In This Corner of the World's Sunao Katabuchi Directs New Original Short Film
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Katabuchi Helms "Map of Fukufuku" Short Film for Fukushima Magazine
Director Sunao Katabuchi, renowned for his work on "In This Corner of the World," is directing a new short film titled "Map of Fukufuku." This project is a "brand movie" for Fukushima Prefecture's variety magazine, Fukushima Map. The premiere is scheduled for March 5 at the Forum Fukushima 5 theater, where it will be presented during a "Completion Announcement Event."
Reunion of "In This Corner of the World" Team
Katabuchi's current studio, CONTRAIL, is producing the film. He is not only directing, but also penning the script. Notably, he is collaborating with several members of his team from "In This Corner of the World." This includes assistant director Chie Uratani, original character designer Fumiyo Kouno, and music composer kotringo.
Animation and Artistry
The animation team boasts impressive talent. Izumi Seguchi, whose previous work includes "Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie" and "maboroshi," is the character designer and animation director. Mayu Ota from "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" and Moe Maruta from "Jujutsu Kaisen 0" are serving as assistant animation directors. Kiyomi Ota, an art director with credits on classic films like "Only Yesterday," "Porco Rosso," and "Princess Mononoke," is responsible for the film's art direction.
Story of Discovery in Fukushima
The short film centers on Sophie, a French philosopher visiting Fukushima Prefecture for the first time to attend a friend's wedding. Lost in the region, she encounters a mysterious "friend" and a "map" that guide her through detours and stops. Through these experiences, Sophie gradually understands that everything in Fukushima is a "culture" shaped and passed down through generations.
Katabuchi's Connection to Fukushima
Katabuchi has a history of involvement with the areas affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. He served as the animation director for "Hana wa Saku," the reconstruction support song for NHK's Great East Japan Earthquake Project.
Katabuchi's Notable Works
Katabuchi's directorial credits include anime series such as "Black Lagoon," "Black Lagoon: Roberta's Blood Trail," "Black Lagoon: The Second Barrage," "Mai Mai Miracle," "Princess Arete," and "Meiken Lassie." He gained widespread recognition for writing and directing the film "In This Corner of the World." An extended version of the film, "In This Corner (and Other Corners) of the World," was released in Japan in December 2019.
Upcoming Feature Film
Katabuchi's latest feature-length animated film, "The Mourning Children: Nagiko and the Girls Wearing Tsurubami Black," was presented as a "WIP (work in progress) feature" at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in April 2025.
Fukushima Map's Previous Brand Movie
Kiyotaka Oshiyama, another director with Fukushima roots, directed the first "brand movie" for Fukushima Map. His short film, "The Red That Remembers," debuted in March 2025.
