Renowned animator Kiyotaka Oshiyama, director of the acclaimed anime film Look Back, is set to release a new short animation titled Aka no Kiwoku on March 27 as part of an initiative to promote Fukushima Prefecture, which was heavily affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011.
The Fukushima Prefectural Government announced on Wednesday that the film is a special project for the Fukushima Map, a publication known for providing illustrated information about the region.
Oshiyama, who wrote, directed, and animated Aka no Kiwoku, focuses on the story of a Tokyo-based graphic designer reflecting on her roots. The film also highlights Akabeko, the traditional red cow folk craft from the Aizu region, symbolizing resilience and cultural heritage.
The director, originally from Motomiya, Fukushima, shared that he was working in Tokyo at the time of the 2011 disaster and felt powerless to help those affected. This personal experience inspired him to create a film that encourages viewers to reflect on forgotten but essential aspects of life.
“I hope this film will give people an opportunity to reconfirm something crucial that they almost forgot,” Oshiyama stated.
The film will be available for streaming on the official platforms of the Fukushima Prefectural Government and the Fukushima Map Tomonokai.
