Shinji Kimura is a Japanese illustrator. He worked in many animated projects as art director and scene designer including Tekkonkinkreet(2006) and Steam Boy (2004). I was amazed by the detail of the scene design in Tekkonkinkreet(2006) when I was watching this animation for the first time. I like the use of color which is vintage and colorful. Everything is well-defined as if he created his world with his visual style and added so many creative elements.
In Tekkonkinkreet(2006), the story is about two boys called Shiro and Kuro they use their way to live in a crowded town where is full of gangster and kids who doesn’t have home and parents to take care of them. Shinji Kimura gave this animation a really strong visual impression, most of the scenes are bright and high saturated which creates childish and pleasure feeling. However, the story is all about how Shiro and Kuro fight against other children and adults to survive in this town. Shinji Kimura‘s illustrations and the story described even we are living in a world which seems prosperous and peaceful, there is still some of us is struggling with how do they survive in this world.
Last but not least, I would like to recommend others to watch this amazing animation. It is very different from other Japanese animates and I found that it is so inspiring.
Lily Lai
ANIM223 - HISTORY OF ANIMATION - FALL 2019 