Renowned director Sunao Katabuchi has returned with a poignant new animated short titled Fukufuku no Chizu (Map of Fukufuku), produced for the Fukushima Prefecture variety magazine Fukushima Map. The official YouTube channel for Fukushima Prefecture has released the short film globally complete with English subtitles, offering international audiences a window into this artistic collaboration.
The narrative follows a French philosopher named Sophie who travels to Fukushima for a friend's wedding. Upon losing her way, she encounters a mysterious guide and a special map, leading her on an enlightening journey through the region. Through winding detours, Sophie discovers that the local landscape is deeply intertwined with generational culture and heritage. The short serves as the second major brand movie commissioned by the prefecture, following Kiyotaka Oshiyama's Aka no Kioku released in March 2025.
Katabuchi spearheaded the project at studio CONTRAIL, handling both direction and screenplay duties. He assembled a celebrated creative team from his acclaimed feature In This Corner of the World, including assistant director Chie Uratani, original character designer Fumiyo Kouno, and composer kotringo. Additional creative firepower includes character designer and animation director Izumi Seguchi (maboroshi) and art director Kiyomi Ōta (Princess Mononoke).
