Sunao Katabuchi’s New Film Gets a Title & Teaser Trailer Via Mappa
Anime movies that have a deep historical resonance leave an impression. Even when the stories are made up, the audience get a real sense of being there. In addition, it provides informative content, however in a way that differs from a documentary.
Sunao Katabuchi’s ‘The Mourning Children: Nagiko and the Girls Wearing Tsurubami Black’ likewise appears to provide us access to a hitherto inaccessible period of Japanese history.
Details regarding the upcoming Studio MAPPA film The Mourning Children: Nagiko and the Girls Wearing Tsurubami Black were unveiled on Sunday. The above title, a teaser image, and a “making of” video all belong to this category.
Some features, such as video storyboarding, are seen in the film’s behind-the-scenes movie. The costume is investigated first, then the bamboo lamps needed for nighttime travel are recreated. Then, while the individual is on their knees or prostrates, attention is drawn to the garment’s color dyes and intricate details.
The acorns of the kunugi (sawtooth oak) are the inspiration for the name “tsurubami”, which means “dark mouse.” Juice is boiled to create the hue, which was traditionally worn by mourners.
Production on the film began in 2017. The historical character Sei Shōnagon composed “The Pillow Book”, and the story takes place in 10th century Kyoto during an epidemic. In addition to Koretada, Tokinaka, Chikatada, and Takaie, the author himself will make a cameo appearance in the film.
The film’s voice actors have yet to be announced. However, the film’s key personnel are now public knowledge:
| Position | Staff | Other Works |
| Animation Production | Studio CONTRAIL | — |
| Director | Sunao Katabuchi | In This Corner of the World, Mai Mai Miracle |
| Screenplay | Sunao Katabuchi | In This Corner of the World, Mai Mai Miracle |
| Co-director (Assistant Director) | Chie Uratani | Princess Arete, Ushiro no Shōmen Daare |
| Chief Animation Director | Masashi Ando | Princess Mononoke |
| Art Director | Toshiharu Mizutani | Akira, Banana Fish |
| Music | Akira Senju | Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood |
While the idea is intriguing, not enough is known about the plot and the characters. The artwork in the picture was clearly inspired by the covers of light novels. Knowing Katabuchi’s track record, this should be good, but we need to see more before we can say for sure.
The Mourning Children: Nagiko and the Girls Wearing Tsurubami Black
The Mourning Children: Nagiko and the Girls Wearing Tsurubami Black (Tsurubami-Iro no Nagiko-tachi) animated feature film that Sunao Katabuchi created from scratch.
The story takes place in Kyoto in the 10th century, when Sei Shnagon wrote “The Pillow Book”. Shnagon will also play a role in the film. There will be an outbreak of disease.
