News On Japan

Iconic 'Spirited Away' Scene Recreated By Hand

TOKYO, Feb 01 (News On Japan) - A video that recreates a famous scene from "Spirited Away" is becoming a hot topic on social media. It captures the moment when the protagonist, Chihiro, has her name taken away by the witch Yubaba, but here’s the twist: there’s no CG or editing involved. The video was shot using only "rubber, magnets, and gravity."

The creator is a system engineer in his 50s who previously made parody videos using CG. He thought it would be interesting to attempt a live-action version. However, it turned out to be a series of trial and error.

Initially, he tried cutting out rubber sheets to make the letters fly but ended up scattering them randomly. The solution? Connecting the letters with transparent sewing thread.

But the real challenge began there. According to the engineer, ensuring the letters separated at the same time was the hardest part. To achieve the desired effect, he attached magnet sheets behind the magnet letters on a board, playing with the magnetic force's intensity to mimic the ideal separation.

After one and a half months of preparation, the shooting day arrived. At a local park, after repeatedly launching the letters and reaching his concentration limit, he finally succeeded on the 35th attempt.

The high-quality finish has garnered praise for its creativity and ingenuity, demonstrating that with enough perseverance, even the most enchanting film moments can be brought to life without the need for digital effects.

Source: FNN

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

The economic policy bannered by Prime Minister Takaichi as “Sanaenomics” is beginning to take shape, with expectations centering on lower gasoline prices and the restart of electricity and gas subsidies even as critics say the program’s substance remains unclear and insufficiently developed; framed as a successor to Abenomics with greater emphasis on growth strategy, the plan raises questions about what will change in people’s daily lives and how the administration intends to run policy behind the scenes.

As of 3 p.m. on November 5th, a tropical depression over the sea near the Caroline Islands was slowly moving northward, with the Japan Meteorological Agency forecasting that it would develop into a typhoon within the next 24 hours. Once it forms, it will be designated as Typhoon No. 26.

Emergency contraceptive pills, used to prevent unintended pregnancies, are set to become available over the counter in Japan as early as by the end of this fiscal year, marking a major shift after nearly a decade of debate.

The number of U.S. military personnel arrested for criminal offenses in Okinawa has reached 77 so far this year, already surpassing the record total for all of 2024 as of the end of September.

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare plans to introduce a new system starting in June 2027 that will, in principle, deny changes or renewals of residence status for foreign residents who fail to pay their national health insurance premiums despite repeated requests for payment.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Entertainment NEWS

In the upcoming Episode 4 titled "The Swordsman of Destiny" of the anime series Monster Strike Dead Birth Reloaded, the long-absent Masamune makes his return. In this preview, the character’s reappearance is accompanied by encouragement for Osama, urging him to fulfill his duties as acting Minister of Defense with the same dedication shown by Masamune.

The sound of classical music echoed along Naha’s Kokusai Street when the Ryukyu Symphony Orchestra held a surprise outdoor performance, drawing loud applause from passersby.

Set sail for adventure! Go behind the scenes with the Straw Hats and creators of One Piece S2 as they prepare to enter the Grand Line. (Netflix Anime)

At just 15, Rino, a third-year junior high school student from Kansai, has spent the past two years chasing her dream of becoming a K-pop idol. Inspired by her brother Keita, a member of the Korean boy group EVNNE, she has been training intensively in dance and language in hopes of debuting in South Korea rather than Japan.

The recipients of this autumn’s Medals of Honor have been announced, with film director Junji Sakamoto, known for works such as 'A Chorus of Angels,' received the Medal with Purple Ribbon, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the fields of art, culture, and sports.

The symbolic Atom statue that stood atop the Pasona Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo has been removed, marking the next step in the relocation of its exhibits to Awaji Island.

In this video, we have a look at the 1883 dance-drama Ibaraki, created by Kawatake Mokuami resembling the style of the noh theatre. (Kabuki In-Depth)

Kao’s long-running shampoo brand “Merit” has captured wide attention with its television commercial titled “Family, Love, and Merit,” which has now surpassed 3 million views online. The ad, rendered in a soft illustration style and set to Ringo Sheena’s song “Theory of Happiness,” has been praised on social media for its emotional impact and relatable message about everyday family life.