'RWBY' had become a phenomenon-level work in Western circles. Almost everyone who enjoyed movies or animation had, to some extent, come across information related to the film. However, although overseas media hailed 'RWBY' as the second work to change the course of animation history, its reception in Japan was rather lukewarm.
Those who liked it absolutely loved it and actively discussed the work online, while those uninterested truly paid no attention to it whatsoever.
This reaction was also within Kamiyā Yuu's expectations.
At its core, Japan's entertainment culture had always been somewhat peculiar. In his previous world, there had been countless examples of globally successful films flopping miserably at the Japanese box office. Even 'League of Legends,' the game that sparked a worldwide esports craze, had turned into little more than a playground for overseas players in Japan.
In addition, a major reason was that 'RWBY' had only been streamed on the 'Fakebook' website and had not officially entered theaters worldwide. In terms of fame, influence, and commercial value, it still ultimately fell short of those top-tier animated films.
Kamiyā Yuu, however, was already satisfied.
Western media continued showering 'RWBY' with praise, and unless something unexpected happened, it would likely sweep every animation-related award across Europe and America for quite some time to come. Based on that alone, calling Kamiyā Yuu a world-famous animation director would not be an exaggeration.
Compared to the explosive discussions taking place across Western internet communities, the staff of 'Yosuganosora' Animation Studio did not display much excitement after celebrating for a while. Most of them lacked any real sense of accomplishment. Discussions about 'RWBY' were rare on Japanese internet forums, newspapers and television offered no related coverage, and even though some professional review sites highly praised the film, it still failed to attract much mainstream attention.
As Miyauchi Ema put it:
"It feels like we made a blockbuster animated film that nobody talks about."
As a side note, the bonuses Kamiyā Yuu distributed to the staff of 'Yosuganosora' Animation Studio that month all started at around one million yen, greatly reducing that illusion and making them realize they truly had created a hit animated film worthy of such enormous rewards.
After the three-day break ended, all upper management members of 'Yosuganosora' Animation Studio convened for an official meeting.
"Yuu, are we really going to abandon the 3D animation field and start making 2D animation instead? No matter how I think about it, it makes no sense. Even if we're targeting overseas markets, with our current capabilities, we could easily become a top-tier animation film studio."
Yūki Chinatsu, who looked like a little girl, bit tightly on the lollipop in her mouth as she spoke seriously. Kamiyā Yuu's decision would affect her, the 3D Director, more than anyone else. Or rather, once this decision was made, the company's core focus would no longer revolve around the 3D department.
Placing both hands on the table, Kamiyā Yuu smiled and replied, "To be precise, we're not abandoning it. We're shifting the company's development focus toward 2D animation. The 3D department will still play a major role."
"But..." Yūki Chinatsu hesitated.
Kamiyā Yuu waved his hand and explained, "I know what you want to say, Chinatsu. This kind of development plan looks like drinking poison to quench thirst—throwing away a watermelon to pick up sesame seeds. With our current technology, becoming a world-class animation production company would be effortless."
He paused before continuing.
"But Chinatsu, have you thought about why I never publicly released the software used to produce this 3D animation? That's also the reason why I plan to shift the company's focus toward the 2D field."
Sitting upright nearby, Uehara Etsuki slightly raised her head and chuckled toward Yūki Chinatsu.
"Chinatsu, don't you already understand Kamiyā-kun's personality?"
Morishita Aoi calmly added, "This is Yuu's decision."
Yūki Chinatsu puffed out her cheeks and fell silent for a while. Then she suddenly shouted unwillingly:
"Ahhh~! So annoying! So annoying! Fine, I get it! I agree, okay!? But Yuu, you have to promise me that even if the company focuses on 2D animation, you absolutely must not underestimate the importance of 3D animation!"
By the end of her words, her round eyes had already brought out a girl's most lethal weapon—tears glistening at the corners.
Her unwilling yet forced acceptance, along with the aggrieved expression she wore while holding back tears, made Kamiyā Yuu feel as though he were bullying a child.
Smiling gently, he comforted her softly.
"Don't worry. The 3D department will always remain one of the company's core pillars."
That was not a lie either. From his previous world, he knew that 3D would eventually become the dominant global trend, especially once VR technology matured and pushed 3D technology to its peak. Within the animation industry, 2D animation has long become inseparable from support from the 3D field.
"Aoi."
After Kamiyā Yuu gave the order, Morishita Aoi, standing behind him with an indifferent expression, distributed stacks of documents to the other members.
"These are the rough concepts and work assignments for our next animation project. Everyone can review them first. If you have any opinions, feel free to bring them up at any time. Unless something unexpected happens, official production should begin in early June."
Still pouting in displeasure, Yūki Chinatsu looked through the proposal for a while. Only after noticing that many sections required 3D animation did her expression gradually relax.
Then she read the project title aloud.
"'Magical Girl Nanoha'?"
...
"We've already negotiated with the building owner regarding the office building. He's willing to sell the entire building to us for 120 million yen. Compared to office buildings in similar locations, that's about ten percent cheaper. In addition, the prepaid rent and renovation budget can both be deducted from the purchase cost."
"As for expanding the company structure, among the animation production personnel we invited, roughly eighty percent are willing to join after learning that we're the production studio behind the 'RWBY' animated film. We can begin entrance evaluations for them the day after tomorrow."
"All the equipment and devices required for the Key Animation Department, Animation Department, Art Department, Photography Department, Production Department, and Directing Department have already been purchased. They should all arrive within this week."
Morishita Aoi handed file after file from her arms to Kamiyā Yuu for review. All of them concerned the development plans of 'Yosuganosora' Animation Studio.
With ample financial backing, Kamiyā Yuu intended to grow fat in a single bite. Within this month, he planned to develop 'Yosuganosora' Animation Studio into a large-scale animation production company rivaling Kyoni Animation Co., Ltd., and officially begin production of 'Magical Girl Nanoha' next month.
With sufficient funding support, this approach was not particularly difficult.
At the peak of almost every industry, profits seemed to rely on squeezing those at the bottom. Japan's animation industry was no exception. In modern Japan's high-pressure society, becoming an officially employed animator was a dream opportunity for both graduates and unemployed workers unable to find jobs.
Combining those two factors, the Japanese animation industry never lacked talented people eager to join a company.
Where there was money, there would be manpower.
And with manpower, what difficulties could not be solved?
After reviewing the documents, Kamiyā Yuu looked at Morishita Aoi sitting formally before him and said softly:
"Aoi, then I'll be relying on all of you this month. Most of the funds will arrive next month, so let's accomplish as much as we can during this month."
Morishita Aoi's gaze froze slightly, as though she were considering something important.
"Aoi?"
Hearing Kamiyā Yuu's voice, Morishita Aoi returned to her senses. Without leaving any trace, she shifted her gaze away and avoided eye contact with him as she replied calmly:
"It's part of my responsibilities. I'll do my best."