L’étranger de la Plage Commentary with Director and Author

Continuing our coverage from the cast commentary of L’étranger de la Plage, this time we’ve translated selected comments from the film’s director and the original manga author, Kanna Kii.

Kii-sensei, how did you feel when the film adaptation was announced?

Kanna Kii (Original Author): “I wasn’t surprised. My editor had often asked me, “What would you do if an anime happened?” When I heard the news I just said “Ah, is that so…”. However, since I used to work at an animation studio before, I already knew the difficulties involved in making anime. I knew we were going to be very busy going forward.”

How did Director Ohashi feel when he decided to direct L’étranger de la Plage?

Ohashi (Director): “As Kii-sensei’s friend, I was very happy that L’étranger de la Plage had become so popular that it was being animated. Then I thought, “I’m really the director?!” (laughs).

Kii-sensei, you appointed Ohashi-san to be the director, correct? Please tell us why.

Kii: “Ohashi-san was a colleague of mine, but I hadn’t seen her directory work until they worked on Land of the Lustrous (2017). At that time, her work was fitting, and I felt that she was a diligent worker. I thought she could really add a nice touch to the film. In fact, she worked so hard I felt sorry for her, but I’m glad she took the job.”

You were also involved as a supervisor and in charge of character design. Can you tell us about the work experience?

Kii: “Character design involves making character reference sheets for the animators to use when animating characters. I’ve worked on anime in the past but this time I had a lot more responsibilities. I supervised background art, camera angles for certain shots we were aiming for, visual cues and nuances, and final corrections. At the time, I looked at it from a general aspect when the staff asked for my insight. Since I was the original author, I got the final approval. I’d be glad to do it all again for another animation project.”

What did you pay most attention to during character design?

Kii: “If the detailing is too fine then it’s hard to draw. If it’s too simple then it’s boring. I had to think about how to balance it all. I remember we had to change the design on a particular soy sauce bottle for that reason. I personally feel that it was a good experience, even if it was a difficult task.

This film didn’t have a designated scriptwriter, but Ohashi-sensei, you prepared most of the storyboard and plot synopsis, anyway, right?

Ohashi: “The basic idea was to be as true to the original manga as possible. Kii-sensei would give their opinions at times, so I decided to just go off of scenario creation instead of sticking to the script, word-for-word. Everyone weighed in on what kind of angle we were going for in each scene, so the whole process was very meaningful to us all. We really wanted to get it right. Still, there were some situations that I was worried about. During such, Kii-sensei would draw something like a manga name* to give us some ideas.”

*Translator’s Note: Manga name (漫画のネーム) refers to concept sketches and rough drafts of manga pages before finer detail, ink, and color are added.

Kii: “I was grateful to have Ohashi-san’s input. When I’d watch scenes at length after voice recordings were added I thought that Ohashi-san’s own notes provided a lively touch. The end result was really enjoyable.”

Is it true that the cast and crew were all fans of the manga?

Ohashi: “Yes! And not just the animators. Many people working in the art and sound department had expressed they were already fans of the manga! Since the original author did the character design, there was a tendency for the animators to accept what they were given to work with very easily. “If you want a good result, be true to the original” is what I’d say (laughs). I think overall, the whole production was an easy and enjoyable time.”

Can you tell us a story highlight, or anything about Shun and Mio’s relationship?

Ohashi: “Shun has a lot of internal conflict and is very serious when he’s alone. However, when he sees Mio his heart stabilizes. On the other hand, I think it’s because Mio has Shun that he’s able to be such a calming presence for him to begin with. I think these two have a very liberating relationship because of the kind of people they are.”

Kii: “Mio is still young, and it’s good because he’s a type that can adapt to the environment and change accordingly, but in comparison, Shun gives off the impression that he is regressing. I think Shun lives life without a survivor’s instinct. To that extent, they have a mutually complementary relationship. As the original author, I hope that you will enjoy the slow-building relationship between the two.”

Taishi Murata and Sadao Matsuoka both played Shun Hashimoto and Mio Chibana in the drama CD, respectively. What was your impression of the performance for their return in the movie?

Kii: “From the beginning when the movie was decided, the drama CD cast all wanted to come back. Murata, who plays Shun, and Matsuoka, who plays Mio, have been in every drama CD recorded, and I thought that both of them were rising stars. I had been hoping I’d get a say in the cast, so I’m glad that Shun and Mio could be played by Murata-san and Matsuoka-san.”

Ohashi: “They had already played the characters before so I didn’t protest in the slightest. They were my immediate choice, as well. I’m sure the fans are looking forward to hearing the difference between what kind of voice they’ll hear on video compared to on a drama CD. (Laughs)”

Please tell us your thoughts on the vocal performances.

Ohashi: “Yu Shimamura’s performance as Sakurako was also impressive. I think she was able to express Sakurako’s softness and femininity with an attractive sensibility. Every returning cast member was great, but our newest cast member who plays childhood-age Mio was like a little angel (laughs). I think Mio’s childhood scenes became some of the highlights of the movie.”

Kii: “I was in charge of the scenes depicting Mio’s childhood, and the performer’s acting made it perfect. At the post-recording test screening, everyone gave those segments a standing ovation. I’ll never forget that.”

Do you have a message for the fans?

Kii: “I think most people will come to see it because their favorite manga is now a movie. They’ll have their own feelings about it, but I hope that they will enjoy this as they would any other film. I’d be happy if anyone could watch it and see it as just another love story between two people instead of focusing on the ‘boy’s love’ aspect of it.”

Ohashi: “The staff have all worked so hard so that you can say “I’m glad I watched this!” and come home with a smile when you leave the theater. I hope you are looking forward to it.”