The Garden Of Words (Kotonoha No Niwa/言の葉の庭) is a 2013 animated film by Makoto Shinkai of Your Name / Weathering With You fame. It is unclear why this art book is only now published, some 8 years after the movie’s release, but I’m nonetheless elated that it is. A picture book was released back in 2013, which I reviewed here, but only a proper, dedicated art book can do justice to the sheer volume of art created for the film.

Which this book delivers, and then some; the background art pieces are nothing sort of stunning. A total of 140 pieces are showcased in this book, together with a small collection of select storyboards, character and color design sheets and more.

The backdrop of the film is set primarily in locations around Shinjuku (in particular Shinjuku Gyoen), one of the busiest areas in central Tokyo. Back when I was still living in Tokyo (circa 2004-9), Shinjuku was one of my main stomping grounds ( the film school I was attending is located nearby in Takadanobaba ), so these lovely illustrations of the area definitely brings back a lot of great memories and nostalgia for me.

(above) One of the recurring structures appearing in the film’s background is the NTT Docomo building, a prominent landmark in Shinjuku. I used to cycle past the building every time on my way to the Kinokuniya bookstore when I was still staying in Meguro. (below) The building in real life.

These absolutely gorgeous and sublime background art pieces are the visual highlights of any Makoto Shinkai film, and the same is true here. This beautiful volume is a welcomed addition to the other background art books for the director’s films and gets my highest recommendations.

“The Garden Of Words – Shinkai Makoto Background Art Book 新海誠監督作品 言の葉の庭 美術画集” details :

Dimensions – 25.6 x 18.4 x 1.8 cm
Softcover, 224 pages
Full color, In Japanese ( book is mostly images )

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