A beloved picture book is making the leap from page to screen. Yumi Shimokawara’s “I Just Wanted to Say…” (also known as “Ne Ne Anone”), a heartwarming story about sharing affection, has been adapted into a charming anime short. The project is the fourth installment in Kodansha’s “Animehon” initiative, which brings popular children’s picture books to life through animation.
The Story of “I Just Wanted to Say…”
The original picture book, published in 2020 by Kodansha, explores the simple yet profound act of expressing love. It begins with a chick declaring “I love you” to a mouse, who then relays the same message to a duck, and so on. The story follows a chain of animal characters sharing their feelings with full-body expressions and opportunities for warm embraces. The narrative highlights how expressions of affection can be infectious, but also what happens when someone struggles to articulate those feelings, focusing on the importance of open communication and the joy of connection.
From Page to Screen: The Anime Adaptation
The anime short, produced by Fanworks, retains the gentle and heartwarming nature of the book. The animation is directed by Namiko Ishidate, who has also worked on other notable anime such as Penguin Highway, A Whisker Away, and Ghost Cat Anzu. The short features the voice acting talent of Mizutani Satoko and is enhanced by the music composed by Yuri Habuka.
The Animehon initiative has released both a 30-second commercial version and a longer two-minute director’s cut of the animation. These shorts showcase the delicate animation style and the story’s emotional core, capturing the essence of the original picture book. The initiative is not just for Japanese audiences, as there’s an English subtitled version available as well.
Animehon: Bringing Picture Books to Life
The “Animehon” initiative by Kodansha is designed to transform children’s picture books (ehon) into animated shorts. This innovative program aims to introduce these stories to a broader audience, allowing children to experience their favorite books in a new medium. “I Just Wanted to Say…” is the fourth project in this series, indicating Kodansha’s continued commitment to producing high-quality animated content based on their existing literary works.
Why This Adaptation Resonates
The adaptation of “I Just Wanted to Say…” is likely to resonate with viewers because of its focus on universal themes. The story’s message about expressing love and affection, and dealing with the difficulty in doing so, are relatable across cultures and age groups. The anime short builds on the success of the picture book, bringing its message of warmth and connection to a new generation. The choice of a gentle animation style combined with soft music, further enhances the emotional impact of the story, making it accessible and enjoyable for young children and adults alike.
More Than Just Words: The Power of Expression
The story emphasizes that expressions of affection are not always just about the words you say, but also the way you show your feelings. The animals in the book convey their love through their actions, illustrating that love can be expressed in many forms.
Themes and Impact
The picture book and its adaptation touch on several important themes including:
- Emotional Expression: The importance of articulating feelings and communicating openly.
- Interpersonal Connection: The impact of simple acts of affection in strengthening relationships.
- Empathy: Understanding the difficulties some face when expressing emotions, and showing patience.
- Universal Love: The fact that love is a universal concept that can be expressed in various ways.
By tackling these themes, “I Just Wanted to Say…” offers a gentle reminder about the importance of love and connection, making it an ideal piece of work for children and families.
Conclusion: A Heartwarming Addition to the Anime World
The adaptation of “I Just Wanted to Say…” into an anime short is a testament to the power of storytelling across different mediums. The Animehon initiative highlights the value of children’s literature and demonstrates how animation can breathe new life into beloved stories. This short film, like the picture book, is a gentle reminder that sometimes the most powerful message is simply expressing how you feel and that showing those feelings can make a difference. With its focus on love, connection, and communication, the anime adaptation of “I Just Wanted to Say…” is poised to become a cherished piece of children’s media, offering both a heartwarming story and a gentle lesson in the power of affection.
