(Anime-shi Sugii Gisaburo)
HD / 91min / color / stereo / 16;9
Producers: Kiyo JOO, Toshio FUJITA / Directing, Filming and Editing: Masato ISHIOKA / Music: Takashi WATANABE
©2012 Anime-shi Sugii Gisaburo Production Committee / Masato ISHIOKA
From the shadows of Disney to the global phenomenon of "Cool Japan."
Introduction
Directed by Masato Ishioka, this documentary captures the spirit of Giisaburo Sugii, a founding father of Japanese animation. At 71, Sugii remains a restless innovator, constantly transcending his own legacy—from the early days of Astro Boy to the haunting artistry of Night on the Galactic Railroad. This film celebrates a master artist who refuses to be fettered by the past, continuing to reshape the soul of cinema.
About the Film
Beyond the personal story of one man, Masato Ishioka’s documentary serves as a profound chronicle of the Japanese animation industry itself. It traces the medium’s evolution from its infancy—striving to find its voice in the shadow of Disney—to its current status as an international cultural force.
Through Sugii’s eyes, we witness the birth of a unique aesthetic that values hand-drawn precision and deep philosophical inquiry. This is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the heart and history of Japanese "Cool Japan" through the life of a true maestro who never stopped drawing.