Suzume (すずめの戸締まり/2022) is the latest animated film by renowned Japanese director Makoto Shinkai (新海誠), who previously bought us such visually stunning films like Weathering With You and of course Your Name.

While the premise is rather formulaic and quaintly familiar with many of his earlier films, that of high school students embarking on fantastical adventures that eventually prove to be journeys of self-discovery leading to their coming of age, the stunning background art continues to impress and is pretty much the biggest highlight of the movie for me. I vaguely remember mentioning this in a previous post before, but Makoto Shinkai’s ( and his super talented art team ) ability to romanticize seemingly mundane vistas of Japanese scenery is certainly one of the reasons why his films are so popular.

This book is published in the same landscape format as his previous background art book titles and packs in a sumptuous 208 pages of gorgeous background art painted for Suzume. Every scene from the film seems to be accounted for, and the art reproductions are vibrant and crisp and a huge feast for the eyes. Check out the preview images below –

I present to you, the prettiest Lawson convenience store ever painted. From the Suzume background art book; my review up soon – https://t.co/XGfgOvFFHt#animation #???????? #???? #??? pic.twitter.com/hugS3zcShy

— blauereiter (@blauereiter) June 19, 2023

At the time of writing this review, Suzume stands as the 4th highest grossing Japanese film of all times, cementing director Makoto Shinkai’s unparalleled success at the box office. While I was not particularly smitten or interested with the motivations of the characters in the film, the stunning background art and art direction definitely had my attention and is truly the star of the film for me. This art book is the perfect book to enjoy and appreciate these amazing background art pieces. Highly recommended.

“Suzume – Makoto Shinkai Anime Background Art Book 新海誠監督作品 すずめの戸締まり 美術画集” details :

Dimensions – ‎ 7.28 x 0.59 x 10.16 inches
Softcover, 208 pages
Full color, In Japanese ( book is mostly images )

  
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