Efforts are under way to raise funds to create an animated film about
Efforts are under way to raise funds to create an animated film about
The project to produce "The Tree of Hope" is being helmed by Studio Ghibli Inc. art director Nizo Yamamoto, widely known for his work in "Castle in the Sky," "Princess Mononoke," "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time," and many other titles.
"The Tree of Hope" is based on the eponymously named poetry book by Man Arai. It tells the story of the only tree left standing among about 70,000 pines in the famed Takata Matsubara forest in Rikuzentakata, which was flattened by tsunami after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
The tree became a symbol of hope for survivors as they set out rebuilding from the devastation. The pine tree later died due to salinity in its roots. But it is now preserved in its original form.
The poetry book is about family ties and the rebirths of life.
A longtime fan of Arai, Yamamoto had been longing to make an animated adaptation of one of his works. When he attended Arai's lecture during which the author himself did a reading from "The Tree of Hope," Yamamoto was deeply impressed and pitched the idea of producing an animated film version.
The project was given the green light after Yamamoto talked with Arai and Rikuzentakata Mayor Futoshi Toba last year.
Yamamoto will serve as director and art director. He said that half of the storyboards have already been completed.
The director is now working to set up a production committee by the end of the year with an eye on releasing the film next year. As yet, though, there is still no firm date set for completion of the film.
Seeking public support, the director and his team have turned to fund-raising website WESYM. The campaign encourages small-sum investors to provide money to complete the screenplay, storyboards and a pilot film.
Investors will receive special perks in return for their support, including a special plastic file for a 3,000 yen ($31) donation; a handkerchief for 3,500 yen; a T-shirt for 9,000 yen; and a high definition illustration bundled with a paint brush used by Yamamoto.
The campaign had raised 150,950 yen toward the goal of 47.15 million yen as of June 13.
For more information, visit the official websites of "The Tree of Hope" at (
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To see the original story in Japanese, go to the official site of "Anime Anime" (