The exhibition 'MAPPA EXPO 15th Anniversary,' celebrating the 15th anniversary of the animation studio MAPPA, is currently being held in Yurakucho, Tokyo. Tom Cruise and director Alejandro G. Iñárritu, who were visiting Japan for the promotion of the film 'DIGGER,' participated in this special event. They were greatly impressed by the delicate expressions and style of animation.
A Creators' Dialogue Between Tom Cruise and Director Iñárritu
At the exhibition, Cruise and director Iñárritu had a discussion with animator Tadashi Hiramatsu. They exchanged views on the production processes of anime and film. They were particularly interested in Hiramatsu's explanation of the fusion of traditional techniques and digital technology in anime production. Cruise emphasized the importance of the value of handcrafted works by artists in his film productions as well.
Exhibitions of Each Work and Empathy for Creation
Cruise and director Iñárritu toured the exhibitions of 'Jujutsu Kaisen' and 'Chainsaw Man.' There, details were shared about the original drawings and three-dimensional displays of the anime, and they showed respect for the effort and passion invested behind the scenes of anime production. They also shared episodes from the making of the film 'DIGGER,' deepening their understanding of the diversity of visual expressions.
At the end of the discussion, Hiramatsu presented Cruise and director Iñárritu with an illustration he was inspired to create from 'DIGGER.' Cruise was moved, expressing his gratitude by asking, 'Did Mr. Hiramatsu draw this work?'
