Tokyo Sound

"I think we can take action now." Yasuhiro Takemoto came from behind, broke the pair of popsicles in his hand, and handed over one of them.

"Let's wait until we calm down." Yin Ze took the popsicle without hesitation.

"You can sit next to me tomorrow. There's an empty seat." Yasuhiro Takemoto said bluntly.

"... Today, a doubt of mine has been solved." Yin Ze paused.

"what?"

“Why are you able to do so well in something as laborious as animation?”

"Are you interested?" Takemoto Yasuhiro said vaguely while biting his popsicle, "Then join us, start as an animator, and start all over again from drawing lines."

"I don't think I'm a hard-working person, so I can't become someone like you. Let's just forget it." Yin Ze shook his head, "I'm not trying to be lazy this time. I'm speaking from the heart."

"If you are talking about Mr. Kigami, there is no need to worry at all, because there are indeed not many people who can become such a dazzling existence." Takemoto Yasuhiro smiled cheerfully.

"You have always respectfully called me Master Craftsman, but what exactly is that position?" Yin Ze wondered.

"Literally, Mr. Kigami joined Kyoto Animation in the 1980s and once took charge of almost all the work in the process, from performance to coloring, leaving valuable experience for each department. With his help, Kyoto Animation, which used to only be able to take on coloring work, has become able to complete animation production independently. Today, everyone in the company has been directly or indirectly influenced by him."

Yasuhiro Takemoto and Yin Ze walked to the public chair in front of the convenience store and sat down, looking at the calm river in the distance under the colorful lights of the sign.

"President Hatta's business philosophy is very upright, and the two people's ideas are in sync. So one side wants to retain people, and the other side spares no effort to train them. The determination is so strong that they are willing to destroy the confidence of the younger generation." Takemoto Yasuhiro said, "I have also received a lot of teachings from him."

"Can you achieve this level on your own? In such an environment?" Yin Ze thought of the plight of animators that the old man had told him about.

"What kind of animators in Kyoto are you looking at the back of Yoshiharu Kigami?" the director said to himself.

"I hope that in the future there will be an additional person named Yasuhiro Takemoto included in this kind of praise." The man patted the other's shoulder.

"I'm still far from it. I'm still far from it."

"Takemoto-san, is there anything more important to you than making a work?"

"It seems... not. Although I hope my daughter grows up well, I'm probably becoming the type of person like Kigami-sensei. I can't live without him in the future."

Yasuhiro Takemoto looked up. The sky at this time was strange and gorgeous. The sun was hidden behind the mountains. The clouds on the other side still had the fiery red of the sunset, while this side was already dyed with a transparent dark blue, and the sky was high with scattered clouds.

"One day, animation will have depth, masterful modeling, layers of color... the soul of Delacroix, the charm of Rubens, the passion of Goya, the energy of Michelangelo. A visual symphony more exciting than the vocal symphony composed by the greatest musicians. I believe it deeply."

"What are your plans for the future?" Yin Ze asked again, "A warm and daily life is good, but the company must also adapt to the development of the market. Have you considered doing combat themes? With such a strong talent pool, no matter how difficult the action is, or the giant robot fight, it should not be a problem, right?"

"A magnificent story? That's great, but I may not be able to control myself. I'm not good at epic confrontations with conspiracy and gold hidden under the red wine. I'd better leave it to other colleagues. I really want to make more life-like and peaceful animations for my daughter to watch and tell her that people are kind and can become strong."

Yasuhiro Takemoto scratched his head and suddenly smiled shyly. Although he is already a father, he is still like an introverted boy in middle school who expresses his future ideals in front of the whole class.

"Besides, it's a bit embarrassing... But I kind of hate stories where people die."

The man paused in eating his popsicle when he heard that.

He felt the coolness on the tip of his tongue and couldn't help but smile naturally.

They are both really simple people.

"Are you cosplaying Chitanda?" Yin Ze tilted his head. "This is her line at the end of a certain episode, right?"

