Film Director Shunji Iwai × Townwork: Short Collaborative Animation Released

Recruit Jobs launched the short story animation "TOWN WORKERS" on a special website. This collaboration between the part-time job information magazine "Town Work" and film director Shunji Iwai marks Iwai's first animation directorial work.

This marks Iwai's debut as an animation director. The three-part series is crafted as a coming-of-age drama, depicting the daily lives and emotions of young people in a way that reminds viewers of their own early days working part-time jobs. The rotoscoping technique—tracing live-action footage to create animation—was used, with real locations and realistic character movements enhancing the work's sense of realism.

The ending theme features an original song by the music unit "Hekuto Pascal," consisting of Iwai, Kotone Shiina, and Mako Kuwahara. Director Iwai wrote the lyrics.

The special website features the full film, director interviews, and a smartphone-exclusive "Scroll Theater" experience. This allows users to rapidly scroll through vertically formatted film strips, creating animation through the persistence of vision effect.

Additionally, coinciding with the film's release, the 'TOWN WORKERS' exhibition is being held from September 21 to October 3 on the 2nd floor video section of Tsutaya Books inside Daikanyama T-SITE. It features large posters of artwork from the film and special postcard giveaways.

◇Director Shunji Iwai's Work - TOWN WORKERS –
http://cm.townwork.net/twks

 

【Director Shunji Iwai Profile】
Known for films such as "Love Letter," "Swallowtail," and "All About Lily Chou-Chou." Demonstrates talent across multiple fields including film, novels, and music. A creator who has actively incorporated new technologies and media into his expression, such as releasing works online and being an early adopter of digital devices.