The popular anime series, “Let’s Make a Mug Too”, is getting a theatrical compilation film. Titled “Gekijō-ban Yakunara Mug Cup Mo -Anime Sōshūhen- Okaerinasai” (Film: Let’s Make a Mug Too -Anime Compilation- Welcome Home), the movie is scheduled to premiere on March 22 at the Valor Culture Hall in Tajimi City, Japan. This film will serve as a recap of the anime’s first season, bringing the heartwarming story of pottery and friendship back to the big screen.
A Return to Tajimi
The compilation film is not just a simple recap; it’s a celebration of the series and its connection to Tajimi City, a place renowned for its Mino earthenware. The premiere will include a special talk show featuring members of the anime’s production team and Yūki Wakai, the voice actress for the character Naoko Naruse. Further enhancing the fan experience, a bus tour around the city, visiting locations featured in the anime, will also be offered in conjunction with the premiere.
Promoting Local Tourism
This cinematic endeavor is a collaborative effort with the city of Tajimi. The city has allocated 5 million yen (approximately US$32,000) from its supplementary budget for the 2024 fiscal year to support the film’s production and release. This initiative aims to bolster tourism in the area, leveraging the anime’s popularity to draw visitors to the real-life locations that inspired the series.
Aiming for a Third Season
Notably, the city of Tajimi also hopes to eventually produce a compilation film of the anime’s second season. This is part of a larger strategy to garner support for a possible third season of the anime. The local government clearly sees the value of “Let’s Make a Mug Too” in promoting local culture and tourism, and hopes to ensure the series continues to resonate with fans.
The Story of “Let’s Make a Mug Too”
“Let’s Make a Mug Too” revolves around the story of Himeno Toyokawa, a high school student who moves to Tajimi City with her father. In her new surroundings, she discovers that her late mother was a highly skilled and renowned potter. This revelation sparks her interest in the art of ceramics and she subsequently joins the school’s pottery club.
Exploring Pottery and Friendship
The anime series follows Himeno as she learns the craft of pottery, explores the rich history and traditions of Tajimi’s ceramics, and develops strong bonds with her fellow club members. The show blends the technical aspects of pottery with slice-of-life elements, creating a heartwarming narrative.
A Blend of Animation and Real Life
The show is unique in its structure. Each episode includes an animated segment, followed by a live-action travelogue that further explores the city of Tajimi. This unusual structure enhances the viewing experience by providing both an engaging fictional story and an authentic glimpse into the real-life inspiration behind the anime.
The Anime’s Journey So Far
The first season of “Let’s Make a Mug Too” premiered in April 2021, with the second season following in September 2021. In addition, a spin-off titled “Rokurō no Dai Bōken”, a collaboration with the dental app DentalE, was released in spring 2024. The anime is based on a promotional manga by Osamu Kashiwara, which was created to promote the city of Tajimi. The manga was first launched in 2012 and has a four-panel spin-off titled “Naoko no Kobachi.”
Where to Watch
Both seasons of “Let’s Make a Mug Too” are available for streaming on Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime Video. The anime has gained a dedicated following, thanks to its unique blend of slice-of-life and pottery themes. The series has also been praised for its representation of the real-life city of Tajimi and its commitment to showcasing the art of ceramics.
Key Characters
The series features a cast of endearing characters, including:
- Himeno Toyokawa: Voiced by Minami Tanaka, she is the main protagonist of the story. A newcomer to Tajimi, Himeno is drawn into the world of pottery and finds herself on a journey of self-discovery.
- Mika Kukuri: Voiced by Yū Serizawa, Mika is Himeno’s classmate who introduces her to the pottery club.
- Toko Aoki: Voiced by Rina Honnizumi, Toko is also a member of the pottery club.
- Naoko Naruse: Voiced by Yūki Wakai, Naoko is another member of the club and plays a key role in supporting Himeno in her pottery journey.
These characters bring the narrative to life, each contributing to the show’s heartwarming and engaging atmosphere.
A Celebration of Craft and Community
The upcoming compilation film is more than just a recap of the first season. It is a celebration of the art of pottery, the community of Tajimi, and the heartwarming connections that the series has fostered. Fans of “Let’s Make a Mug Too,” and those interested in the art of ceramics, will find this a must-see event. The film will serve as a wonderful opportunity to revisit the stories and characters of the anime while also enjoying a taste of the real-world charm of Tajimi City. With the premiere just around the corner, anticipation is building for this exciting cinematic event.
