- Interview location: Anime Expo 2026
- Interview format: Face to face, one to one
Animation Herald: You seem to have a passion for telling stories about criminals. Where do you think this enthusiasm comes from?
Baku Kinoshita: I’m interested in people who live in the moment. They were not promised a future. Because of their situation, I found their lifestyle and philosophy very attractive to me. Obviously, criminals do bad things, so I can’t condone their actions, but I’m interested in their lives and actions.
Animation Pioneer: In a film with some brutal characters, Housenka (or Balsam Flower) is probably the most philosophically brutal. What are the reasons behind this decision?
Baku Kinoshita: In the film, Balsam Flower has lived for over a hundred years. It has ancestral memories. They live longer than humans and are smarter than humans. They know better. Even though they are physically weaker than humans, I find them to be smarter and philosophically stronger than humans.
Animation Pioneer: What appeals to you about stories about humans and non-humans talking to each other?
Baku Kinoshita: I think interactions between humans and non-humans can increase levels of understanding. Human beings know themselves better. They understand what it means to be human.
Animation Herald: Why is the song “Stand By Me” in the movie so important?
Baku Kinoshita: The first reason is the lyrics. The lyrics describe the relationship between Nana and Akutsu very well. In addition, “Stand By Me” is also a very popular song. Even in Japan, everyone knows this. In comparison, this is a niche film. I wanted to add a pop song to this niche film so people would find something in it that they could recognize.
Animation Herald: Why is it so difficult for Akutsu to say “I love you”?
Baku Kinoshita: Because Akutsu is part of the yakuza criminal world, if he showed any emotion to Nana or Kensuke, such as love, it would put them in danger. He wants to tell them how he feels, but he struggles with it because of his position in the world.
Animation Herald: After completing the film and anime series, which one do you think you would rather continue working on?
Baku Kinoshita: I like both. Each has good elements. Now, I’m leaning toward TV because it’s longer and I can put more into it. I believe more people will be able to watch it. But I think that’s just what I’m talking about right now. I may change my mind in a few years. Now, I think television would be a little more interesting.
Anime Herald: 22 minutes into the movie we meet a cat. Is it based on a real cat?
Baku Kinoshita: This was the first time I was asked about cats. It’s not a big deal. He walked around and the atmosphere was relaxed. That’s why we decided to get a cat.
Animation Herald: I’m not familiar with the board games they play. Is this a return to reality or a poetic indulgence?
Baku Kinoshita: Othello It is a popular game in Japan. We chose Othello because it is black and white and has flipping moves. There could be such a shift, so we chose it as the theme.
“Anime Herald”: How did you decide to cast Mitsushima Hikari as Nana?
Baku Kinoshita: There was no audition. We offered her the role. Nana has a very positive personality, but she also has a sensitive side. I think Mr. Hiraki is in a similar situation. She has a strong voice and is very positive and cheerful, but you can tell there’s a sensitive side to her voice as well. That’s why we offered her this role.
Animation Pioneer: What it’s like to work with a screenwriter Kawamoto Kazuya?
Baku Kinoshita: When Kawamoto-san and I work together, we figure out the setting and characters, and where the story is going to go. After all the brainstorming, he’d say, “Okay, I’ve got enough ideas, I’m going to start writing the script.”
Once he started writing the script, I wouldn’t touch anything. He wouldn’t discuss it with me and I wouldn’t tell him anything. When it’s done, I’ll read it.
Anime Herald: Thank you so much, that’s great.
Baku Kinoshita: Thanks.