In a recent interview with Yuichiro Fukushi (animation
producer), Shoichiro Taguchi (producer) and Mikito
Bizenjima (executive producer) about the production of the anime
“ Sousou
no Frieren ( Frieren: Beyond Journey's End )”,
the success of the series was addressed. and the impact it has had on fans and
the industry. However, some final statements left fans concerned about
the project's continuity.
During the interview, the producers expressed their
satisfaction with the anime's positive reception. Mikito Bizenjima
commented : « After the start of broadcast, the original manga
sold explosively, which I think is because the anime managed to spark interest
in learning more about the story. 'Sousou no Frieren' contains deep
themes, but it has become a work that can be enjoyed by a wide audience thanks
to the talent and effort of the team .
Shoichiro Taguchi added :
" What made us most happy was that many people enjoyed the
anime. Not only did it have high audience ratings, but it also remained
at the top of the rankings on streaming platforms both in Japan and abroad. The
soundtrack and Blu-ray were very popular, and the series became a work beloved
by many thanks to the efforts of the production committee companies .
Yuichiro Fukushi expressed his
relief upon hearing his colleagues' words and highlighted the team's enjoyment
of the production: " We were chosen as partners by both Shogakukan
and TOHO Animation, and hearing from my colleagues put me at ease. Many of the
team enjoyed working on this piece, and that was what made me most happy. Production
has reached a point of pause, but I look forward to the day when we can get
back on the road to Ende .
However, it was Mikito Bizenjima 's
final statement that raised concerns: " The original manga is
entering new development, so if there is a next time, we hope to be able to
work together again ." This phrase, interpreted by some fans
as a “ if there is a next time ”, has led to speculation about
the continuity of the animated series.
Japanese fans expressed their concern on
social media , with comments such as: “ Does
the phrase 'if there is a next time'... mean that there are no plans for now? I
hope they just can't talk for confidentiality reasons before the official
announcement! “. The fan community eagerly awaits official
news , hoping that the series will continue to explore the deep
stories and characters that have resonated so much with the audience:
- « Since
the ratings were not good, I don't think it will be possible to make a
second season with the same production team. The second season is likely
to be a low-budget anime series in the late-night block .
- « Could
it be that they don't have enough manga material? ».
- « They
easily have material for two 24-episode seasons, and the most popular
story, the Golden Land Arc, fits perfectly into that. It would not be
enough if they plan until a third or fourth season .
- « Lately,
there are many pauses and it is not being published regularly .»
- « It
will be difficult to maintain that quality. 'One Punch Man' also changed
studios in the second season and a drop in quality was noted .
- « I
have heard that in reality the delay is not the fault of the illustrator,
but of the original author. Even if they make an original anime story, I
don't want to watch it if the original author isn't involved. A story
about a top-level magician that I made up would be the worst .'
- " It's
not like they're not doing anything, for the company this is a business,
not a hobby ."
- « Could
it be happening like with 'Kemono Friends', where decisions were made
without anyone knowing? ».
- " The
Arc of the Golden Land should be a movie ."
- « I
hope that the long break is due to the production of a second season or a
movie... although I have no proof, that is what I wish. I like the same
director of 'Bocchi the Rock', so I have a dilemma about which one I want
them to do first .
- " It
was a success, but maybe it didn't make enough money compared to what was
invested, so there could be a change in strategy for the sequel ."
- " It
is likely that they will change directors ."
- " It's
difficult to sustain an anime with viral marketing alone for more than one
season ."
- " If
you don't broadcast it while it's at its peak, people will lose interest
if it goes on for too long ."
- « The
main series has been on hiatus for a long time. What are they doing? ».
Source: Yaraon!
