Makeine's director spoke about waifus

The series "Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!" has attracted attention this summer for its unique focus on heroines who, despite their efforts, fail to keep the protagonist. In a recent interview with Shotaro Kitamura, director of the anime, details were revealed about the production, the development of the characters and how these girls, despite not being romantically successful, manage to stand out for their unique charms. Kitamura, known for his work on "Kaguya-sama: Love is War" and "Overtake!", makes his directorial debut on this project, a task he has tackled with great dedication and care.

Kitamura's first impression of history

When Kitamura was invited to work on the adaptation, he admitted that at first he didn't understand why he was asked to direct a series that seemed to be centered around a "cute and feminine" story. However, after reading the original light novels, he was fascinated with the depth of the characters and the unique perspective they offered. "It contained deep characters and a perspective that doesn't usually come up in novels, which I found quite interesting," he explained. This led him to dive headfirst into the project, determined to create something that would resonate emotionally with the audience.

Kitamura shared details about the three main characters, Anna Yanami, Lemon Yakishio, and Chika Komari, and how they each bring a different kind of "kawaii" to the story. Lemon Yakishio is the first to be mentioned, and the director especially recommended episode two for fans of this character. "I love the scene when Kazuhiko Nukumizu pushes her. Thanks to the skills of our character designer, Tetsuya Kawakami, his facial expressions as he fell came out brilliantly," he commented. Lemon stands out for her energetic personality and expressions, which makes her one of the most memorable characters.

Anna Yanami, on the other hand, is "adorable because of how lively her expressions can be," according to the director. Kitamura hopes audiences will think, "What's wrong with him?" when they see his comedic entrance in the series. His relationship with Nukumizu begins in an eventful way, but throughout the series it develops in an endearing way.

Finally, Chika Komari brings a different dimension to the trio of heroines. "Komari is different from the other heroines as she takes a new step in her life after ending her relationship on her own," Kitamura revealed. Unlike Yanami and Lemon, who seek support in Nukumizu, Komari stands out for her decision to take charge of her life, which makes her a character worthy of admiration.

The challenge of the losing heroines in a romantic comedy

Kitamura also talked about the challenges of directing a romantic comedy that focuses on heroines who don't "win" in the traditional sense. By collaborating with screenwriter Masahiro Yokotani, they ensured that while the series has serious moments, it "ultimately makes you laugh." The key was to make the audience fond of the characters and their relationships, something they achieved by delving into the individual stories of each heroine. Kitamura stressed that while each episode features some sort of conclusion, the important thing was to portray a "joyful nostalgia" that would keep viewers emotionally connected to the characters and their surroundings.

Kitamura also recommended some of his favorite moments from the series. One of them was the fireworks scene in episode four, in which he collaborated with cinematographer Yohei Miyawaki. The director stated that this episode shows "the beauty of the effects used in this project" and "the beautiful backgrounds." He also suggested that viewers revisit this episode to fully appreciate the artwork.

As the series progresses, Kitamura promises that each heroine will be explored more thoroughly, and that viewers can expect episodes loaded with emotional impact. In addition, the director invites fans to put themselves in the shoes of Nukumizu, who, despite being an observer of the losing heroines, also develops a connection with them throughout the story.

"Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!", with its unique focus on heroines who fail to achieve romance, has managed to stand out for its emotional depth and adorable cast. Under Kitamura's direction, the series not only offers comedic moments, but also a nostalgic reflection on heartbreak and summers gone by, making viewers feel deeply connected to their characters.

Source: Comic Newtype