A commonly used expression usually used to express the idea that art takes shape based on happenings in the real world.
2020’s winter crown jewel without a doubt is Eizouken and offers a perfect example of the aforementioned expression. It follows three high school girls on their journey to create an anime for an upcoming festival. The two creatives, Tsubame and Asakusa are held together by Kanamori who acts as their de facto agent and manager, keeping them on track. Along the way we are able to follow the creative process of the girls and gain amazing insight into the absolutely monumental task that is creating an anime. It’s so easy to sit back in bed and turn on Crunchyroll or Funimation to watch the latest episode of your favourite series, but do you really know how much work went into just a single episode?
There’s so much that goes on behind the scenes that we take for granted from the sound production, to movement to character design that requires a tremendous amount of effort to produce. Eizouken walks us through all of these challenges and offers an inspirational message for all aspiring creatives, go for it. It doesn’t matter what your friends or family think. Go for it.
If you’re tired of the same generic shows being released endlessly every season, this is something you’ll want to watch. It’s truly a breath of fresh air and offers a really nice story that any fan of art can appreciate.
From a technical standpoint, it’s a Yuasa work so you know the art is top notch, the animation when it’s needed, is solid. Eizouken features one of the best OP’s I’ve ever seen from a visual standpoint and one that’s sure to be up there in the best of the decade discussions in 2029. The characters themselves are very well written, unique and all have their own strengths that they bring to the show. From Asakusa’s creativity to Tsubame’s animation skills to Kanamori’s business mentality. They all occupy their lanes well and make the show a blast.
In conclusion, if during this time of encouraged social isolation you’re looking for a fresh and original show to watch that isn’t full of fan-service, otaku escapism motifs or rehashed anime tropes, or you’ve ever wanted to know what goes into making an anime, this is the one for you. Eizouken gets 10 tall girls out of 10.
