Anibar is hosting an extraordinary conversation with two legendary figures in Japanese animation: Daisuke Nishio and Takashi Washio, the creative duo behind Magic Candies, a heartwarming and imaginative film that bridges generations through fantasy, longing, and transformation.
This rare Q&A session will offer a glimpse into the creative process and long-standing legacy of Toei Animation, the iconic Japanese studio that has shaped the global anime industry for over six decades. From the studio that brought us timeless series like Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, and One Piece, Toei Animation represents a treasure chest of storytelling that has captured hearts worldwide,including those of young generations in Kosovo who grew up watching their dubbed series on local television.
Daisuke Nishio and Takashi Washio will reflect on their collaboration on Magic Candies, explore the evolving language of anime, and share stories from their long journey inside one of the world’s most influential animation studios.
Whether you are a longtime fan or a new admirer of Japanese animation, this session is a perfect chance to ask the questions you’ve always wanted answered.
Magic Candies
The other kids at the park never ask Dong-Dong to play. That’s ok. He’s fine just playing marbles on his own. One day, he buys a bag of colorful candies instead of new marbles. The first time he pops one of them into his mouth, his old sofa starts talking to him. The two share an unexpected conversation before the sweet melts away. As it happens, the people, animals, and objects in Dong-Dong’s life have a lot to say. With each candy, he discovers new voices and perspectives, including his own.
Director of Magic Candies: Nishio Daisuke
Nishio Daisuke joined Toei Douga (now Toei Animation) in 1981 as the first trainee. Nishio debuted as a director for ‘Dr. Slump: Arale-chan, Episode 128 Torn Between Justice and Love.’ Nishio also collaborated with the famous Japanese manga artist Matsumoto, Leiji in Daft Punk’s One More Time music video and the Interstella 5555 animation. He continued to create a stream of hit animations, including ‘Dragon Ball Z, The Kindaichi Case Files, and We Are Pretty Cure.’ Nishio is known for his dynamic action and combat scenes. However, he is also exceptional and passionate about depicting detailed portrayals of delicate emotions. At the height of his career as one of Japan’s top animation directors, Nishio unexpectedly suffered a long-term illness. After a 10-year hiatus, he has returned to animation. Joining forces with Washio Takashi, the producer of Toei Animation, and Sato Naoki, the music director, Pretty Cure’s team from twenty years ago, Nishio has chosen ‘Magic Candies’ as his comeback project. Nishio’s more profound level of soul-searching and understanding of life is delicate and beautifully reflected in this heartwarming story.
Executive Producer of Magic Candies: Takashi Washio
Born in Akita, Japan in 1965, Takashi Washio studied Law at Keio University. After working for an educational publishing company and as a news reporter for a TV station, he joined Toei Animation in 1998 and debuted as a producer with MR. MUSCLEMAN SECOND GENERATION. In 2004, he launched PRETTY CURE with Daisuke Nishio. His other representative works include Butt Detective, Thriller Restaurant, THE SUPERNATURAL SWEET SHOP, and Toriko.
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