Book Reviews Reviews Yen Press

Book Review: Your Name The Official Visual Guide (2021) by Makoto Shinkai

An in-depth companion piece to the hit film.

“This official visual guide for Makoto Shinkai's hit .” features beautiful scenes from the film, along with background art, character and concept art, storyboards, and a variety of exclusive interviews from the people who brought Mitsuha and Taki's story to life!” (Yen Press)

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Grossing over 358 million at the global box office, it would be difficult to find to any anime fans that have not seen Shinkai's “Your Name” (not to mention many who found anime for the first time through the feature). The film was, and still is, a cultural phenomenon and a landmark towards the social acceptance of the medium, which continues to grow in popularity. Consequently, this success has welcomed the inclusion of more media celebrating the feature, even five years after its initial release. Enter the visual guide, a perfect companion with a few shortfalls.

Split into three sections, the quality among them creates an odd issue of pacing. Notably, the first part of the book contains an abundance of screen caps and explains the particular scene in detail. The literal ‘visual guide' portion appears to be absorbed alongside a viewing of the film. However, it is difficult to see the appeal of distracting oneself with still pictures when diving into the visually beautiful and intricately designed world of “Your Name”. In comparison, the final section of the book which focuses on concept art and location info is vastly more visually engaging and informative. Arguably, the opening section would have been better complimented by integrating the concept art portion to give a more sound reason to browse the book while experience the film.

Thankfully, the middle portion focused on interviews is wonderfully entertaining and gives deep insight into the project. Starting off with an adorable interview between voice actors Ryunosuke Kamiki and Mone Kamishirashi, the section sets a playful and informative tone that carries on throughout. Notably, the way the actors' loving reflects on both their work and deep respect for all aspects of the project while being humble about their own impact, often deflecting through humour – expect a lot of “(laughs)” noted within the transcripts. In addition, the book contains a one-on-one interview with the director himself and animation director Masahi Ando, giving fans a treasure trove of reflections and insight into the project. As a pleasant surprise, and at the bequest of Shinkai himself, the final interview is with Radwips who supplied the opening theme and the score for the production. Showing both an understanding of how crucial music was to the project, this interview also gives a rare look into the musical process – an aspect of the genre that has its own unique and rabid fanbase.

Interior page from “Your Name Visual Guide” Interview with Makoto Shinkai with behind the scenes photos

The release itself, which appears to be roughly a4 size, is really beautiful in its glossy finish and layout, once you get past the blocky opening section. Undeniably, Yen Press presents Western audiences with the perfect companion piece to the hit film. Personally, since receiving the book I have often found myself randomly leafing though the later portions and coming back to the interviews – it certainly captures what makes the film such a beloved title for many.

Putting aside qualms with the layout, the visual guide is an ideal companion piece to the anime, just for the interview section alone. Add in a top notch presentation, “Your Name Visual Guide” is the perfect addition to any fan's library. If anything, it is yet another excuse to revisit the film – not that you needed one anyway!

About the author

Adam Symchuk

Adam Symchuk is a Canadian born freelance writer and editor who has been writing for Asian Movie Pulse since 2018. He is currently focused on covering manga, manhwa and light novels having reviewed hundreds of titles in the past two years.

His love of film came from horror and exploitation films from Japan that he devoured in his teens. His love of comics came from falling in love with the works of Shuzo Oshimi, Junji Ito, Hideshi Hino, and Inio Asano but has expanded to a general love of the medium and all its genres.

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