“Oh, as expected of Oreki-kun, you got the source exactly right! I get it!” Takemoto Yasuhiro gave a thumbs up.

"Takemoto-san, I don't have the talent for storytelling, but leave the painting to me." Yin Ze paused for a few seconds, stood up and threw the dry wood chips into the trash can, then turned around with a confident expression, "Don't worry, I will definitely make a picture that will not disgrace your sincerity."

"Then please."

"it is good."

There was a hint of coolness in the evening breeze, and the warmth hidden in the air in the past few days had gradually dissipated.

"It's turning into autumn and winter." Yin Ze looked at the tired setting sun and suddenly felt reluctant to leave this vibrant summer.

"It doesn't matter. Spring will come as promised," said Takemoto Yasuhiro. "Just like life."

Chapter 46: Heart-beating Boy

A few hours later, the soles of Tsuchiya Hongliang's sneakers finally touched the ground of Fushimi. He stretched on the platform, his fat trembling, and even the smile on the face of the two-dimensional beautiful boy on the pain clothes became more vivid.

As for why the famous ACG master and anime expert Pai Yi is not a traditional beautiful girl but a prince-like beautiful boy, Aliang can only say that everything is predestined.

This is the personal peripheral of Haruma Amajima, the leader of the idol king 2 group Mars. In other words, it is related to that man!

Although the sales of Idol King 2 were sluggish in the early stage due to its wise development and operation, it is gradually recovering after a series of compensation and rescue plans were launched, coupled with the large number of players. However, the Mars group has been completely banished from the market, fearing that it will encounter bad luck again.

A Liang always feels the impermanence of life. He had listened to the man's singing in the audience of the press conference, and his heart was filled with anger and the grief of being played with. But now it is the opposite. The experience of cultivating a female idol is so mediocre. From the appearance to the inner qualities, it is not even one tenth of his. I really hope that one day I can work hand in hand with that man in the game, cheer him up backstage, sweat together in the dance studio, hug each other and cry on the podium, and hear his bond voice.

If I were to perform at an official concert again, and I were to cheer for him enthusiastically from the audience... ah, bliss~

Tsuchiya Hongliang shook off these little distracting thoughts and enjoyed the peaceful scenery of this small town. While walking around, he also picked up his expensive camera to take pictures to preserve the memories.

I came here today mainly to do an interview about the behind-the-scenes of Kyoto Animation. It is reasonable to say that this is a production center that should be kept away from outsiders, but Aliang has been focusing on the ACG field for many years, self-taught, and has great success in personal media.

He has a profound analysis of light novels and animations, and is full of valuable information. He once recommended an article, which increased the sales of a light novel by 30%, and his sales skills are very strong. He is also very capable in photography, and is very good at equipment and photo editing. He is a perfect partner for Cosplayers who promote accounts. He is used to capturing the pure beauty that naturally flows in the blink of an eye, and despises crude flattery. He is known as the "Zatoichi Bear Man of the Comic Exhibition".

“If you only focus on the amount of fabric without thinking about capturing the spiritual beauty, your photos will be superficial and vulgar silhouettes.”

This is Aliang’s creed and warning, as well as self-reflection.

This professionalism and passion won the recognition of everyone and eventually the approval of the animation production company, which allowed him to visit and collect materials.

Carrying a lot of bags, Hiroaki Tsuchiya successfully arrived at the first studio of Kyoto Animation. Now standing in front of this small three-story building, he felt like a believer coming to Jerusalem for the first time, with the excitement of a pilgrim, and his heart was surging.

The bear-like man used his fingers to tidy up his bangs, then solemnly pressed the doorbell.

The HR lady who was staying on the first floor came over quickly to open the door.

"I'm Tsuchiya Hongliang, who had an appointment before. Thank you for your guidance!" Aliang bowed.

"Please wait a moment, I'll ask someone from the production department to come over." The young lady said politely.

"Trouble!"

Tsuchiya Hiroaki piled several backpacks in the corner, took out the appropriate equipment and lenses and began to assemble them, then sat on the edge of the sofa with an extremely formal demeanor.

