The first part of "Free! The Final Stroke" was finally released on September 17, 2021. This work, which will be the "final chapter of the series", shows Haruka and others challenging the world. So this time, Anime! Anime!, has conducted a reader-correspondence project "Let's talk about memories with Free!" to celebrate the release of the latest movie "Free! The Final Stroke". We solicited your memories of "Free!" and received responses from 81 people in the 7 days from September 6 to 12. The male-female ratio was about 2.5% for males and about 96.4% for females. However, the amount of enthusiastic men who responded for "Free!" this is time considerable. Some of those passionate messages are introduced below. ■ My life changed when I met "Free!" When I read the messages sent in the questionnaire, there were many comments like "My life became better after I started to watch 'Free!'", and "I became XX by after watching it". Click here for comments from people whose lives have changed after their encounter with "Free!". ● "I wasn't interested in anime, but this one made me addicted to anime in an instant. After that, I learned about the existence of an anime called "Free!", and now I can eat mackerel, which I was not good at!" (18 years old, female, student) ● "I think I've lived with 'Free!' since 2013. Since I 'Free!' has entered my life, I've endured the pain and sadness. The best memory of that is March 2015. It was a really fun and dreamy time. The live performance of STYLE FIVE was also great." (34 years old, female) ● "It's a life-changing anime. I happened to be addicted to watching the first broadcast of season 2 on TV. Until then, I wasn't so interested in anime or voice actors, but I get interested in Free!, and it becomes an indispensable part of my life!" (35 years old, female, office worker) ● "After meeting Free!, various new things and opportunities came to my life, such as I met people who also like Free!, for the first time to have an off-party, went tp pilgrimage to Iwamicho, connected with many wonderful people, and learned about the joy of drawing pictures by watching 'Free !'" (18 years old, female, vocational school student) ● "Since I met 'Free!' in 2013, I went to Iwamicho and Sydney with many friends I met thanks to 'Free'. Thanks to thins, I met my best friend and went to her wedding ceremony of that friend!" (29 years old, female, office worker) ● "I myself ran into a dream for the future, and when I saw the anime episode where Haruka and Rin went to Australia, I dreamed about going abroad, and two years ago, I also went to Australia. There, I found a dream I wanted to do, and now I am doing my favorite job. If I hadn't met 'Free!', I wouldn't be there now." (26 years old, female, office worker) ■ Thanks to "Free!", some people overcome their hard times The main theme of this anime is swimming, but it also depicts friendship, youth, and conflicts. The appearance of high school boys growing up while hitting the wall, centered on the main character, caught the hearts of many viewers. Influenced by them, there were many comments like "I got over it thanks to 'Free!'" ●"I came across this work during Novel Coronavirus's self-restraint period. At that time, I was in the third year of high school, and I was a manager of the swimming club, and I felt very destined. Due to the influence of the novel coronavirus, I couldn't even make the final retirement match, and I didn't even have the opportunity to achieve results for three years. But with 'Free!', instead of worrying about the result, I was wondering how to accept the result. I was frustrated that I couldn't even retire, so I did my best to study what I wasn't good at until now for the university entrance exam, and I was able to pass my first-choice university!! I'm still studying hard to become a nurse, using recommendations of Makoto from 'Free! ''Free!' I'm happy to meet you! thank you!!" (19 years old, female, nursing student) ● "When I was having a hard time taking the national examins in my sixth year of college, I went to see the movie 'High Speed!' with the desire to give up and escape from reality. The following year, during the Ronin time ( Ronin is a student who has graduated from middle school or high school but has failed to enter a school at the next level, and consequently is studying outside of the school system for entrance in a future year) I put up a disk on the Shinto Shrine and with a purpose did not open it until I pass the exams successfully and praying to win the event. I went to this disk every day during that year. I passed the exams successfully, and I won the event in March, which was the moment when everything was rewarded. Was it more than 5 years ago..." (30 years old, female, medical) ● "I've been watching anime since I was little, but 'Free!' became the first work I've been supporting with all my might. 'Free!' is an indispensable part of my life. I will continue to swim for the dream I draw. It is also a work that gives me the courage to try my best. 'Free!' made me able to do my best in club activities when it was difficult."(16 years old Male / Student) ● "I didn't think it would be such a long and hot relationship from season 1 when I started watching it casually. When I didn't want to live, when I was about to lose my job, because there was 'Free!'... Because Haruka and Rin are doing their best... Rewatching the anime, I was deeply inspired by the feelings and find points of survival in my life. Also, it has the power to make a de-class indoor nerd who has only traveled to some places in Japan go on an overseas trip to Australia. 'Free!' is a life, a life-changing work." (29 years old, female, office worker) ● "When Haru-chan, a high school student, was worried because he didn't know what his dream and future are, I remember how I was worried exactly the same way about my dreams and future. "(19 years old, female, student) ● "When I was seriously swimming back then in elementary school, I watch 'Free!' after a friend's recommendation, who was practicing with me! Whenever it was hard, or when my record didn't improve, I watch 'Free!' and thought about how to deal with swimming many times." (15 years old, female, student) ● "I came across the 'Free!' series when I was depressed because I couldn't make my desperate efforts and couldn't get the path I wanted. I remember how much I was saved when I saw it, I was led by Haruka and Rin, who stood up even after experiencing various troubles and frustration. Especially, the scene where Rin went to Sydney again and screamed 'It's revenge' with falling tears. I think it's okay to try and fall as many times as you like, not just once in your life. 