Movies - The concierge : Yoshimi Itazu's Anime Marvel Set to Enchant North American Theaters in 2024

By Mulder, 05 october 2023

Production I.G, the illustrious animation studio celebrated for its groundbreaking contributions to the anime industry, proudly announces the world premiere of Le Grand Magasin, an enchanting anime film directed by the exceptionally talented Yoshimi Itazu. This cinematic masterpiece, adapted from Tsuchika Nishimura's manga La concierge du grand magasin, made its debut at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival on June 12, 2023.

The Concierge unfolds in a fantastical world where animals are the exclusive patrons of a unique department store. Directed by Yoshimi Itazu, known for his work on Miss Hokusai, the film artfully blends wonder with societal commentary. Drawing inspiration from the works of Japanese animation legends such as Hayao Miyazaki and Satoshi Kon, The Concierge addresses pressing issues of species protection and human-animal dynamics.

The film dazzled audiences at its world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, capturing the hearts of viewers with its captivating narrative and stunning animation. Following this triumph, The Concierge was released in Japan on October 20, 2023, under the Aniplex banner.

Anime enthusiasts in North America can anticipate the film's arrival in 2024, as Crunchyroll, a prominent streaming platform, plans to screen The Concierge in theaters across the continent. The film's unique storyline and visual splendor promise an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.

Based on Tsuchika Nishimura's manga, The Concierge follows the journey of Akino, an apprentice concierge in a truly special store where all customers are animals. As Akino navigates her way through the whimsical world of the Hokkyoku Grand Magasin, she encounters a diverse array of clients, each with their own unique demands and challenges.

The film cleverly intertwines a delightful narrative with a critical examination of the human-animal relationship. While embodying the whimsical spirit of childhood, The Concierge carries a profound message about the exploitation of animals, shedding light on the alarming rate of species extinction over the past centuries.

The characters in The Concierge add depth and charm to the narrative, ranging from the endearing apprentice concierge Akino to the Very Important Animals (V.I.A) - extinct or endangered species seeking satisfaction within the confines of the grand store. Each character presents Akino with challenges that go beyond the ordinary, creating a rich tapestry of experiences for both the characters and the audience.

Clients of the Grand Magasin include Madame Opossum, M. Furet and the Ninoxes Rieuses, the couple of Peacocks, the Visons de mer family, M. Woolly, the Wolf of Honshû, M. Lion de Barbarie, the Pastry Chef Cat, the Tropical Seal, and the caring Mother Parrot. Their stories unfold in unexpected ways, offering a mix of challenges, surprises, and heartfelt moments.

Born in 1980 in the Prefecture of Gifu, Yoshimi Itazu is a multifaceted talent in the animation industry. He joined the renowned studio Gallop at the age of 18 and later collaborated with Madhouse. Notably, Itazu worked closely with the legendary Satoshi Kon on projects such as Paranoia Agent and Paprika. His directorial debut, Le Grand Magasin, showcases his diverse skills as a director, animator, character designer, and storyteller.

The Concierge is not just an anime film; it's a captivating journey that seamlessly weaves fantasy with societal critique. As it continues to enchant audiences around the world, Production I.G reinforces its status as a trailblazer in the animation industry. Prepare to be spellbound by the magic of The Concierge as it graces the screens, inviting audiences to explore a world where the extraordinary becomes ordinary, and the bonds between humans and animals take center stage.

Synopsis :
Akino is the apprentice concierge at a very special department store: the customers are all animals. Big or small, furry or feathered, Akino works hard to satisfy all their requests... even the most surprising.

The concierge (Hokkyoku Hyakkaten no Concierge-san)
Directed by Yoshimi Itazu
Written by Satomi Ohshima
From the Tsuchika Nishimura’s manga
Starring original voices :Natsumi Kawaida, Takeo Ōtsuka, Nobuo Tobita, Megumi Han, Natsumi Fujiwara, Eiji Yoshitomi, Jun Fukuyama, Yûichi Nakamura, Kenjirō Tsuda
Music by Tofubeats
Cinematography : Kôji Tanaka
Edited by Jun'ichi Uematsu
Production companies : ADK, Aniplex, KDDI Corporation, Production I.G., Tohan Company
Distributed by Crunchyroll (United States), Art House (France)
Release date : October 20 2023 (Japan), November 22 2023 (France)
Running time : 70 minutes