Toho (with Iwai Shunji’s name attached to it) reverses the trend in Japanese movie production by launching an anime after the live-action version! In the case of Fireworks, Should We See it from the Side or the Bottom?(Uchiage Hanabi, Shita kara Miru ka? Yoko kara Miru ka?) that’s exactly what’s happening. The LA version (drama) was shown in 1993. Yesterday, the anime’s official LINE blog announces the casting of acclaimed actress Matsu Takako.
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Already part of the cast is Hirose Suzu as Nazuna, Suda Masaki as Norimichi and Miyano Mamoru as Yusuke. Japanese film trailblazers are also attached to the anime – One Hitoshi will write the script based on Iwai Shunji’s original work, Studio SHAFT featuring Takeuchi Nobuyuki and Simbo Akiyuki will lead directorial efforts.
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The original TV show has this storyline (which may be retained by One):
On the day when a fireworks display is planned, Norimichi, Yusuke, and their friends at school in a Japanese seaside town cannot agree whether or not fireworks are “flat” or “round” when they explode in the sky. With her parents divorcing, the young teenager Nazuna has more serious matters on her mind. Although unknown to the others, Nazuna’s mother intends to take her away after the summer break. When Norimichi and Yusuke race 50 meters in the swimming pool, Nazuna secretly decides that the winner will accompany her when she runs away from home. Meanwhile, the gang from school decides that the best way to figure out the shape of fireworks is to view them from the side, and they set out for a lighthouse above the beach from which the fireworks display will be fired. [source]
After the 2016 triple treat (Kimi No Na Wa, A Silent Voice, and In This Corner of the World), TOHO is – indeed – intensifying Japan’s foothold as the world’s leader in anime.