Toyo Kotetsu’s new logo and branding film. The logo is designed around the motif of the iron “cutout” holes created by a blanking press. Using restructured sound built from machinery noises recorded in an actual factory, the film artistically portrays the production process through which products are created, resulting in a branding movie that expresses the brand’s identity.

This piece features “Kei,” who calls himself a Poké Card doctor, carefully explaining the series of rules for the Pokémon Card Game to a boy named “Ren,” who has just obtained Pokémon cards, and is structured so that the new rules are explained to viewers as well. While following the structure and animation style of the previous explanation series, we were mindful of pacing and subtle character animation, deliberately avoiding excessive expression, effects, and animation so that viewers could stay engaged until the end while understanding the rules. Also, on a more detailed directorial note, this time voice actors Chisaki Kimura and Sako Ogawa added nuanced emotions at key moments, and I feel this resulted in an explanatory video that also lets viewers appreciate the delicate vocal performances they bring to the work.

CALL4 Documentary Journalist Shiori Ito visits Tokio Ito, who now lives in a local community, and asks about his experiences and the issues behind them.