A Japanese story about a boy who draws: A thorough review of moving depictions and character development

"A Japanese Boy Who Draws" - A story of a boy drawn between dreams and reality

■Overview of the work

"A Japanese Artist Boy" is a theatrical animation released on March 2, 2019, produced by Nekonigashi. Each episode is 20 minutes long and self-contained, and is directed by Masayoshi Kawajiri. This is an original anime work that depicts the growth and pursuit of dreams of Shinji, a boy who has loved drawing since he was a child. Copyright © 2018 Nekonigashi Inc.

■ Story

Shinji, a boy who loved drawing from an early age, naturally aspires to become a manga artist. When he enters elementary school, he meets Masaru, a mysterious boy who also loves drawing, but only draws masked wrestlers. They become close friends, so much so that the whole family hangs out together. However, as they progress through the grades, their environments change, and the two gradually become estranged. Shinji continues to aspire to become a manga artist, goes on to art school, wins an award, and works as an assistant before finally getting his big break...

■Explanation

"A Japanese Boy Artist" is an experimental animation and mockumentary film that tells the story of a man aspiring to become a manga artist, changing the visuals as Shinji's drawings grow from those of a child to those of an adult. The change in Shinji's drawings as he grows deeply moves the audience. In addition, the gap with reality and the frustration that Shinji faces in the process of pursuing his dreams are also depicted realistically, evoking sympathy from many viewers.

■Cast

• Shinji/Takashi Uehara
• Shinji's Mother / Yasumi Yajima
• Masaru/Kenta Abe
• Masaru's Mother / Yoshiko Ishii
• Boy/Suzuki Souta

■ Main staff

• Director: Masayoshi Kawajiri
• Screenplay by Masayoshi Kawajiri
• Character design: Yoshinori Matsuoka, Kenji Yoshikawa (NPO COUNT5)
• Designed by Manami Umeshita, Kohei Omura, Masashi Omura, Ryosuke Ochiai, Dai Kaise, Kiyotaka Takezawa
• Illustrations by Manami Umeshita, Kohei Omura, Masashi Omura, Ryosuke Ochiai, Dai Kaise, and Kiyotaka Takezawa
• Music Director: Hidekazu Nagai
• Sound Director: Masaru Tanaka
• Live-action director: Maki Okada
• Producer: Waka Tagami
• Public Relations/Kayo Tagami

■ Appeal and evaluation of the work

"A Japanese Boy Artist" has been highly praised by many viewers for its unique style and deep themes. In particular, the visual changes that occur as Shinji's drawings grow leave a strong impression on the audience. In addition, the gap between reality and the dreams one faces in the process of pursuing them, as well as the frustrations they face, are also depicted realistically, evoking sympathy from many viewers.

Director Kawajiri Masayoshi skillfully combined experimental animation and mockumentary techniques in this work to depict half of Shinji's life. The changes in the pictures that are drawn as Shinji grows up deeply move the audience. In addition, the gap with reality and the frustration that Shinji faces in the process of pursuing his dreams are also realistically depicted, resonating with many viewers.

The cast is also excellent, and the growth and conflict of Shinji, played by Takeshi Uehara, is portrayed realistically. In addition, Yasumi Yajima, who plays Shinji's mother, and Kenta Abe, who plays Masaru, also play their characters charmingly. In particular, the scenes of friendship with Masaru are very moving and touch the hearts of viewers.

The music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work, and the beautiful music by music director Hidekazu Nagai further enhances Shinji's growth and pursuit of his dreams. In addition, the realistic sound effects by sound director Masaru Tanaka also enhance the realism of the work.

■ Recommendation points

"A Japanese Boy Artist" is a work that realistically depicts the gap between reality and the feelings of frustration faced in the process of pursuing one's dreams, and will resonate with many viewers. Another point not to be missed is the visual changes that occur as Shinji's drawing grows. I highly recommend this work to anyone who loves drawing or is pursuing their dreams.

This work also skillfully combines experimental animation and mockumentary techniques, giving a sense of new possibilities for animation. It is a must-see for animation fans.

■ Related works

Other works that depict the process of pursuing dreams, like "A Japanese Boy Artist," include "Your Name" and "Weathering with You." These works also realistically depict the gap with reality and the sense of frustration that one faces in the process of pursuing one's dreams, and have resonated with many viewers. Also, for those who love drawing, we recommend "Forest of Piano" and "Bakuman." These works are also highly recommended for those who love drawing and those who are pursuing their dreams.

■ Summary

"A Japanese Boy Painter" is a work that realistically depicts the gap between reality and the feelings of frustration faced in the process of pursuing one's dreams, and will resonate with many viewers. Another point not to be missed is the visual changes that occur as Shinji's drawing skills grow. It is especially recommended for those who love drawing and those who are pursuing their dreams. This work also skillfully combines experimental animation and mockumentary techniques, giving a sense of new possibilities for animation. It is a work that animation fans should definitely watch.