In July, the animated adaptation of A Certain Magical Index, produced by L.S Produ, premiered.
Since Lin Zhiyan wasn't personally directing the series, it couldn't be an exact replica of the original version from another timeline. However, as the project's planner and executive producer, he handpicked the supervising director, scriptwriter, and chief animation director. This level of involvement ensured a high standard of quality.
The light novel original was already immensely popular, and when combined with L.S Produ's exceptional production capabilities, the result was greater than the sum of its parts—a 1+1>2 effect. The outcome: Lin Zhiyan's company had another blockbuster anime hit.
Through this series, L.S Produ's prowess in adapting anime was further recognized by the industry.
Despite the meticulous care put into its production, L.S Produ's attention wasn't entirely focused on this single project.
While other animation projects continued to advance steadily, the team also took the lead in organizing a special concert dedicated to Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day.
Though called a "special concert," it wasn't just about singing. It also featured performances by the voice actors. Takahiro Sakurai, the voice of Atsumu Matsuyuki, was even forced to wear a Menma-style dress and wig, transforming into the character from the anime. He then performed a live voice-acting scene reenacting the moment Atsumu was caught disguised as Menma.
Following this, the voice actors of the main characters came together to perform a live voice-acting scene from the anime's final episode, "Finding Menma."
Finally, the voice actors of the three female characters sang the tear-jerking anthem "secret base ~Kimi ga Kureta Mono~" together.
The opening theme, "Blue Bookmark," was also performed, though it was performed at the very beginning of the concert.
Just as the anime was tear-jerking, the special concert brought many audience members to tears. Yet after the concert ended, the only lingering feeling among the audience was one of deep satisfaction.
In this animation, the voice actors for the main male characters were already well-established. Takahiro Sakurai needed no introduction, but Irino Miyu, the voice of the male lead Jinta Yadomi, had voiced Haku in Spirited Away back in 2001. Takayuki Kondo, the voice of Poppo, had also voiced Shuichiro Oishi in The Prince of Tennis in 2001.
In contrast, while the voice actors for the main female characters had all had lead roles before, their experience and the timing of their first lead roles paled in comparison, and their fame was less widespread.
Through Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day, the popularity and recognition of the three main female voice actors surged, significantly boosting their careers. As a result, they were deeply grateful to Lin Zhiyan, the driving force behind the creation of this animation.
Before the concert, some netizens suggested that Lin Zhiyan should also perform a song. He had only sung the theme song for Death Note very early in his career and had since focused solely on songwriting and composition, never performing again.
Moreover, although Lin Zhiyan sang the theme song for Death Note, he had never performed it in public.
If he could sing a song at this concert—even the opening theme, Blue Bookmark—his fans would be even more satisfied.
The proposal was so good that the actual organizers of the Anohana special concert approached Lin Zhiyan to see if he'd be interested in a performance. But Lin Zhiyan refused without hesitation.
Appearing in public was out of the question.
He hadn't even held a Project Announcement Conference, let alone perform at a concert.
The concert would go on just fine without him; there was no need to get involved in such a fuss.
After the Anohana special concert, Lin Zhiyan's involvement with the animation was essentially over. Winning awards would be nice, but it didn't matter if he didn't. After all, he no longer needed awards to gild his reputation.
As for the live-action drama adaptation, Fuji Television was handling that, and it had little to do with Lin Zhiyan. He had no need to concern himself with it.
Mid-August.
Inside the President's office at L.S Produ.
Naoko Yamada bowed deeply to Lin Zhiyan. "President, I look forward to your continued guidance."
"Likewise," Lin Zhiyan replied.
He gestured for Yamada to sit down and then briefed her on the details of K-On!.
He had previously sent her an invitation to become the Animation Director at L.S Produ, but hadn't received a response for a long time. This made him suspect that Kyoto Animation might have already found her an alternative project to replace K-On!, and he had almost given up on her, preparing to search for another director.
Then, just as he was about to look elsewhere, he finally received Yamada's reply. She explained that she had been considering the offer for a long time and apologized for the delay. She asked if they still needed a director, and if so, she could report to L.S Produ in mid-August. This led to the scene unfolding now.
Naoko Yamada wrestled with the decision to jump ship to L.S Produ for a long time. Kyoto Animation had treated her well, offering excellent benefits and, most importantly, a convenient commute. By all accounts, staying put would have been the most comfortable choice.
Yet, the most comfortable option isn't always the best one.
If she remained at Kyoto Animation, she didn't know when she'd get a chance to become a Supervising Director—or if she'd even keep her job. As a Director, she could be quite reckless, often causing trouble for the animation production team. With Kyoto Animation in a phase of rapid expansion in recent years, many had been "discouraged" from staying.
On the other hand, L.S Produ's compensation was even better than Kyoto Animation's.
She genuinely liked many of the animations this company produced, and the internal atmosphere—though she hadn't experienced it firsthand—was said to be excellent.
Moreover, she hadn't actively sought this position; she had been invited to serve as Supervising Director. In such circumstances, she should be highly valued.
The only concern was her youth and lack of experience as a Supervising Director. She was also a defector from Kyoto Animation, not someone who had risen through the ranks at L.S Produ. She worried that the internal Directors might resent her for snatching the Supervising Director opportunity, leading to friction and lack of cooperation, which could hinder her ability to perform steadily.
The opportunity was rare, but not without its concerns, which is why she felt so conflicted.
Later, her "senior" Tatsuya Ishihara noticed her turmoil. After learning the situation, he advised her that since the opportunity was rare, it was worth trying. If it didn't work out, she could always return to Kyoto Animation, as they didn't have any animation projects suitable for her to direct in the short term.
After receiving his advice, she wrestled with the decision for several more days before finally deciding to join.
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