Talented up-and-coming animators: Part 1

 

Hokuto Sakiyama

One of those young animators whose work I’ve really come to appreciate is Hokuto Sakiyama [崎山北斗], a member of the “aho_boy brigade” like the Japanese fans tend to call Hiroshi Ikehata‘s associates. Sakiyama started out at Xebec M2, though it was his work as key animator on Studio Feel‘s “Nagasarete Airantou” that brought him to attention. Less noteworthy among his early jobs, yet still interesting is his work on Satelight‘s “Noein”, where he was responsible for inbetweening ryo-timo‘s key animation:

 

 

Jun Arai compared Sakiyama with Shinya Ohira with good reason since their approach is pretty much similar, namely stuffing countless frames into a single cut and ignoring model sheets in favor of superior expression. Sakiyama‘s drawings have some kind of unique vibe to them that makes it easy to spot his work, in this sense he’s certainly a charismatic animator. His trademark style is characterized by very rough and jagged lines and shapes plus fluid movements which make for an extremely interesting visual experience. Ufotable‘s company president Hikaru Kondou extensively praised him and reportedly tried to win him over, but Sakiyama still remained freelance even if he worked on ufotable‘s “Kara no Kyoukai”. Below some pictures from his most memorable work:

Shion no Oh #21 (2008)
9 cuts with 800 drawings

 

ef ~ a tale of melodies #6 (2008)

 

Macademi Wasshoi! #8 (2008)

 

And since still pictures can’t really capture the visual magnificence of his work, here’s a sequence that I think is the best representation of his style and talent (in all its 1080p glory if you wish):

 

ef ~ a tale of melodies #12 (2008)
10 cuts consisting of 3000 drawings

 

 

Staff in:
♦ Noein (2005-2006): In-betweening
♦ Ouran High School Host Club (2006): In-betweening #3
♦ Binbou Shimai Monogatari (2006): Key Animation #4
♦ Demonbane (2006): Key Animation #8
♦ Otome wa Boku ni Koishiteru (2006): Key Animation #1 #5 #6 #8 #9
♦ Nagasarete Airantou (2007): Key Animation OP (uncredited) #3 #6 #10 (uncredited) #13 # 17 #21 / Secondary Key Animation #1
♦ Seto no Hanayome (2007): Key Animation #7 #13
♦ Kotetsushin Jeeg (2007): Key Animation #9
♦ Kara no Kyoukai Movie 1 (2007): Key Animation
♦ Onegai My Melody Sukkiri (2007): Key Animation #39
♦ Bamboo Blade (2007-2008): Key Animation #12
♦ Shion no Ou (2007-2008): Key Animation #21
♦ The Tower of Druaga: the Aegis of Uruk (2008): Key Animation #11 (uncredited)
♦ Real Drive (2008): Key Animation #2
♦ Nijū-Mensō no Musume (2008): Key Animation #8
♦ Yakushiji Ryōko no Kaiki Jikenbo (2008): Key Animation OP #4 (uncredited)
♦ Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu (2008): Key Animation #4 (uncredited)
♦ Yozakura Quartet (2008): Key Animation #1
♦ Zettai Karen Children (2008-2009): Key Animation #27 #37
♦ Akane-Iro ni Somaru Saka (2008): Key Animation #2
♦ Kannagi (2008): Key Animation #2
♦ Ga-Rei -Zero- (2008): Secondary Key Animation #6
♦ ef ~ a tale of melodies (2008): Key Animation #6 #12
♦ Macademi Wasshoi! (2008): Key Animation #8
♦ Soul Eater (2008-2009): Key Animation #34
♦ The Tower of Druaga: the Sword of Uruk (2009): Key Animation #10
♦ Pani Poni Dash! DVD Special: Key Animation
♦ Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood: Key Animation #5