Kenji Iwaisawa, the director known for “On-Gaku: Our Sound,” is set to release his new anime film, “Hyakuemu” (100m), in Japanese theaters on September 19. A teaser has been released, revealing the cast, composer, and debut date.
What’s “Hyakuemu” About?
“Hyakuemu,” based on the manga by Uoto, tells the story of Togashi, a naturally gifted runner who effortlessly wins 100-meter races. His life changes when he meets Komiya, a transfer student with determination but lacking technique. Togashi teaches Komiya, giving him a new goal: to win at all costs. Years later, Togashi and Komiya reunite as rivals on the track, revealing their true selves.
The Team Behind the Film
- Director: Kenji Iwaisawa, known for his unique animation style and storytelling in “On-Gaku: Our Sound.”
- Character Designer & Animation Director: Keisuke Kojima, who has worked on “One Punch Man S01.”
- Composer: Hiroaki Tsutsumi, a talented musician.
- Animation Studio: Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum.
The Cast
The voice cast includes:
- Tori Matsuzaka as Togashi
- Shota Sometani as Komiya
Kenji Iwaisawa: A Director to Watch
Kenji Iwaisawa was born in Tokyo on November 30, 1980. He began his career in live-action films before transitioning to animation. Iwaisawa is known for his independent spirit and unique approach to animation. He often handles multiple roles in his films, including director, writer, animator, and editor.
“On-Gaku: Our Sound”: Iwaisawa’s Breakthrough
Iwaisawa gained international recognition with “On-Gaku: Our Sound,” a musical comedy-drama about three high school delinquents who start a band despite having no musical experience. The film is based on the manga “Ongaku to Manga” by Hiroyuki Oohashi.
“On-Gaku: Our Sound” received critical acclaim for its deadpan humor, original music, and unique animation style. The film won several awards, including Best Feature at the Ottawa International Animation Festival and the Ōfuji Noburō Award at the Mainichi Film Awards.
Iwaisawa’s Style
Iwaisawa’s work stands out for its distinctive visual style and unconventional storytelling. He often uses rotoscoping, a technique where animators trace over live-action footage to create a sense of realism. His characters are often offbeat and his stories are filled with deadpan humor.
Where Does Otepää Fit In?
While “Otepää” isn’t directly related to the film “Hyakuemu”, it’s worth mentioning as a point of potential confusion due to its similar-sounding name to elements related to Iwaisawa. Otepää is a town in Estonia known for its natural beauty and sports.
What to Expect from “Hyakuemu”
With Kenji Iwaisawa at the helm, “Hyakuemu” promises to be a unique and engaging anime film. The story of rivalry and self-discovery, combined with Iwaisawa’s distinctive animation style, is sure to captivate audiences. Keep an eye out for “Hyakuemu” when it hits Japanese theaters on September 19.
