Earlier this year, Naoko Yamada released her new movie, The Colors Within (Kimi no Iro). The new project marks Yamada’s third work with the studio Science SARU and once again she cooperated with screenwriter Reiko Yoshida and composer Kensuke Ushio. Although audiences in Japan had the chance to watch the movie this summer, most of Yamada’s overseas fans are still waiting.
GKIDS brought the movie overseas for its North American premiere on October 19, at California’s Animation Is Film festival. In anticipation of the nationwide premiere in January of next year, we had the opportunity to chat with the famed director, known for works such as K-On!, A Silent Voice, and Liz and the Blue Bird, about The Colors Within, its adorable lead, Totsuko, and working with Reiko Yoshida and Science SARU.
Q: What is the origin story of The Colors Within movie? How did it come to be?
I spoke with a production company, STORY, and the animation company Science SARU. And we all said, ”Let’s work on something together.” I wanted to work on a film so we decided to do a film. What is it going to be about? Are we going to do something original or are we going to have an adaptation? I think for some reason, after all the discussion, it was decided that we’re going to work on an original. This was my first time, you know, working on an original. And I was excited. But also I felt a lot of pressure on myself, [was] a little bit nervous, but I knew I wanted to do something with music color and just expressing your emotions without using words. I also wanted to create something that the audience would enjoy and feel through visuals.
Q: You’ve once again teamed up with Reiko Yoshida. Your creative partnership goes way back, but how did it start, when did you first meet? How was your cooperation reflected in The Colors Within?
The first time I met Miss Yoshida was while working on K-ON. Because K-ON is a four-panel manga and to turn that into an animation, I was really excited [wondering] how a four-panel manga was going to be animated. And so and I was curious about that, but when Miss Yoshida turned in the script for the first episode, I was just blown away because you could feel the atmosphere of what happens in between the panels just with her words. Because just reading her script I could visualize what the characters are dealing with, going through, I was so moved. I was just blown away and I never forgot that feeling. You know, even now I think we have been working together for 15 years. But every time I read her script, her words just get me. I’ve always been a fan. I think I always will be.
Q: I’m not sure if this is accidental or planned, so I will ask about it: does Totsuko have synesthesia? How did you come up with the idea of her seeing the colors of people and music?
I didn’t want to put a name on this specific characteristic that Totsuko has. So whether or not it’s some kind of a disorder, it’s not synesthesia, etc. It’s really simply just the way she sees the world or as a matter of fact, it’s really her specific role that she has. She exists in this world; it’s not a superpower that she has. It’s not like she has any brain [differences] or anything of the sort. I just want people to think, to see it as is, to accept [her] as is. This is just the way Totsuko is and that’s it. But I also think the audience watching might realize “Oh, you know, when I talk to people, I do sense something or I guess [I have] this kind of feeling when I talk to others.” So maybe [it’s] something a sixth sense. Maybe the audience might think [they] also have some specific way that they see others. So it makes them realize and I was hoping for something that, to push along with the audience to realize something about themselves or make them relate to Totsuko.
Q: The main voice cast for the movie is composed of traditional actors who don’t have too much experience with voice acting. What was it like working with the trio – Sayu Suzukawa, Akari Takaishi, and Taisei Kido? Would you say the process was different from a traditional seiyuu cast?
I think if you look at the little details, maybe there was a difference, but you know in the end they’re all actors acting the same and they’re very passionate or particular about the way they act. So I didn’t really see much of a difference, but I think what I saw was that usually when they act, they use their whole body. They use their expressions, they use their movements to express themselves. But then I was thinking just in a nonchalant kind of way: “Perhaps, maybe they had a hard time because they could only have their voices to use to act and express themselves.” But I think they did well. I can’t really say much about how they feel. That would be a better question for them. But yeah, that’s how I saw it.
Q: The Colors Within is your third project with Science SARU. Can you tell us a bit about what an average workday at the studio is like?
I can’t make it to the studio that often. I’m more of one of the workers that work remotely, but from my standpoint, Science SARU has a very young staff and also there’s a lot of international staff as well. It’s very exciting. It motivates me to want to do more, but also their idea sessions and how they come up with ideas are very fun and interesting. And also I think the whole staff, I think they enjoy creating. They come up with new ways to express themselves. And I think that’s very interesting, fun and exciting.
Q: If Totsuko could see your color, what color would you be?
I don’t know, actually. I sort of don’t exist in the world. It’s it’s really hard to tell. But if I could choose a color, you know, I would like lemon yellow.
I would like to thank Director Yamada for taking the time to chat about the movie. The Colors Within premieres in US cinemas on January 24. In addition to Naoko Yamada, The Colors Within staff includes:
- Screenplay: Reiko Yoshida
- Music: kensuke ushio
- Character Design & Animation Director: Takashi Kojima
- Original Character Design: DaisukeRichard
- Chief Art Director: Midori Shimada
- Art Director: Yuuna Murooka
- Color Design: Yuko Kobari
- Compositing: Yoshimitsu Tomita
- Editor: Kiyoshi Hirose
- Sound Director: Eriko Kimura
- Sound Effects: Hiromune Kurahashi
- Executive Producers: Eunyoung Choi, Yoshihiro Furusawa
- Produced by: Genki Kawamura
- Producers: Wakana Okamura, Kohei Sakita
- Produced by: STORY inc.
- Production and Produced by: Science SARU
Totsuko is a high school student with the ability to see the ‘colors’ of others. Colors of bliss, excitement, and serenity, plus a color she treasures as her favorite. Kimi, a classmate at her school, gives off the most beautiful color of all. Although she doesn’t play an instrument, Totsuko forms a band with Kimi and Rui, a quiet music enthusiast they meet at a used bookstore in a far corner of town. As they practice at an old church on a remote island, music brings them together, forming friendships and stirring affections. Will they discover their true ‘colors’?
© 2024 Science SARU INC. / STORY inc. / TOHO CO., LTD./JR East Marketing & Communications, Inc. / Lawson Entertainment, Inc.
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