Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Wind Breakersets itself apart in the world of anime by focusing on the emotional depth and relationships between its characters, instead of being just another action-packed spectacle. Produced by CloverWorks,Wind Breakerresonates with viewers on a much deeper level due to the characters’ journey, personal growth, and bonds that often take center stage.
However, it seems like it’s not only the viewers who can relate to this; even the production team — including Yuichi Fukushima, executive officer and animation producer; Taishi Kawakami, character designer and animator; and Toshikazu Tsuji, general manager, and animation producer have shared their insights about what makesWind Breakerstand out; more than its flashy battles.
The Most Striking Element ofWind Breaker,According to the Animation Producer
During an interview withAnime TrendingduringAnime Expo 2024, Toshikazu Tsuji, general manager of CloverWorks and animation producer, remarked on one of the most unexpected and compelling elements ofWind Breaker: Kotoha’s character and her ability to ground the series with her wisdom.
While fans might initially be drawn to the anime’s street battles, it’s the emotional core and relatable characters like Kotoha that keep them hooked. In Tsuji’s own words,
So Wind Breaker is a fighting series! But for me personally, I really liked it when Kotoha showed up with her words and pearls of wisdom. I’m not sure how many people would agree with me on that, but she is someone that keeps me attached to the series.
According to Tsuji’s remarks,Wind Breakerdeviates from the conventional action anime approach, which usually centers around fights as the primary attraction. Rather, it strikes a balance between intense conflicts and slower, more introspective times. This contrast puts the story’s emphasis on emotional resilience, loyalty, and personal struggles rather than just physical clashes.
CloverWorks Might Have a Big Win on Its Side with Kagurabachi Author Takeru Hokazono Praising The Elusive Samurai
Moreover,CloverWorkshad a broader vision forWind Breaker. Yuichi Fukushima explained that the team wanted to create something that would resonate with female viewers as well, highlighting the emotional arcs of the characters rather than just their physical strength.
The Challenges Faced by the CloverWorks Team forWind Breaker
One of the main issues withWind Breaker‘s adaptationwas how to keep the combat feeling exciting without using over-the-top special effects or supernatural abilities. The battle scenes inWind Breakerare almost exactly like those in sports anime, with strategy, physicality, and realism taking importance over dazzling visuals, as both Taishi Kawakami and Yuichi Fukushima noted in the interview.
The production crew had to figure out how to make these fight scenes feel just as captivating as the extravagant action scenes that anime viewers are used to. Kawakami emphasized that it was difficult to keep the series’ quality consistent because of the excessive amount of action cuts, or scenes that changed between movements. However, the team put forth a great deal of effort to make every battle feel real and raw while keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Wind Breaker Kicks it Up a Notch with Only One Season as Fans Call it the “Better Version of Tokyo Revengers”
Another intriguing aspect discussed by Toshikazu Tsuji was the challenge of presenting the male characters in a way that would appeal to a wide audience. Since he was mostly used to female-centric projects, it initially posed an issue for him.
So for me, I’ve been doing a lot of female-leaning projects. Like it was mentioned, it is almost all men in Wind Breaker. My biggest challenge was how to make them look really cool, but make them go from kawaii to cool!
This transformation speaks to the duality of the series. On the surface,Wind Breakermay seem like a traditional Shonen, but beneath that, there’s an emotional complexity that allows the characters to evolve and grow. The team succeeded in balancing the visual appeal of the characters with their emotional arcs, creating well-rounded individuals that theaudiences could rootfor.
Wind Breakeris currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.
Moumita Chakraborty
Articles Published :931
Moumita Chakraborty is a seasoned Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 900 published articles. Passionate about the vibrant world of Japanese anime, she brings sharp analytical skills and cultural insight to every piece. From dissecting intricate plotlines to spotlighting the latest trends and releases, Moumita’s work resonates with both casual fans and seasoned otakus. Her writing aims to connect with fellow anime enthusiasts while contributing meaningfully to the ever-growing anime community.
