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Excellence Prize
A COUNTRY BETWEEN THE WORLD
Short Animation
Artist : ARAI Ryoji / WADA Toshikatsu
(Japan)
ARAI Ryoji
Born in Yamagata, 1956. Extensive experience in advertising, picture book making, and theatrical design. In 2005 received Astrid Lindgren Memorial Literary Award.
WADA Toshikatsu
Born in 1966. Entered Dentsu Blocks, inspired by Director OKAMOTO Tadanari. Created independent animations such as Bip & Bap, and directed the commentary portion of Winter Days.
It was a great pleasure for me to participate in animation production for the first time to receive such an honorable prize. I would like to give hearty applause for the prize won by all the staff including Director WADA who successfully generated the handmade quality of the individual elements. (ARAI)
The excellence of this work were obtained because for each story Mr. ARAI Ryoji, as a staff member, created figures and art and Ms. TAKAOKA Tomoko composed the music. They both worked happily. I would like to express many thanks to Mr. ARAI and my staff. (WADA)
The excellence of this work were obtained because for each story Mr. ARAI Ryoji, as a staff member, created figures and art and Ms. TAKAOKA Tomoko composed the music. They both worked happily. I would like to express many thanks to Mr. ARAI and my staff. (WADA)
This is without doubt a masterpiece. I don’t believe that any previous animations have ever achieved feelings as relaxing, heart-warming, and cozy as this work. WADA Toshikatsu, the director, reproduced the world of ARAI Ryoji, the picture book artist, as an animation using the digital paper cutout method. WADA amusingly illustrates a story of Polta and his friends. His outstanding technique in paper cutout animation reminds me of the sharp, avant-garde edge of Norman MCLAREN, the Canadian animator as well as the sophisticated sensitivity of Bretislav POJAR, the Czech animator. WADA Toshikatsu is an exceptionally talented animator!
How old were you when you "created" something first time in your life? At that time, what did you create, and what kind of medium did you use?
ARAI Ryoji／An oil painting I did when I was a high-school student as a member of the art club.
WADA Toshikatsu ／When I was about three years old. I was drawing manga on coarse paper. My best work was A Great Flood.
WADA Toshikatsu ／When I was about three years old. I was drawing manga on coarse paper. My best work was A Great Flood.
What kind of tools or medium do you use now? Please tell us the reason why you choose them.
ARAI Ryoji／Any painting tools which allow me to use my hands.
WADA Toshikatsu ／LightWave 3D. When I see it as a photography platform of paper cutout animation or a camera, there is a good sense of air which the lens has.
WADA Toshikatsu ／LightWave 3D. When I see it as a photography platform of paper cutout animation or a camera, there is a good sense of air which the lens has.
If you could get "dream tools/medium" for your creation, what do you wish to get?
ARAI Ryoji／What I have at present is just fine. But, if I could have something like a technology which allows me to create a giant piece of work on my own, it would be great.
WADA Toshikatsu ／I just want have a new tool, I wish to be more and more developed personally.
WADA Toshikatsu ／I just want have a new tool, I wish to be more and more developed personally.
Do you have any consistent subject matter or theme through your works? If so, please explain us.
ARAI Ryoji／A feeling as if I were writing a letter to someone.
WADA Toshikatsu ／My projects have been mainly independent and broadcast programs. And I think I had different themes for each project.
WADA Toshikatsu ／My projects have been mainly independent and broadcast programs. And I think I had different themes for each project.
Please tell us the most difficult or considerable part when you create your work.
ARAI Ryoji／Whether I am able to get my idea through to others.
WADA Toshikatsu ／Split the movie into short clips, and create a cinematic space and feeling of tension. Then, to see that the characters have souls as they make motions.
WADA Toshikatsu ／Split the movie into short clips, and create a cinematic space and feeling of tension. Then, to see that the characters have souls as they make motions.
Have you ever felt that your work is a "media art"? Also, what is the difference between "media arts" and "traditional fine arts"?
ARAI Ryoji／I have never been aware of it. I think what makes a difference there is to what extent one regards things as media art.
WADA Toshikatsu ／In the beginning, I have to consider the definition of “media arts.” Consequently, I have never been conscious of it particularly.
WADA Toshikatsu ／In the beginning, I have to consider the definition of “media arts.” Consequently, I have never been conscious of it particularly.
As an artist/creator, please tell us your approach, stance or point of view when you create your work.
ARAI Ryoji／I work on my project with the thought that my work has wings and passes beyond national borders in my mind.
WADA Toshikatsu ／I always wish that my work conveys “my regular self” in a natural way when I am working on my project.
WADA Toshikatsu ／I always wish that my work conveys “my regular self” in a natural way when I am working on my project.
What is your motto?
ARAI Ryoji／I don’t have one in particular.
WADA Toshikatsu ／I’ll never forget the words of Director Yuri NORSHTEIN that ‘light’ is also one of characters.
WADA Toshikatsu ／I’ll never forget the words of Director Yuri NORSHTEIN that ‘light’ is also one of characters.
What kind of situation in every day life do you get inspired most?
ARAI Ryoji／I have never created a work by an inspiration and I don’t think such a thing will happen in the future. If anywhere, I think inspiration exists in every aspect of daily life.
WADA Toshikatsu ／When I am looking at an old photography book. When I sense the air and temperature in a picture and at the moment when the space in the picture begins to move as if it were a film.
WADA Toshikatsu ／When I am looking at an old photography book. When I sense the air and temperature in a picture and at the moment when the space in the picture begins to move as if it were a film.
What kind of vision do you have in your future development as the creator?
ARAI Ryoji／My works transcend national borders and I hope I can cross the borders with them.
WADA Toshikatsu ／I want to make a short film based on children’s literature from the end of the Taisho Era to the beginning of the Showa Era (the 1920s).
WADA Toshikatsu ／I want to make a short film based on children’s literature from the end of the Taisho Era to the beginning of the Showa Era (the 1920s).
Please name of the people, things, or phenomena that you have got most influenced by as the creator.
ARAI Ryoji／The picture book author CHO Shinta and his entire artistic quality.
I always receive an influence from what children paint or create, outsider artists, and their works.
WADA Toshikatsu ／
・OKAMOTO Tadanari
The artistic sense of his short animations, his quality as an artist, and his character in his work.
・Břetislav POJAR
The tempo and playfulness of his paper cutout animation.
・OZU Yasujiro
The individuality of his film and his wit.
I always receive an influence from what children paint or create, outsider artists, and their works.
WADA Toshikatsu ／
・OKAMOTO Tadanari
The artistic sense of his short animations, his quality as an artist, and his character in his work.
・Břetislav POJAR
The tempo and playfulness of his paper cutout animation.
・OZU Yasujiro
The individuality of his film and his wit.
