While the CG-animated Magic Candies was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film — the first-ever Toei Animation work to be nominated — it lost to In the Shadow of the Cypress. Notably, Magic Candies is also the first collaborative work in about 20 years between Washio and director Daisuke Nisho, best known for also directing Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z and many of the franchise’s movie entries. Nonetheless, Washio seems to have taken the loss in stride, with a new desire to push forward on the global stage. “Toei Animation has not yet become well known around the world,” he said during the press conference per Mantan Web, stating that he originally participated in the film festival because he thought that taking part could “reach the world and lead to new work.”

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“I was inspired by participating,” Washio continued. “I would like to consider further developments that are more globally conscious.” The producer also revealed what he’d like to work on next, seemingly hinting that he isn’t looking to settle for the same projects he has been working on for most of his career. “Toei Animation’s network and works are well-known and are highly regarded worldwide. The important thing is how we take on challenges based on that,” he said. “I want to take on new challenges…Toei Animation has many works that have been running for a relatively long time. I think nurturing the next generation is also an important job. Getting them to take over the habit of watching anime. The challenge is to continue creating works that people think are new. We are still feeling our way around. I see this as a touchstone. It is important to move on to the next step. We have to make sure we keep building on it.”

Washio is perhaps best known for his work as a producer on the Pretty Cure series — currently the longest-running magical-girl series in anime history — so he is very well acquainted with Toei Animation’s long-term anime success. However, his words regarding the future fall in line with his desire to make more globally conscious works that could resonate with a worldwide audience. With this first near-success under Toei’s belt, it might be possible that the world will see a new side from the studio in the next handful of years, particularly if other Toei creators agree with Washio’s desire to expand the studio’s focus.

As of writing, Magic Candies is not yet available for streaming.

Source: Mantan Web