Soon, a friendly, kind and honest person came to greet us with a smile.

"Is it Mr. Superman Aliang? I've heard of you a long time ago. The articles on your blog are of high quality, and the reviews and comments are of high quality. They will also be used as analysis materials for the market environment by some companies."

"How dare you address me as a teacher? Please don't use honorifics," Tsuchiya Hongliang said repeatedly, "It really makes me nervous."

"Then I'll call you Tsuchiya-kun." The young man laughed, "My name is Taishi Nishiya, and I follow your blog, too."

"Oh, I'm really nervous. I hope what I wrote doesn't make a fool of myself..." Tsuchiya Hongliang said stiffly.

"Your game guide is very well done, very detailed and comprehensive. The previous special topic on the Silver Advent Fantasy is really perfect. The fleet collection and team matching during this period also gave me a lot of help."

"That's really great. I also brought some gifts today, I hope you will accept them. They are Yin Dan Bai Xue, the finest wine, please don't refuse."

"Oh, Mr. Kigami will definitely like this." Taichi Nishiya said when he saw the exquisite packaging.

"Is it Mr. Kigami Yoshiharu? Is he here too?" Tsuchiya Hiroaki felt uneasy and expectant.

"Yes, yes. You seem very excited. How about you give it to him in person later?"

"Okay, by all means!"

"Then let me show Tsuchiya around first. I wonder how much you know about our First Studio?" Taichi Nishiya asked kindly.

"I have only collected some information beforehand, so please teach me, sir." Tsuchiya Hongliang lowered his head like a student.

"Well, it turns out that the founder originally moved to Kyoto Prefecture for work, and then in Uji City he taught the surrounding housewives how to paint original paintings, which led to the subsequent story."

Taishi Nishiya explained.

"Tokyo has a geographical advantage and a concentration of cultural industries. In the last century, animation production was still based on a division of labor system, with each person taking on their own parts and one company ensuring quality. In order to facilitate coordination, the physical distance could not be too far. But nowadays, computer processing and independent production have also emerged. One company taking care of the entire production can better ensure quality and reputation, so many companies have gradually set up studios outside of Tokyo."

"Most of our backbones, such as those who can serve as animation supervisors, are in the first studio, which is here. The second and fifth studios are mainly composed of newcomers."

Taishi Nishiya continued.

"The first floor is for entertaining guests and resting, the second floor is the work area, and the supervisor and others often hold meetings on the third floor. Why don't you take a look at our storage room first?"

"Okay, okay." Tsuchiya Hiroaki held the recorder and followed the other person obediently.

The storage room is not big, with layers of corrugated cardboard boxes stacked inside. At a glance, it looks like a small fruit warehouse, but the boxes are filled with manuscript papers, filled with the weight of time and the condensation of art.

"Of course, it's impossible to put all the paintings over the years here, and they can't be put away at all. Only a small part of them is left here. Can I show you some of Tsuchiya's works that you like?" Nishiya Taishi asked proactively.

The bear-like man didn't respond for a moment, and forgot to respond. He stroked the cardboard box in front of him, as gently as if he was stroking the face of his lover.

The label on the box clearly read "Suzumiya Summer". Just this string of words brought Liang back to the summer six years ago. He was still in school at that time, full of vigor and childishness. He also remembered that year, a girl named Suzumiya sang a passionate song to him on the screen. Her voice was so exciting.

The bear-like man slowly shifted his gaze, and saw "Full Metal Trend", "K-ON!", "Kanon", "Lucky Star", "Nichijou"... This is the origin. Liang took a long breath, and suddenly felt extremely peaceful in his heart, with a warm feeling of happiness surrounding his body.

"This is the original painting, also known as the key frame." Seeing that the other party seemed a little embarrassed, Taishi Nishiya simply took the initiative to open a box and take out the information.

Tsuchiya Hongliang took it with trembling hands and slowly turned it over.

It turned out to be CLANNAD, and it was still very late in the plot. Nagisa died, leaving only the distraught Tomoya and the sensible and well-behaved Shio. Later, the father and daughter finally confessed to each other, and Shio cried in Tomoya's arms.