'Free!' has been and will continue to be a wonderful work that gives you energy, courage and passion." (20 years old, female, college student) ■ Comments "I don't want it to end" and thoughts on Kyoto Animation As the title "the Final" suggests, the story of Nanase Haruka of "Free!", which has been releasing for about nine years, is now in the "final chapter". As a result, many people said, "I don't want it to end!", and there were also many messages saying "thank you" to the production company, Kyoto Animation. ● "I started to watch it during the middle school exams because I didn't like studying. Each of the pictures and characters was very beautiful and attractive, and I fell in love with it in an instant. When I hear the word 'final', I feel lonely and I don't want it to end. I want it to continue."(15 years old, female, student) ● "Originally I liked Kyoto Animation's works and knew the beauty of the depiction of water, but I knew that it was about swimming before the start of the broadcast and I could not swim myself, so honestly the expectations were average. But the beauty of the picture, of course, the story, the feelings of the characters, and the acting of the voice actors were all fascinating. While the final makes me feel lonely, I'm really looking forward to the future they will reach!" (27 years old, female) ● "I learned about 'Free!' at a goods shop because it was a Kyoto animation production. It's a work that locals are proud of!" (30 years old, female, medical worker) ● "The first time I saw it was a rebroadcast of ES. 'What's this water!?' was my first impression, and I was surprised at how beautiful the visual of water was. I knew from the credit that it was Kyoto Animation, so I was convinced that it was so, and the voice of the person singing the OP and Makoto were shocked by the same thing, and even though I had been away from the anime for about 10 years, I was pulled back at once. I'm having so much fun since I knew 'Free!'. It is a work that will support me for the rest of my life even if the final is over." (39 years old, female, office worker) =========================== As mentioned above, wanted to introduce some of the comments received from you. All of the messages we received had a lot of characters and were full of love for the "Free!" series. What kind of fierce battle will Haruka fight and what kind of ending will he have in his dream place, Sydney, which he once visited? Part of the final chapter of the series, "Free! The Final Stroke", has been released on September 17, 2021, and the second part will be released at theaters nationwide from April 22, 2022. By all means, let's support everyone to the end.

The moment when a movie that you have been looking forward to for a long time is released and you receive a visitor's gift at the theater is a very happy moment. This time, Anime! Anime! conducted a questionnaire titled "What kind of movie perks do you really want?" to find out what kind of goods people would like to receive, and what kind of items they have received before that they would like to receive again. The survey was conducted from June 1 to June 16, and the ratio of male to female respondents was about 19%, with about 81% of the responses coming from women. About 43% of the respondents were in their teens, 24% were in their 20s, and 16% were in their 30s. The following are excerpts from some of the comments we received. ■The most voted item was "newly drawn/written" goods! Mini color paper, manga, novel, etc. ● [Mini color paper with drawings] It's easy to display and gives a special feeling. (22 years old, female) ●[Mini color paper with drawings] I want to decorate my room with the newly-drawn, movie-only illustrations! I'd be even happier if the closed package had a different design! I want to go see the movie again and again to get the complete set! (16 years old, female, student) ●[Mini color paper drawn by the original author and animation director] I want to see the new expressions of my favorite characters. (26 years old, female) ●[Newly drawn postcard] Because I can display them and collect them. (19 years old, female, student) ●[Newly drawn manga] Because I think there will be more fun waiting for me after watching the movie. (18 , Female , Student) ●[Newly drawn manga] I'm happy to be able to see additional stories that weren't depicted in the original story, and it gives me a special feeling that I can't buy in bookstores. It's also a proof that I've been a fan for a long time. (18 years old, female, student) ●[A new novel by the original author] This was actually given out as a special bonus for "Violet Evergarden the Movie," and I was able to immerse myself in the world of the movie and anime again after reading the bonus. (26 years old, female, freelancer) ■I still want this! Standard items such as can badges and clear files ●[Can badge] Badges are the best because you can put them on your clothes or bag, or display them in your room with magnets. (36 years old, male, company employee) ●[Original design can badges] I don't see many original design badges. (26 years old, male) ●[Badges with the title logo] I want a badge with the title logo. (35 years old, male) ●[Clear file] I want clear files because they are easy to use in daily life! I'm happy to have as many clear files as possible. (18 years old, female, college student) ●[A clear file the size of a ticket] I always think that A4 size clear files are common, but it would be convenient to have A5 or B6 size files. (51 years old, female, part-time) ●[Poster] Because it is easy to display and is a standard item. (14 years old, female, student) ●[Frame film] Because I think the memory of going to see the movie will stay with me forever. (19 years old, Female , Apparel store worker) ●[Bookmark] Bookmarks can be used when reading the original manga or novels. (17 years old , Male , High school