Anime movie “Josee, the Tiger and the Fish” was announced to premiere in summer 2020. In conjunction with the announcement of the movie and the comics, illustrations and commentaries from the artist Emoto Nao, who was involved in the character draft of the movie and comic, were released.
“Josee, the Tiger and the Fish” is originally a romance novel written by the Akutagawa prize awarded author Tanabe Seiko, that was also adapted into a live-action movie starring Tsubumaki Satoshi and Ikewaki Chizuru.
The story revolves around Josee, a wheelchair bounded girl, who through books and drawing, takes shelter in her own fantasy world. The encounter with Tsuneo, a young man pursuing his dreams, will take the girl to an adventure outside her world.
The illustrations were released in celebration of the release of the movie and the serialization of the series on the February edition of the magazine “Da Vinci” that started on Jan. 6. The artist Emoto has also been involved in titles such as the manga “O Maidens in Your Savage Season” by Okada Mari and “Forget Me Not”, that was also adapted into a TV show.
Emoto commented having fond memories of reading the novel during primary school, so when it was decided that she would be involved in the production of the movie and the comic, she was very excited. She also mentioned getting goosebumps from looking at the beautifully drawn storyboard scenes by director Tamura. Emoto said to watch the movie alongside a lover, family or friends as well. Lastly, regarding the serialization of the comic that started just recently, she wishes to convey the beauty of the story in anticipation of the premiere of the movie.
The movie “Josee, the Tiger and the Fish” will premiere in summer 2020.
（C）2020 Seiko Tanabe/ KADOKAWA/ Josee Project
