The hit picture book "Poupelle of Chimney Town," which moves adults to tears, is finally a movie! Original author Akihiro Nishino personally took on the roles of executive producer and screenwriter, while STUDIO4℃, with its overwhelming quality and world-building, handled the animation production. The voice cast includes Masataka Kubota, Mana Ashida, Shinosuke Tatekawa, and Eiko Koike, with HYDE performing the opening theme and rosalina the ending theme. In conjunction with the release, MEDICOM TOY will offer "Lubich's Hat" and "UDF Poupelle of Chimney Town." To commemorate the film's release on December 25th (Friday), we conducted an email interview with Akihiro Nishino about the movie. We invite you to read about the inspiration behind this winter's most moving film before heading to the theater.

In "Chimney Town," shrouded in thick smoke, no one even imagined that there was a "star" beyond the sky. A year ago, Bruno, the only one in town who spoke of the "star" through his paper-play, suddenly disappeared, and people whispered that he had been eaten by a sea monster. Lubich, Bruno's son, who quit school to work as a chimney sweep, was ostracized by the townspeople as a liar for continuing to believe in the "star" as his father taught him, leaving him all alone. But on Halloween night, a miracle occurred. Poupelle, a garbage-born garbage man, appeared before him, and the two became friends. What astonishing secret hidden in Chimney Town did they discover after running off together, believing in each other and in Lubich's father?

— "Poupelle of Chimney Town" is finally being released in theaters. The original picture book, published in 2016, became a bestseller with over 500,000 copies sold. Was the movie adaptation a project that was planned from the beginning? How do you feel now?

Nishino: We've prepared perhaps too thoroughly, so now I can't wait to show it to everyone as soon as possible.

— "Poupelle of Chimney Town" is a grand story told in 10 chapters, and the picture book depicted only a part of it. The movie is said to depict the mystery of Chimney Town's origin and the true protagonist, Bruno. How did the story expand from the initial concept to the finished script?

NishinoI've been laughed at for talking about my dreams and criticized for taking action. I'm sure there are people out there who have experienced the same thing as me, or are experiencing it right now... I wrote the script like writing a letter to them.

— What discussions did you have with STUDIO4℃, the animation production company, and director Yusuke Hirota?

NishinoIn the very first stage, I told them, 'Let's not resort to unconventional approaches. Let's create a mainstream, major work.'

— The original picture book features the memorable line, "Keep believing, even if you're alone." Could you tell us about the thoughts you put into this phrase?

NishinoIt's a message to myself from a time when I couldn't see the future and was struggling alone.

— We heard that Mr. Tatsuhiko Akashi, President and CEO of MEDICOM TOY, was deeply impressed by the script of "Poupelle of Chimney Town" and, even before granting approval, commissioned Le Reve, a hat specialty store in Hokkaido, to create "Lubich's Hat" and presented it to you.

NishinoI am honored that they made such a wonderful hat. I would be happy if we could continue to create things together in the future.

Lubich's Hat (Poupelle of Chimney Town)
Sizes: S: 57cm (55-57) / M: 59cm (57-59) / L: 61cm (59-61). Adjustable size with strap.
Price: ¥28,000 (excluding tax)
Production: Wakako Enkan (Le Reve)
Sales Method: Made-to-order production at MEDICOM TOY direct stores and all online stores.
Shipping Date: Scheduled to ship sequentially from December 2020.
*Shipping may be delayed without notice depending on the application period. We appreciate your understanding.
© Akihiro Nishino / "Poupelle of Chimney Town" Production Committee

— MEDICOM TOY is also releasing character figures. Could you tell us about the progress of these and your interest in figures?

NishinoThey are currently in full production. Someday, I want to create a life-sized figure of Poupelle from the movie.

UDF Poupelle of Chimney Town
Sizes: Approx. 90mm tall (Lubich) / Approx. 120mm tall (Poupelle)
Price: Lubich (Casual Wear) ¥1,500 (excluding tax) / Poupelle (Second Form) ¥2,000 (excluding tax)
Release Date: Scheduled for release in December 2020.
Retailers: MEDICOM TOY direct stores and all online stores, among others.
*The photo shows a sample under supervision. The actual product may differ.
© Akihiro Nishino / "Poupelle of Chimney Town" Production Committee

— What are your impressions of MEDICOM TOY?

NishinoA platform for expression.

— This is a question about merchandising. When "Star Wars" (1977) was being produced, director George Lucas was not satisfied with the director's fee offered by 20th Century Fox. As a result of negotiations, he agreed to acquire half of the merchandising rights for the film, which ultimately brought him immense wealth exceeding the film's revenue. In contrast, how do you envision the development of related merchandise for your own works?

NishinoI want to make it free material.

— Aside from "Poupelle of Chimney Town," what are you most excited about right now?

NishinoTwo months ago, I launched a project called "Kodomo Gift" to give picture books to children around the world every month. I hope this initiative will foster a culture of giving.

— You have several picture book projects in the pipeline. I understand that the picture book currently in production, "Ugly Marco ~The Flower That Bloomed in Chimney Town~," is set three years after "Poupelle of Chimney Town." For those eagerly awaiting it, could you share a little about what the story will be like?

NishinoIn the final scene of "Poupelle of Chimney Town," the rules of "Chimney Town," which had lasted for 250 years, change significantly. Marco, the protagonist of this story, loses his job due to this rule change. I've written a story about a kind monster. Please look forward to it.

Akihiro Nishino
Born in Hyogo Prefecture in 1980. Comedian and picture book author. His books include the picture books "Dr. Ink's Starry Sky Cinema," "Zip & Candy: The Robots' Christmas," "Music Box World," "Poupelle of Chimney Town," "Poncho the Bookshop Owner," and "Tick-Tock ~The Promised Clock Tower~"; the novel "Good Commercial"; and the business books "The Magic Compass," "Fanfare of Revolution," "Don't Associate with Fools" (co-authored with Takafumi Horie), "New World," and "New Magic Compass." All of his works have become bestsellers. His picture book "Poupelle of Chimney Town" has sold over 590,000 copies. He served as screenwriter and executive producer for "Poupelle of Chimney Town," scheduled for release on December 25, 2020. His crowdfunding campaigns have raised over 400 million yen. His online salon, "Akihiro Nishino Entertainment Research Institute," has over 70,000 members, making it the largest in Japan. He is engaged in various business and creative activities beyond his entertainment career.