student) ●[Strap or bookmark] I would like to have a strap for my bag and a bookmark so I can take it to school with me. (17 years old, female, student) ●[Mini pen light] I like idol-type anime, so if there are goods like mini penlights, I'll go to see the movie to collect them. (16 years old, female, student) ●[Acrylic stand] Acrylic stand is usually an expensive item, so if I could get it as a bonus, I would go to see the movie over and over again.. (16 years old, female, student) ●[Ticket-style cards]A lot of replica tickets are given out at concerts, but you don't see many at movies. And if the size fits a smartphone case, I can carry it around all the time. (20 years old, female) ●[Limited edition panel of characters/performers ] I want something that makes me feel like I've seen the movie. I want something limited that I can't usually buy. (19 years old, female) ●[Promotional posters for the movie] In the past, movie posters were sometimes included as extras with advance tickets, but now they are not sold as goods and are difficult to obtain. I like the promotional posters the most visually. (57 years old, male, company employee) ■I want to hear the voices of the cast and crew! Goods related to voice actors, movie settings document collection, etc. ●[Voice actor interview booklet] I am a fan of voice actors, so I was happy to receive this booklet when I saw the movie "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: the Movie" and it motivated me to see the movie. Booklet rarely includes photos, but I would be happier if it included newly taken photos. (32 years old, female, housewife) ●[Voice messages from voice actors] One of the main reasons I go to see movies is because I like the voice actors, so it would be great if there were short voice dramas or messages to the audience that can only be heard there. (41 years old, female) ●[Board with duplicate autographs of the cast members ] I'd like to have a copy of the autographs of the cast members, because it's not easy to get them depending on the work. I don't care if it's a reproduction. (27 years old, female, office worker) ●[Handshake tickets with cast members ] I want to shake the hands of the cast members. (19 years old, female) ●[Setting documents collection] The visitor bonus for "PSYCHO-PASS the Movie" was a book of setting materials, and it was packed with everything you could want to see, from the way the characters stood and their expressions, to their shoes, accessories, and art backgrounds. That bonus couldn't be better for the fans. (33 years old, female) ●[Setting documents collection] This is a great way to check the parts of the movie that you are interested in right after seeing it in the theater (clothing, character names and their descriptions, mecha and art backgrounds, etc.). There are a lot of things that are not mentioned in the pamphlet, so it is helpful when I consider them. (37 years old, female, company employee) ●[Conversations and interviews with the staff] I think that the writings in which the creators passionately talk about their commitment and love are as valuable as the main story. (31 years old, Male, Construction industry) ■The items that made the respondents happy and that they have always wanted are the following visitor benefits! ●[QR code (image or sound MAD)] Because it is not bulky when I watch a movie and I want to enjoy watching it during the first commercial before I start the movie. I want to enjoy watching the first commercial before going to the movie. (19 years old, female) ●[Perks for visitors to choose from] My favorite character! I can't get it! (19 years old, male, student) ●[Postcards to choose from] If you can choose your favorite picture, everyone will be happy. (20 years old, female) ●【Raw animation and video】 Each raw original video is literally one of a kind, the only one in the world. (33 years old, male) ●[Reproduction of an original painting] Because they are not so easy to find. (20 years old, female, student) ●[Autographed merchandise] There are privileges with reproduced autograph, but not hand-written autographs. I don't expect all of them to be hand-written, but I want one to be mixed in! (23 years old, female) ●[PreCure's entrance privileges (such as pendants)]I'm frustrated that only children under junior high school age can get admission privileges. It's frustrating. (30 years old, male) ●[Drama CD] Because I received it before and it was very good. (29 years old, female) ●[DVD or Drama CD] DVD or Drama CD, which contains the parts that could not be included in the main story. We often hear that parts of the story were cut out because of the length of the movie. We want to know what happened, and if it can be supplemented, then so be it! (29 years old, female) ●[ CD of the movie theme song before release] I received the CD of the Roselia movie as a special gift for visitors, and I was able to listen to the CD before it was released and learn what the song was about and the lyrics. (22 years old, female) ●[After the viewing, a special screen appears on the screen and you can take a picture] It would be overflowing if I were given physical goods every time. It would be a good memory and gave me a special feeling if I could take a souvenir photo.. (30 years old, female) ●[Items used or worn by the characters in the production] Because I want to use the same items as my favorite characters. (27 years old, female, civil servant) ================================== These are just a few of the comments we received from you. In this survey, many of you answered that you would like to have new illustrations, manga, and novels written by the original authors and animation directors. In addition, several people said that they would like to have voice messages from the cast and special illustrations in "data" format so that they can enjoy the movie on their smartphones without the need to carry it around. It is always a special experience to see the movie you have been waiting for at the movie theater. And the visitor privileges that you can only get at the movie theater will become your own treasure that will always bring back the memories of that time. It is still a difficult time to go out, but I hope you will take all possible measures against infection and visit the theater.