Shopping Guide
The official title of Keiichi Hara’s long-awaited new feature-length film has been confirmed, and the release month revealed. The film is based on the original manga Sarusuberi by Hinako Sugiura, but the official title is Sarusuberi ~Miss Hokusai~. The title reflects the character O-Ei, who is the daughter of prominent Japanese ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai.
The film will release in May, making it a new early summer flick to look forward to. It was also announced that Anne Watanabe will be voicing the female ukiyo-e artist O-Ei. With the opening of the official site on Jan. 20 as well, things are picking up for the film’s release.
Sarusuberi ~Miss Hokusai~ is the first feature-length animated film in five years from director Keiichi Hara who is highly regarded for his directorial work on Colorful, Crayon Shin-chan: The Storm Called: The Adult Empire Strikes Back, and other films. Though Hara’s live-action masterpiece Hajimari no Michi was released in mid-2013, many fans are likely very excited that a new anime by Hara is finally coming.
The subject chosen for this new film by director Hara is a female ukiyo-e artist living in Edo-period Japan. The film is an adaptation of a masterpiece by Hinako Sugiura, who is also a researcher on the lifestyles and customs of this time period. The film depicts O-Ei’s free and easy life in Edo through the seasons along with her father Katsushika Hokusai, her younger sister, and her friends.
Voicing O-Ei is Anne, which marks her first time voicing a character in a feature-length animation. Regarding the role, Anne joyfully commented, “I have an interest in voice work, and just when I thought of challenging myself with it someday, I was greatly surprised with a starring role, and on a work by Hinako Sugiura, whom I’m a longtime fan of.” Regarding what she likes about the work, she commented, “I like the depictions that are like going back in time, and I like the inner workings of the hearts of true Tokyoites.” “[O-Ei] was an eccentric woman who possessed a genius level of artist talent. She depicted perspectives and shadows, and actively sought out Western styles of painting. Details on her later life are unknown and she’s a mysterious and highly interesting woman,” she went on to said regarding O-Ei. Post-production will begin at the end of the month and the film is scheduled to be completed in April.
Producing the animation is Production I.G, and this marks director Hara’s first time working with the studio. It seems likely that Production I.G will showcase their tradition for creating countless masterpiece feature-length anime with this film as well. After the film is completed, focus will be placed on exhibiting it overseas at screenings and film festivals alike. There is no doubt that this film will be one that exemplifies the Japanese film industry. Look forward to its release domestically in Japan and overseas.
Comment by Director Keiichi Hara on Choosing Anne:
“From the first step in production, creating the storyboards, I had considered having Anne play the role of O-Ei. I became aware of Anne’s work with her role in the drama Quilt no Ie, and in her roles following that as well I thought she was impressive with her natural performances.
“On the other hand, I found her to be calm and steadfast after seeing her be a hearty good sport on variety programs and thought of her as a slightly eccentric, entertainment woman.
I’d also heard that she’s a history buff and that she’s a fan of Sugiura’s, which led to me offering her the role.”
Sarusuberi ~Miss Hokusai~
May 2015 countrywide roadshow
Starring: Anne
Original Work: Hinako Sugiura’s Sarusuberi
Director: Keiichi Hara
Production: Production I.G
Distribution: Tokyo Theatres
Sarusuberi ~Miss Hokusai~
© 2014-2015 Hinako Sugiura, MS.HS / Sarusuberi Production Committee
Source: animeanime
