others. Currently in production with a team of resonant creators, the film is slated for theatrical release in 2027. The film's production announcement visual will be displayed as a poster from June 10th at the Japan Annex booth (hosted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry / Visual Industry Promotion Organization) at the ongoing Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France. A pitch session for the work is also scheduled. Stay tuned for more updates on this globally anticipated project! Director's Profile Shingo Natsume Shingo Natsume made his TV series directorial debut with "Space☆Dandy" (2014) and has since helmed several notable works, including "One-Punch Man" (2015), "ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept." (2017), and "Boogiepop and Others" (2019). In 2021, he took on multiple roles as director, scriptwriter, creator, and storyboard artist for the original TV anime "Sonny Boy," which garnered attention from global audience for its unique worldview. Natsume participated as episode director in "The Tatami Galaxy" (2010), directed by Masaaki Yuasa and produced by Madhouse. He was then chosen to direct the theatrical sequel, "The Tatami Time Machine Blues," released in 2022. "ghost (working title)" marks his first original feature-length anime film for theatrical release. Original Theatrical Anime Film: "ghost" (Working Title) Scheduled for Release in 2027 STAFF Original Concept: Shingo Natsume, Tomohiro Suzuki, Bandai Namco Filmworks, MADHOUSE Director & Screenplay: Shingo Natsume Original Character Design: Natsume Ono Character Design: Norifumi Kugai Animation Production: MADHOUSE (C)ghost production committee
Asahi Shimbun
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Asahi Shimbun
VOX POPULI: Constitution Day a time to reflect on the concept of individualism
Plaintiffs in a lawsuit seeking to overturn a ban on same-sex marriage, citing the constitutional provision of the right to pursue happiness, enter the Fukuoka High Court on Dec. 13 last year. (Masaru Komiyaji) The English noun 'individual,' which originates from the Latin 'individuus' meaning 'not divisible,' was said to have been translated into Japanese as 'kojin' during the Meiji Era (1868-1912). The etymology leaves no doubt that every individual is meant to be an independent and integral person. Author Soseki Natsume (1867-1916) understood, after much effort, the value of individualism as a philosophy based on the concept of the individual. In 'Watakushi no Kojinshugi' (My individualism), a lecture he gave to a youthful audience in 1914, Natsume explained that individualism is not selfishness, nor does it put one at odds with the State. Three decades later, postwar Japan made a fresh start by declaring its respect for the individual, rather than the State. Articles 13 and 24 of the Constitution spell out the concept of the individual, stressing that every individual is an independent person who is neither self-centered nor egoistical. This is put quite plainly and forcefully in the first part of Article 13: 'All the people shall be respected as individuals.' And it goes on to guarantee what is termed the right to pursue happiness: 'Their right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness shall, to the extent that it does not interfere with public welfare, be the supreme consideration in legislation and in other governmental affairs.' Lately, Japanese courts have been in the news for their decisions related to constitutional provisions. In a lawsuit brought by a man who had been switched at birth, the Tokyo District Court last month acknowledged his legal rights based on Article 13. And in December last year, the Fukuoka High Court cited the right to pursue happiness when it ruled that banning same-sex marriage is in violation of the Constitution. Natsume stated that individualism is about respecting oneself as well as others and acknowledging everyone's freedom. To respect the individual is to defend the human rights of other people, and there is no contradiction there. May 3 is Constitution Day in Japan. --The Asahi Shimbun, May 3 * * * Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.
