To commemorate the 80th anniversary of Fujio Akatsuka's birth, the documentary film "The Man Who Outran Manga: Fujio Akatsuka," which follows his life through footage of himself and testimonials from those involved, will be released nationwide on April 30th at Polepole Higashi-Nakano, Shimokita Gitoriwood, and other theaters. Fujio Akatsuka is a nationally renowned manga artist known for numerous masterpieces, including "Osomatsu-kun," "Tensai Bakabon," "Himitsu no Akko-chan," and "Moeru Ataro." This unique pop documentary features characters from "Let's Go, Lagon," considered his greatest work. The film reconstructs the dynamic life of Fujio Akatsuka, whose manga works are beloved throughout Japan, using a vast array of materials, including interviews with those involved, rare photographs, private footage, and even a rare television program. The film explores the unknown side of Fujio Akatsuka through his own voice and multiple perspectives. The film is directed by Tominaga Masanori, whose work on "Rolling," ranked 10th in the 2015 Kinema Junpo magazine, and planned and produced by Sakamoto Masashi, whose work on "Farewell to Jinu: Kamoroba Village," is also in charge of planning and production. Other notable supporting artists include Ichiko Aoba for narration, U-zhaan and Shuta Hasunuma for music, Orange Muroi for 2D animation direction, and Animaroid for 3D animation production. The visual design for pamphlets and other materials is handled by Sobue Shin, who has previously designed all 22 volumes of "Osomatsu-kun," all 21 volumes of "Tensai Bakabon," and "This Is Good: A Collection of Fujio Akatsuka Conversations," as well as the venue designs for the "Fujio Akatsuka Memorial Exhibition" and "Fujio Akatsuka's Bichutsu Exhibition." Additionally, Tamori will be providing vocals for the ending song. The theme song, "Raga Bhagavat," which plays during the end credits during an animated dance scene featuring approximately 100 Akatsuka characters, is performed in collaboration with U-zhaan, who co-starred with him on the comedy show "Yoru Tamori." Tamori was initially approached to appear on the show, but reportedly responded that it would be difficult to revisit Akatsuka's memory, as he had already spoken about it in his famous "blank eulogy." The title of the theme song was coined by Tamori. "Bhagavat" means "saint" or "enlightened person" in Sanskrit, and is also said to be the origin of the word "Bakabon." Ahead of the film's theatrical release, a soundtrack CD (1,667 yen) by U-zhaan and Shuta Hasunuma was released on April 23rd. A deluxe 64-page pamphlet designed by graphic designer Shin Sobue, who also appears in the film, will also be available for purchase.
In addition, to commemorate the theatrical release, talk events with a stellar cast will be held at Polepole Higashinakano and other venues during the Golden Week period. Guests include Akatsuka Fujio's most trusted editor at the time, Takei Toshiki, manga artist Shiriagari Kotobuki, author and columnist Izumi Masato, U-zhaan and Hasunuma Shuta, who were in charge of the film's music, and Fukushima Maiko, also known as "Fuku-chan," producer of Dempagumi.inc. Each guest will talk with Sakamoto Masashi, the producer who planned the film, about Akatsuka Fujio as seen at the time and from the present day. Screening venues include Polepole Higashinakano, Shimokitazawa Tollywood, Uplink, Yokohama Cinemarin, Dinos Cinemas Sapporo Theater, Previ Theater, Kawagoe Scala, New Hachioji Cinema, Nagano Shochiku Aioiza/Roxy 1 & 2, Takada Sekaikan, Cinewind, Tokamachi Cinema Paradise, Nagoya Cinematheque, Forza Sogawa, Cinemonde, The Seventh Art Theater, Kyoto Minami Kaikan, Motomachi Cinema, Yokogawa Cinema, Theater Siema, Gardens Cinema, and Sakurazaka Theater.
