“空の記憶” ( Memories of the sky ) is a mesmerizingly beautiful, richly comprehensive collection of background art from Shinkai Makoto’s animation films, dating back from his earlier works “Voices of a Distance Star” to his latest “5 Centimeters”.
The original background plates are faithfully reproduced on print, colours are vibrant and images crisp and clean. Pictures are accompanied by the occasional production note and each one captioned by cut number.
There’s a short section at the end of the book that covers some of the techniques that the artist employ , though its largely an overview and covers more on image layout rather than actual painting tips. Also included are interviews with Shinkai Makoto and his group of background artists, all in Japanese.
Definitely a great source of reference for working background artists and should most certainly please Shinkai Makoto fans out there.
I’ve ordered a copy too…can’t wait for it to get here so i can spend hours staring at the pics…
Apparently, I can’t find this book although I just reached Japan yesterday. All of this is because I CAN’T speak, read or hoot a word in Japanese.
No phone, no alien card and living in a lousy guesthouse in Motosumiyoshi. GOOOOOOOSH Japanese companies work hours are HARDCORE.
ooooh btw … why your name appeared mysteriously in my company staff listing? =D
tragic comedy - No doubt !
fartboy - Yo Willy, how are you enjoying Tokyo so far ? :] The book should be available in most major bookstores, you can definitely find it in any of the 2 Kinokuniya stores in Shinjuku.
I’m joining PP as a lighting & compositing artist come June, so that’s my name in the staff listing alright. Ain’t the world small ? See you real soon !
Terrible experience! The moment I landed in Japan, I wanted to go home.
I guess it will take me a while to settle in. I will start up a rival blog soon! Mwahaha!
Great book - ive always drooled over his background art ever since i saw voice of a distant star.
Does this book contain much text or BW pics?
How much would postage to the UK be? Im quite keen on getting a copy if the price is ok. Wont be for a week or so though - im off to Germany next week.
Are you likely to be selling any more? The ebay listing is shown as ended.
Thanks
Andy - Hey there, I removed the Ebay listing because believe it or not - the book is totally sold out in Japan, barely 2 weeks after its release. I do hope they will do a reprint soon and will let you know once its available again.
Off to Germany for holidays ? :]
Blimey - i didnt expect that! Lemme know when you get it back in stock - i belive you have my email?
Yeah - off to berlin and perhaps hamburg or munich for a week. Havent really seen much of europe, and ive always wanted to visit germany for some reason. Strange coincidence with DannyChoo being there recently!
Hope youre ok, and dont work yourself to death!