A charming picture book, “I Just Wanted to Say…” has been adapted into a delightful anime short, bringing its message of love and affection to life through animation. This heartwarming project is part of a new initiative that transforms popular children’s books into short animated videos.
From Page to Screen: The Animehon Project
The animated short is the fourth project from Animehon, a new animation initiative by the Japanese publisher Kodansha. Animehon focuses on adapting Kodansha’s picture books, known as ehon in Japanese, into short animated films. The initiative aims to introduce these beloved stories to a wider audience through the captivating medium of anime.
“I Just Wanted to Say…” Comes Alive
Yumi Shimokawara’s picture book, originally titled Ne Ne Anone in Japanese, tells a simple yet profound story of animals expressing their love for one another. The narrative begins with a chick telling a mouse, “I love you.” The affection spreads as the mouse tells a duck, and the duck, in turn, tells a rabbit. The central question of the story revolves around what happens when the rabbit struggles to express those same words.
The anime adaptation of “I Just Wanted to Say…” has been released in two versions: a 30-second commercial and a two-minute director’s cut, both available on Animehon’s YouTube channel. This allows viewers to enjoy the story in different formats, catering to varied preferences and attention spans.
A Tale of Affection and Expression
The story, as described by Kodansha, is about animals sharing their joy and affection using their entire bodies to express themselves. The book encourages interactive reading with plenty of opportunities for hugs. The animated short successfully captures the warmth and tenderness of the original story, making it accessible and engaging for both young and adult audiences.
Behind the Scenes: The Creative Team
The anime short was brought to life by a talented team of animators and voice actors. Namiko Ishidate, who has served as animation director for well-known films such as Penguin Highway, A Whisker Away, and Ghost Cat Anzu, directed the short. Her experience in animation is clearly visible in the smooth, expressive movements of the characters, and the overall aesthetic of the anime.
Mizutani Satoko provides the voice for the short, adding a layer of emotion and charm to the characters’ interactions. The music was composed by Yuri Habuka, enhancing the storytelling with its gentle and emotive tones. The animation itself was produced by Fanworks, a studio known for its high-quality animation projects.
Publication Details
The picture book “I Just Wanted to Say…” was first published by Kodansha in 2020. This makes the anime adaptation a relatively recent venture, bringing a four-year-old story to a new visual medium and broader audience.
The Rise of Animated Picture Book Adaptations
The adaptation of picture books into animated shorts is not a new concept, but it is a growing trend. The success of adaptations like “I Just Wanted to Say…” reflects a desire to engage children and families with stories that combine the power of literature with the visual appeal of animation. There are numerous examples of successful transitions from children’s books to the screen.
Notable Examples
- “Hair Love”: Matthew Cherry’s picture book, adapted into a charming animated short in 2019, captured the hearts of audiences with its heartfelt story and visual charm. It even won an Oscar for Best Animated Short, illustrating the potential impact of such projects.
- “The Gruffalo”: Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, this adaptation was originally broadcast by the BBC, and features Helena Bonham Carter as the narrator. The adaptation beautifully captured the whimsical nature of the book.
- “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”: This classic by Eric Carle has been adapted into an animated film, and continues to captivate young viewers with its colorful imagery and simple story, further showcasing the enduring appeal of picture book adaptations.
- “Magic Candies”: This short, based on a Korean picture book by Baek Hee-na, was nominated for Best Animated Short Film at the Oscars, demonstrating the global appeal and artistic merit of such animations.
Why Adapt Picture Books?
There are several reasons why animated adaptations of picture books are becoming increasingly popular.
- Visual Medium: Picture books are already highly visual, making them perfect candidates for animation. The transition from page to screen can often be quite seamless.
- Engaging Storytelling: Animation adds another layer of engagement, bringing the characters and their emotions to life in a way that static illustrations cannot always achieve.
- Wider Reach: Animated shorts can reach a wider audience, especially in today’s digital age where video content is easily shared and consumed.
- Preservation: Animated adaptations can preserve the magic of beloved picture books for new generations, introducing them to classic stories in a modern format.
Who is Teo Zirinis?
It’s important to note that while “I Just Wanted to Say…” is by Yumi Shimokawa, there are other illustrators and authors who work in similar styles and have their works adapted to animations. One such artist is Teo Zirinis, the artist behind HandsOffMyDinosaur, known for his whimsical and pun-filled illustrations.
Zirinis’ Work and Style
Teo Zirinis is a freelance illustrator based in Athens, Greece. He is known for turning his humorous ideas into drawings, often inspired by food, cartoons, books, and everyday life. His work has been featured on various platforms, and he has collaborated with major brands like Disney and LucasFilm. Zirinis is the author and illustrator of “Monster Issues” and “Let The Pun Shine”. His unique style and ability to find the funny side of things make him a distinctive voice in the illustration world. He is also the author of 2024 and 2025 wall and day-to-day calendars, showing his broad range of creativity.
Conclusion
The anime adaptation of “I Just Wanted to Say…” is a testament to the enduring power of picture books. The project is a prime example of how animation can breathe new life into beloved stories, making them accessible and engaging for a modern audience. With its focus on love, affection, and the importance of expression, this anime short is sure to resonate with viewers of all ages. As the trend of adapting picture books into animated shorts continues, it promises to bring more treasured stories to life, enriching the world of children’s entertainment. The Animehon initiative, with its commitment to quality and creativity, is undoubtedly a venture to watch.