It was this scene, the one where they embraced and cried. It was so familiar that the music and the wonderful performances of the voice actors could be heard in my ears.

Tsuchiya Hiroaki just glanced at it briefly, then quickly turned his head and handed the original painting back.

It would be a great loss if my tears wet the precious manuscript.

"Can I take photos?"

"Yes, this can be announced. It was originally in the previous setting collection."

"Thank you so much." Tsuchiya Hiroaki thanked again.

"Tsuchiya-kun seems to care a lot about "The Melancholy of Summer"?" asked Taishi Nishiya.

"Yes, this movie has a great influence after all. In fact, I can even dance the dances in the OP." Hiroaki Tsuchiya said embarrassedly.

"Seeing you so satisfied, I feel happy too. I used to be one of the chief animation supervisors of this series. It's all worth it when my work is valued so much by others," said Taishi Nishiya.

"I've also collected some questions from other fans here, and hope to get answers on their behalf," said Hiroaki Tsuchiya.

"Of course, just ask." Taichi Nishiya is very easy to talk to.

"When will the sequel to 'The Summer Solstice' be released?"

"We need to let the original author write a plot of sufficient length first..."

"There are some behind-the-scenes stories, like the one about Endless August. Why did it really take eight episodes?"

"Well, this is a bit esoteric. I will try my best to call Supervisor Takemoto to answer your question in person..."

……

The animation department was completely silent. Most of the members were wearing headphones, playing their playlists on repeat, and working on their manuscripts. The only sounds were the swaying of a low-speed fan and the sound of people flipping through papers.

Yasuhiro Takemoto had just finished a stage and habitually put down his pen, rubbed his shoulders, and looked at the scenery outside the window.

Behind him was a workstation with fewer objects. The original owner stayed in Tokyo most of the time and occasionally returned to the studio in Kyoto, so it was assigned to the new Deadline Buster.

Someone was lowering his head slightly, with the weight of his entire body resting on the cushions and backrests, looking very relaxed, with only his wrists and arms moving constantly. Since this morning, this guy has been maintaining this focused state, and every once in a while he would go to the supervisor with a large stack of papers, but basically there was no feedback, and no need for any revisions.

Stable and efficient, just like a printer, and no need to charge.

Supervisor Sang was initially extremely pleased, then he was moved, then he frowned, then he was ashamed, and finally he felt like a thorn in his side.

The man was a real stress monster, working from morning till night. This aura that made others feel ashamed of being slow and stupid seemed to have taken him back to the time when he first joined the company and sat next to Kigami Yoshiharu. In fact, Kigami was sitting at the other end of the building, and while he was completing his work, he was also helping the newcomer with revisions and teachings.

The two ends pressed against each other, and the people in the middle subconsciously sped up their pens.

Isn't this person capable of drawing mistakes?

Yasuhiro Takemoto cast a scholarly, scrutinizing gaze and discovered that although the person was drawing very quickly, he seemed to have never used an eraser.

This goes against common sense. Even if you are copying homework, it is inevitable to make spelling mistakes.

"?"

Yin Ze sensed a strange gaze, just like a scientist examining a new species, but when he turned around, he could only see the supervisor's diligent, unchanged back.

The man shook his head and continued to draw the last dozen or so strokes, pausing the crosstalk audio in his mind and turning off the corporate animal mode in the corridor of his life.

After working overclocked for so long, I am hungry. It is almost time to eat. There are vending machines on every floor of the company, which provide free lunch and midnight snacks. The staff will replace or restock them every day.

Free lunch, sounds so nice.

"Mr. Takemoto, it's time to eat." Yin Ze then organized the manuscript, put down his pen, and left.

Supervisor Sang frowned, wanting to refuse, wanting to prove that he was as hardworking as others. Are you kidding me? Can the elite of the first studio be defeated by a new outsourced worker? And he came from the gaming industry!

But this is just the idea of ​​a lonely person.