Oyasumi, Baby

In the serene, snow-covered village of Komori, a young girl named Kokoro lives a quiet life with her grandfather. Her world is turned upside down when a mysterious, talking tanuki appears, claiming to be an ancient guardian of the forest. The tanuki reveals a looming threat to the village's delicate ecosystem, forcing Kokoro and her newfound companion on an unexpected journey to protect their home.

Oyasumi, Baby has been met with a warm reception, particularly praised for its heartwarming story and stunning visual animation. While some critics noted a predictable narrative arc, the film's emotional resonance and its exploration of environmental themes resonated positively with both audiences and reviewers.

• Visually enchanting animation that captures the beauty of nature.

• A touching story about courage, friendship, and environmental responsibility.

• The pacing may be slow for some, but the emotional payoff is significant.

Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly praised the film's beautiful animation and its touching story, highlighting the themes of environmentalism and the bond between the main characters. Some viewers found the plot a bit too simple, but the overall sentiment was highly positive, with many appreciating its gentle pace and heartwarming message.

Nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Tokyo Anime Awards.

The distinctive voice of the tanuki was inspired by traditional Japanese Noh theater performances, aiming for a blend of ancient resonance and modern expressiveness.