“The ‘flatness’ found in Chinese ink-wash painting and Japanese Ukiyo-e is an aesthetic the East truly excels at,” says renowned Japanese animation director Shuhei Morita. He believes that this unique Eastern 2D symbolism could become a shared language for animators in China and Japan, fostering deeper collaboration between the two countries.
Morita, best known for his Oscar-nominated short film Possessions (2013) and directing the first two seasons of the anime series Tokyo Ghoul (2014), recently opened up about his passion for creation and his journey into the animation industry in an exclusive interview.
Discussing the potential of Eastern art styles in modern animation, Morita emphasized, “This distinctive aesthetic is not just a tradition but a bridge that can connect our creative worlds.” He advocates for embracing traditional 2D art forms to create animation that resonates on a deeper cultural level.
By leveraging the shared artistic heritage, Morita envisions a new era where Chinese and Japanese animators collaborate to produce works that highlight their common roots while appealing to global audiences. “It’s about finding unity in our expressions and telling stories that transcend borders,” he added.
