Points of Emphasis:

For this project, we received a request to create an anime based on a previously produced original manga. The original manga was designed to be easily understandable by anyone to help spread awareness about Animal Pathways. In creating the anime adaptation, we strived to maintain its strengths.

Furthermore, given the abundance of content and the busy nature of the era where watching videos is commonplace, we focused on maintaining a brisk pace in the storyline, ensuring that the message is effectively conveyed within a shorter duration.

Thoughts on Anime Production:

The process of creating an anime like this involves using time, art, and sound to express a story, acting as a bridge between those who wish to convey a message and those who watch the anime. We see it as a role akin to interpretation.

During the initial stages of production, we had the opportunity to conduct interviews about Animal-pathways and Japanese Dormouse in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture. This allowed us to capture the sentiments of both the Animal-pathways and Wildlife Association.

By infusing their sentiments into the realm of entertainment, our hope is to reach a broader audience while conveying their message.

Message to Those Who Watched the Anime:

Thank you very much for watching.

Embark on the adventure with Yuzuki and Nell, the unexpectedly reliable Matsuji, and the enigmatic Seina. Through moments of reflection, we hope their experiences prompt contemplation about the divided forest and the Animal-pathways.

When it came to expressing animals through animation, I wrestled with the degree of stylization to employ. For this project, anticipating a diverse range of viewers across different age groups, I aimed to make the main characters who speak lines relatable and comical, facilitating emotional engagement. Meanwhile, I focused on realistically depicting the natural predators that threaten the dormice, emphasizing their fearsome nature.

In the efforts to promote Animal-pathways, individuals from various fields have come together to collaborate. I feel incredibly honored to have participated in this initiative from the perspective of animation.

Currently, there are very few anime works in Japan that feature dormice as a main focus. Therefore, I sincerely hope that you’ll take this opportunity to watch and enjoy our creation.

Thoughts on Creating the Anime

When I heard about the production, I must admit that my recognition of “Animal-pathway” was limited to a vague familiarity.

To understand the art settings and the context of the work, I conducted various research and even explored street views, finally recalling its significance.

I had actually seen it in person before.

My hometown is in Aichi Prefecture, and I became aware of Animal-pathways when I visited Nagoya with a friend.

I never imagined that I would become involved with Animal-pathways in this way.

There might be quite a few people like me who have heard of it, maybe even seen it before, but it lingers in a corner of their memory.

I participated in the production with the hope that the subtle scenes from this anime would leave an impression and serve as a catalyst for recalling Animal-pathway, the animals, and the people involved.

I am genuinely delighted and proud to have been able to contribute to this production.

To Those Who Watched the Anime

Thank you for watching until the end, even though it was just a short time.

I believe that there are lives saved precisely because of individuals like you.

Being a part of the production, I could strongly sense the love and dedication that many individuals have for Animal-pathway.

While each of us may have limited capacities, I hope that through the anime, it may lead to an increased awareness of Animal Pathway and the issue of roadkill.

Aspects of Music Production that I Focused On

For all the works I produce and contribute to, including this one, I have a particular method of music creation. First, I create a full score using music notation software, and then I bring the music to life using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software. This process is quite intricate and time-consuming.

Using this method, a byproduct is the creation of the sheet music.

While the sheet music doesn’t have a direct purpose within the work itself and isn’t requested by clients for production and delivery, having the sheet music allows for a detailed visualization and sharing of the vision with the client, down to the minutest details of where specific parts of the music may need adjustment later on.

When layering sounds (depending on the composition), I aim to make each element of sound as thin as a sheet of pie dough, selecting tones with care.

Message to Those Who Watched the Anime

Hello, I’m Morita, and I had the privilege of composing the music for this project.

In this work, the music serves a role close to ambient music, enhancing scenes like spices that accentuate the main dish.

The compositions are intentionally subtle, like a light broth, and may seem to flow away effortlessly when heard just once.

I would be greatly honored if you could watch again and enjoy both the anime and the music. Thank you very much.