Momentary Lily Exclusive Interview: At this year’s Anime Expo, GoHands, the studio behind beloved works such as The Girl I Like Forgot Her Glasses and The Masterful Cat is Depressed Again Today, unveiled their latest original creation: Momentary Lily. This new TV anime project, which we had the pleasure of delving into through an exclusive interview with the staff, presents a fresh and vibrant narrative set against the backdrop of a ravaged world. In a departure from their typical male-centered narratives, GoHands explores the lives of high school girls navigating a post-apocalyptic landscape, offering a blend of slice-of-life charm and existential grit.
The Genesis of Momentary Lily
The discussion with the Momentary Lily team commenced with an exploration of the project’s origins. According to the staff, the decision to undertake Momentary Lily was deeply intertwined with the studio’s structural ethos. GoHands, known for its original animation ventures, operates with a dynamic approach to project selection.
“We are a studio consistently engaged in original works,” the team shared. “Every month, we convene to deliberate on our next project. During one of these meetings, Momentary Lily emerged as a prime candidate alongside two other titles. We received an offer from Shochiku, the series producer, and decided it was time to break our usual mold of focusing on male characters to create something centered around a female ensemble.”
This shift in focus is not merely a change in theme but a deliberate effort to craft a distinct narrative experience. The six main characters of Momentary Lily each embody unique traits, a design choice aimed at ensuring individuality within the group.
“We started with a well-rounded female character and then deconstructed her into six distinct personas,” the staff explained. “The aim was to build a narrative that relies on the synergy of all characters—each one essential to the story.”
Crafting Character and Aesthetic
The characters of Momentary Lily are visually striking, reflecting their diverse personalities through their designs. From a gamer girl adorned with headphones to other archetypes, each character’s look is meticulously crafted to resonate with their role in the story. The staff emphasized the importance of collaborating with female team members to authentically represent female characters.
“Given our limited experience in creating anime with female protagonists, we engaged our female staff to guide us in depicting gestures and nuances. This collaboration was crucial in refining our animation techniques.”
The anime’s visual appeal extends beyond character design to its backdrop, which features cherry blossoms—a symbol that resonates both culturally and aesthetically. The staff discussed their choice of incorporating these elements.
“As we moved forward, we debated various ideas to make the series visually captivating for an international audience. The cherry blossoms were chosen to add a touch of iconic Japanese beauty to the scenes, aiming for an appealing visual experience.”
Anticipating the Premiere
Turning to the more personal aspects of the project, the staff was asked about their favorite scenes or characters. Interestingly, they expressed a preference for viewers to find their own highlights.
“We don’t have personal favorites among the scenes or characters,” they revealed. “We hope that viewers will immerse themselves in every detail and discover their own favorites.”
The opening theme, performed by the rock band HANABIE, was another topic of interest. The choice of HANABIE was deliberate, reflecting the series’ focus on female characters and aiming to infuse the opening with energy and vibrancy.
“Since the series is centered around female characters, we wanted a strong female voice for the opening theme. We sought an energetic sound, which led us to HANABIE. Their reputation and dynamic style aligned perfectly with our vision.”
A Message for Fans
In concluding the interview, the staff shared their hopes for the reception of Momentary Lily.
“We incorporated elements like cherry blossoms to evoke an interest in Japan among overseas viewers. We hope that our meticulous work on the animation will resonate with audiences and spark a connection.”
The team’s dedication to the project is evident in their thoughtful responses and detailed explanations. Momentary Lily is poised to make its debut in January 2025, and with its unique blend of character-driven storytelling and post-apocalyptic intrigue, it promises to be a notable addition to GoHands’ impressive repertoire.
Our gratitude extends to the Momentary Lily staff for sharing their insights and enthusiasm. As we await the premiere, the anticipation for this visually and narratively rich series continues to build.
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