Japanese publisher Tokuma Shoten has announced a raft of titles tied to The Boy and the Heron (or How Do You Live) — the first feature film from visionary, Academy Award-winning director and Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki in 10 years. The movie premiered in Japan in July and will arrive in U.S. and Canadian theaters on December 8 through GKIDS, which just announced the English-language voice cast.
The books are in Japanese and available for pre-order through local retailers; visit the Tokuma.jp page links with each title to find more information, including links to purchase through Amazon JP, Rakutan and other bookstores.
The Art of How Do You Live / The Art of The Boy and the Heron
Follow the behind-the-scenes process of the seven-year production with a huge amount of materials and original drawings.
The 336-page book features insights from animation director Yu Honda, art director Yoji Takeshige, background supervisor Noboru Yoshida, director of photography Atsushi Okui, key animator Shinya Ohira, Noriko Takaya (harmony artist) and others. Available November 1.
Film Comic: How Do You Live / The Boy and the Heron
Based on the original story and screenplay conceived by Miyazaki, the comic-book will be released in two volumes released on November 1 and December 15, respectively.
Japan, during World War II. Mahito, an 11-year-old boy who lost his mother in a fire, leaves Tokyo with his father and moves into a large mansion called Aosagi House. Masato struggles with mixed feelings towards his overbearing father and his late mother’s younger sister Natsuko, who has become his new mother — but his life is changed when he meets a creature who changes back and forth between a blue heron and a man.
Studio Ghibli Storyboard Complete Works 23: How Do You Live?
Dive into the film’s illustrative blueprints — 603 hand-drawn, full color pieces from the director’s own hand. Authored by Shun Miyazaki, available November 1.
Tokuma Anime Picture Book: How Do You Live?
Designed for elementary school-aged children, this storybook follows Masato’s journey with brightly colors and large scenic imagery. Available December 15.
Guided by a heron man, Masato wanders into a mysterious tower where his great-uncle, the former owner of the mansion Masato, his father and aunt/step-mother have moved into. Drawn into another world, they meet Kiriko the fisherwoman; Himi, a girl who controls fire; an unborn soul called Walla Walla; a pelican (who eats Walla Walla); the parakeet flock in attendance on the Parakeet King; and the world’s creator — Masato’s great-uncle himself. And what did his great-uncle ask him?
[H/T SoraNews24]
