�¡ Animation Kobe - Feature Award

"CARD CAPTOR SAKURA THE MOVIE"

�¡ Judge's Comment

Hello, I am [first name] Saito, editor in chief of Animedia magazine. This year's Feature Award went to Card Captor Sakura -- The Movie, and I probably don't even have to tell you why, as I think there must be enough fans of the film in the audience. Card Captor Sakura started out in 1998 as a TV series shown on NHK's satellite channel, and won such widespread support among animation fans and others that it was made into a feature-length movie. As you all know, its fans include everybody from little girls to really big boys, and the fact that it was made scrupulously without pandering to a cult audience was a big factor in the judges' decision. I really believe this outcome was the result of the entire production staff's hard work, and I'd like to offer my hearty congratulations!

�¡ Director Morio Asaka Comment

Hello, I am Morio Asaka, director of both the TV and feature film versions of Card Captor Sakura. The TV series, which we started working on 2-3 years ago, was my first job as a director, and in the beginning I was totally groping my way through it, but we had an excellent staff and the series really took off, finally being made into a feature film. As you know, the TV series is still going on, so we had to use what spare time we had in between to put the movie version together, and I was pretty nervous when we started production as the schedule just kept marching forward and it was all we could do to keep up. The production staff on the show also worked on the movie, and it's thanks to them we were able to win this award. We're really honored. I would like to accept this award as a member of the production staff, and on behalf of the entire staff. Thank you very much.