Studio Ghibli’s coming-of-age animation Ocean Waves (original title: Umi ga Kikoeru) may not be as globally renowned as the works of Hayao Miyazaki or Isao Takahata, but since its 1993 debut, it has quietly earned a special place in the hearts of anime fans. Now, 31 years later, this beloved yet often overlooked gem is finally being celebrated in the form of a definitive deluxe book, offering a fresh, comprehensive look at the film’s quiet brilliance.
Adapted from the novel by Saeko Himuro, Ocean Waves was brought to life by Studio Ghibli’s younger generation of animators, including director Tomomi Mochizuki, animation director Katsuya Kondō, and art director Naoya Tanaka. With passion and idealism, the team created a tender portrayal of youth and fleeting love, set between the cities of Kōchi and Tokyo. Though made as a TV special and aired on Nippon Television on May 5, 1993, the film’s cinematic quality and emotional depth left a lasting impression on viewers.
In recent years, the film has experienced a revival among younger audiences, particularly Gen Z, who have rediscovered its quiet power and nostalgic charm. A theatrical re-release in March 2024 at Bunkamura Le Cinéma in Shibuya, Tokyo, became a surprise long-running hit, with sold-out screenings day after day. The success cemented Ocean Waves as a symbol of the Reiwa-era retro revival movement.
This long-awaited publication is the ultimate retrospective on the film’s 31-year legacy. Spanning 160 pages (128 in full color), the book compiles a wealth of visual materials in stunning high resolution. Highlights include a “film story” composed of 30 scenes handpicked by director Mochizuki; all 140 illustrations originally drawn by Katsuya Kondō for the serialized novel in Animage magazine, including never-before-published artwork; and rare character design drafts from Kondō’s private sketchbooks, offering a rare glimpse into the film’s early visual development.
The book also delves into behind-the-scenes elements such as full character model sheets, art boards, and a side-by-side comparison of storyboards by Mochizuki and Kondō. A gallery section showcases vintage posters, promotional materials, books, home video covers, merchandise, and newly created artwork inspired by the film. Finally, exclusive new interviews with director Mochizuki, animation director Kondō, and producer Nozomu Takahashi provide firsthand reflections on both the original production and the creation of this commemorative volume.
This beautifully crafted visual book is a must-have for long-time fans and new viewers alike. It captures the quiet beauty of Ocean Waves in all its emotional nuance and subtle artistry. Whether you watched it when it first aired in 1993 or are discovering it anew today, this book invites readers across generations to experience the gentle, enduring magic of Studio Ghibli’s most understated masterpiece.
To commemorate the book’s release, a special screening event is also scheduled for this fall at Bunkamura Le Cinéma Shibuya Miyashita.
