Kazumi Akio, director, and Takanori Matsuoka, producer at PONY CANYON, discuss the journey behind adapting the popular light novel Loner Life in Another World into an anime. They share their personal connection to the story, insights into the production process, and the unique elements that set this isekai apart from others.
Official Trailer:
Could you please just introduce yourselves?
Kazumi Akio: I am Akio Kazumi, director.
Takanori Matsuoka: I am a producer of anime and music at PONY CANYON.
Could you talk about how this anime project started?
Takanori Matsuoka: I originally liked and read the original novel, so I was familiar with it. At the same time, I met the person who was also interested in the project, and that led to discussions about turning it into an anime, which is how the project was launched.
What was your impression of the Loner Life in Another World light novel series?
Kazumi Akio: It was very easy to read and had an exciting appeal. The characters were also charming, and I could relate to Haruka.
Takanori Matsuoka: It’s incredibly easy to read, and I can get through it all at once! And, the characters are so charming!!! I keep thinking, ‘I wonder what Haruka will do next?’ as I eagerly read on!
What storytelling techniques did you use to make the story captivating and dynamic in the anime format?
Kazumi Akio: We paid attention to scene transitions, dialogue, and the pacing of the editing.
Takanori Matsuoka: Since there are many scenes with Haruka’s monologues, I wanted to ensure that the pacing in those moments was smooth and kept the audience from getting bored.
How did you go about choosing the visual style and animation to reflect the anime’s unique atmosphere?
Kazumi Akio: We focused on highlighting the differences between Haruka and his classmates, stemming from the theme of ‘being a loner’.
What sets Loner Life in Another World apart from other isekai in terms of production?
Kazumi Akio: We focused on the theme of ‘being a loner’ in our production. The protagonist, Haruka, solves challenges by using his own ingenuity rather than fighting as part of a group. Keeping that in mind, we paid close attention to the dialogue and scene transitions. These aspects might set it apart from other works.
Could you talk about the process behind gathering the creative staff and the team for Loner Life in Another World?
Takanori Matsuoka: Previously, I worked with Passione as the PR person on the anime ‘Rokka -Braves of the Six Flowers-‘ and ‘RAIL WARS!’, and we had been discussing the possibility of collaborating on a production this time. The timing of those discussions coincided perfectly with this project, and since Passione also showed interest in it, we decided to work together.
For those who aren’t familiar with Loner Life in Another World, how would you describe the show and its premise?
Kazumi Akio: Haruka suddenly finds himself transported to another world, where he navigates life alone using his ingenuity. His classmates rely on him, even though he actually wants to live alone but can’t help but lend a hand. I believe you’ll definitely relate to the uniquely charming character of Haruka.
Takanori Matsuoka: Many works are motivated by the goal of returning to the real world or defeating the root of evil in another world, but it’s quite innovative to have a story focused on living a leisurely loner life in another world! However, along the way, the characters end up getting involved in battles, friendships, and romance… so it’s packed with hardcore fantasy elements!
Could you share some final thoughts for fans eagerly anticipating the premiere of the anime?
Kazumi Akio: Enjoy your ‘loner’ life while watching, everyone! And be careful not to overeat mushrooms!
Takanori Matsuoka: Haruka can’t stay all alone forever, of course. With so many classmates around, he inevitably gets caught up in all sorts of situations. Some might think, just from the title, that this is a kind of laid-back isekai life anime, but rest assured, it’s packed with battles, friendship, romance (!?), and comedy!! It’s full of different elements, so I’d be thrilled if you could watch it! Thank you for your support.
Key Visual:
The light novel series, created by Shoji Goji and published by Overlap, currently spans 14 volumes and was first released in January 2018. The manga adaptation, which launched in January 2019, has reached 19 volumes so far. Seven Seas publishes the light novel in English, while Kaiten Books releases the manga.
HIDIVE describes Loner Life in Another World as follows:
After getting isekai’d into another world with his entire high school class, “God” offers Haruka and his peers their choice of special powers so they can become fantasy heroes. But Haruka accidentally missed the power selection period, and now he’s stuck with the leftover abilities his classmates refused to take! Seemingly underpowered, he makes use of his unwanted skills to live a (surprisingly comfortable) life as a lone wolf…but his classmates soon learn their “superior” abilities aren’t as great as they’re cracked up to be, and Haruka may have to come to their rescue using ingenuity, creativity, and the leftover powers his classmates once snubbed.
© Shoji Goji, OVERLAP / Loner Life Production Committee
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