A special opening-weekend stage greeting for the original anime film GROTESQQQUE (グロテスク) was held on November 7 at Shinjuku Wald 9 in Tokyo. Director Nishigori Atsushi appeared alongside the voice cast of the anthology’s second segment, “Yoroshiku Shojo (夜露死駆★少女)”: Minami Sarara as Stella, Hasegawa Ikumi as Nanashi, Asai Chika as Sword, Tomita Miyu as Shifon, and Kugimiya Rie as Poyomi.

Three Worlds in One Film

GROTESQQQUE is an original anime film in which Nishigori serves as director, screenwriter, and original character designer, with CloverWorks handling production. The film is an anthology of three self-contained segments — Ellyanz, Yoroshiku Shojo, and Nocturne ~On This Grotesque Night~ — each with a distinct visual world. Stage greetings ran across three days from the film’s opening day of November 6 through November 8, with today’s event spotlighting the Yoroshiku Shojo cast.

“If I Split Apart, You’d Get These Three Films”

Director Nishigori opened the event by admitting he was nervous, adding that after working on the project for so long, he felt a mixture of relief, excitement, and lingering anxiety now that it was finally in theaters. Minami Sarara, a self-described anime fan, said she was thrilled the film had opened on schedule but confessed to feeling overwhelmed being surrounded by veteran voice actors — joking, “I’m so sorry for just popping up out of nowhere.”

When Hasegawa Ikumi asked the director what was going on inside his head to produce three such wildly different segments, Nishigori quipped, “If you split me apart, you’d get these three films.” Asai Chika noted that the finished visuals were far more vivid and dazzling than what she had seen during recording, while Tomita Miyu praised the distinct color palettes of each segment, saying the film feels fresh no matter how many times you watch it.

Kugimiya Rie: “It Makes Your Heart Feel Cute”

Kugimiya Rie offered a heartfelt comment: “I got to see the brilliance, cuteness, strength, nobility, preciousness, and fragility unique to girls — every expression, in every possible form. It’s a work that makes your heart feel cute.” Nishigori jokingly credited THE iDOLM@STER for shaping his sensibilities, drawing laughs from the audience.

The director also opened up about his creative motivation: “I think people see me as someone who draws pretty girls, and that is one of my strengths. But someone close to me once told me, ‘You don’t just love idols — you want to be one,’ and that really clicked for me. I’m just a middle-aged guy, but I have deep respect and longing for cute, beautiful things that work hard. That’s why I wanted to make a film with girls like that.”

Recording in the Dark

Kugimiya recalled the recording sessions with a wry smile: “Honestly, I had no idea what was going on. The script was just a single sheet of paper, the visuals were nowhere near finished, and the only direction I got was ‘Just go for it with energy!'” Nishigori responded with an apologetic look: “Whenever I’m stuck, I always run crying to Kugimiya-san (laughs). Her voice carries such conviction. I’m sorry for always leaning on her so casually — she’s a real pillar of strength.”

The director also revealed that no auditions were held for the film. Instead, he cast each role by imagining which performer he most wanted to see inhabit that character, then asked everyone to go all-out. “I’m really glad each character came out sharp and distinctive in their own way,” he said.

Closing Messages

Wrapping up the event, Minami Sarara said with a smile, “Being here among such incredible people… I want this day to be one of my last memories before I die.” She urged fans to return to the theater multiple times, noting that each segment has its own unique charm. Director Nishigori closed by thanking the entire staff and cast, expressing his hope that the film would resonate with audiences, and asking viewers to spread the word.

Film Information

GROTESQQQUE is now showing nationwide in Japan.

Key Staff

• Director / Screenplay / Original Character Design: Nishigori Atsushi
• Planning & Produce: JOEN, Aniplex
• Animation Production: CloverWorks
• Distribution: ANIMEC
• Art Direction / Graphic Design: Arima Tomoyuki
• Editing: Mishima Akinori
• Sound Director: Yamaki Daiki
• Music Producer: Hasegawa Yosuke, Iwasaki Tetsuya

“Yoroshiku Shojo” Staff

• Episode Director: Miura Takahiro
• Character Design: tarou2
• Action Director: Hayashi Isao
• Color Design: Nakashima Kazuko
• CGI: sankaku

Cast

Ellyanz: Ichinose Kana, Hoshino Gen

Yoroshiku Shojo: Minami Sarara, Hasegawa Ikumi, Hayami Saori, Uchida Maaya, Asai Chika, Tomita Miyu, Okubo Rumi, Hikasa Yoko, Sugiyama Riho, Ohashi Ayaka, Kugimiya Rie

Nocturne ~On This Grotesque Night~: Inoue Nagi, Nakanishi Aruno, Ichinose Misora, Tomisato Nao (all of Nogizaka46)