Toshinari Shinohe, the acclaimed creator behind “Child of Kamiari Month,” has revealed new visuals and a compelling ‘pilot video’ for his upcoming anime film, “Beast of Kamisari Month” (Kamisarizuki no Kemono). The new project, which serves as a counterpart to his previous work, offers a mythological journey tracing the origins of the Japanese archipelago. The announcement includes three new visuals and details about the film’s premise and creative team.
A Journey Back to Japan’s Mythological Roots
“Beast of Kamisari Month” delves into the chapters of Kojiki, an ancient Japanese chronicle of myths and legends, exploring the nation-building narratives. The film’s narrative embarks on a journey from Izumo, believed to be the origin of Japan’s nation-building myth, to Awaji Island, often considered the birthplace of Japan. The overarching tagline for the visuals, “The story of a beast that races to the place that gave birth to the island nation,” underscores this epic mythological quest.
Connecting to “Child of Kamiari Month”
Shinohe has explicitly stated that “Beast of Kamisari Month” is conceived as a counterpart to his earlier film, “Child of Kamiari Month,” which premiered in Japan in October 2021 and later streamed on Netflix in February 2022. This connection suggests a thematic or narrative resonance between the two projects, likely expanding on the rich mythological landscape Shinohe explores.
Unveiling the Pilot Video and New Visuals
The “pilot film” and three new visuals for “Beast of Kamisari Month” were revealed on Thursday, giving audiences a first glimpse into the aesthetic and tone of the anticipated movie. While specific details about the content of the pilot video were not immediately available, its release, alongside the striking new artwork, aims to generate excitement and set the stage for the film’s full production.
The Creative Minds Behind the Project
A robust team of industry veterans and talented artists are bringing “Beast of Kamisari Month” to life.
Key Staff Members
- Original Work & Planning: Toshinari Shinohe himself is credited with the original concept and planning for the film.
- Animation Producer: Tetsuro Satomi, representative director of LIDEN FILMS, is serving as the animation producer.
- Creation Director: Kazuya Sakamoto, known for “She and Her Cat -Everything Flows-,” takes on the role of creation director.
- Original Concept & Animation Director: Takana Shirai is credited with the original concept and as the animation director.
- Planners & Producers: Michihiko Suwa, recognized for his work on “Detective Conan” films, and Teppei Mishima are involved as planners and producers.
- Character Designer: Haruka Sagawa is responsible for the character designs.
- Scriptwriters: Tetsurō Takita and Ryūta Miyake have penned the script.
- Theme Song: Singer-songwriter miwa performed the film’s theme song, titled “Kanna.”
Project Genesis and Previous Announcements
The project for “Beast of Kamisari Month” was initially announced by cretica universal alongside its first crowdfunding campaign in March 2019. The film made its public debut at the Osaka Expo in April, where its existence was first revealed. This gradual unveiling has built anticipation for what promises to be an ambitious and culturally rich animated feature.
