It’s been over two years since we first heard whispers of Garakowa – Save the World (previously known as D.backup), a Pony Canyon creative contest winner that was set to become an anime. The excitement escalated when it was announced that Masashi Ishihama would be directing the movie adaptation, marking his first major project since 2012’s From the New World. Now, with the film finally released and available for streaming internationally on Crunchyroll, it’s time to delve into the genius behind this intriguing endeavor.

Masashi Ishihama: The Mastermind Behind the Scenes

Masashi Ishihama’s animation career began in the 90s, following a typical trajectory for a talented and passionate artist. His unique style of character motion caught the attention of renowned creators such as Yasuomi Umetsu, Masami Ōbari, Koji Masunari, and even Akiyuki Shinbo. Not only did he excel in drawing both serene character scenes and intense action sequences, but he also became known for his fanservice duties, from animating titillating scenes to designing alluring promotional illustrations and swimsuits for mandatory beach episodes. It’s clear that Ishihama’s mentors and friends played a significant role in shaping his artistic voice.

An Artistic Voice That Dazzles

Ishihama’s breakthrough in the industry came when he started directing opening and ending sequences for various anime. His unique style, characterized by flat shading, colored or absent lineart, and superimposed flat shapes, garnered him recognition and solidified his reputation as a master of crafting opening sequences. He also incorporated filmic techniques, such as lens distortion, camera shaking, and digital grain, to create a cohesive and visually captivating experience. Ishihama’s sequences were a breath of fresh air, combining multiple layers of stylistic elements to deliver a unique and exciting visual narrative.

From Openings to the Big Screen

Ishihama’s true talent shone through when he directed the anime adaptation of From the New World in 2012. The dystopian sci-fi series, spanning two cours and exploring heavy themes, allowed him to showcase his artistic flair on a much grander scale. He seamlessly integrated his signature techniques into the storytelling, creating distinct visual styles for flashbacks, legends, and supernatural fables. He also collaborated with talented animators and directors to enhance key narrative moments with their unique styles, resulting in a visually stunning and emotionally impactful series.

Collaborations That Define Excellence

Several collaborators played a pivotal role in bringing Ishihama’s artistic vision to life. Jun Arai, with his angular drawings and wild timing, perfectly complemented Ishihama’s style in capturing intense scenes. Shigeyasu Yamauchi’s expertise in portraying desolate worlds added a haunting and atmospheric touch to specific episodes. Takashi Kojima, a master of character acting, breathed life into the characters with his lively animation and delivered one of the most genuine and effective horror portrayals in anime.

A Director with a Promising Future

Masashi Ishihama’s incredible command of animation and his ability to apply that knowledge in his own productions make him a truly fascinating creator. While his debut as a director with From the New World showcased his potential, it also revealed room for growth, as all masterpieces have their flaws. Garakowa may not reach the same heights, but any work in the hands of Ishihama is undoubtedly worth paying attention to.

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