[Report] The first large-scale exhibition of the movie “Promare”, “THE MAKING OF PROMARE” opens at Ikebukuro PARCO! A special movie that can only be seen here is now available!

The exhibition "THE MAKING OF PROMARE" commemorating the 5th anniversary of the release of the movie "Promare" (2019) has opened at PARCO FACTORY on the 7th floor of Ikebukuro PARCO. The exhibition will run from Friday, February 21, 2025 to Monday, March 10, 2025.
I attended the press preview that was held earlier, so I'll report on the situation at the venue.

*This article contains images of the venue, so please be careful if you are worried about spoilers.

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The film "Promare" is an original animation work set 30 years after the unprecedented catastrophe "World Burning" occurred, triggered by the emergence of a race of flame-controlling mutants called "Burnish." Garo, a rookie member of the highly mobile anti-Burnish rescue fire brigade "Burning Rescue," and Rio, the leader of the Mad Burnish, a wanted group of flame-controlling terrorists, clash with each other's passionate spirits as they confront the threat of Earth's survival.

This is the first completely original animated film by director Hiroyuki Imaishi and screenwriter Kazuki Nakashima, the team behind the popular TV series Gurren Lagann (2007) and Kill la Kill (2013), and is a joint production between animation studios TRIGGER and XFLAG. It attracted attention for its star-studded cast, including Matsuyama Kenichi, Saotome Taichi, Sakai Masato, Kendo Kobayashi, and Furuta Arata, and its unusually long run saw it attract over one million viewers.

This exhibition will focus on the production process of the film "Promare," and will display a number of valuable materials unique to this work, which combines hand-drawn and 3DCG, such as proposals, rough sketches, image boards, storyboards, original drawings, and 3DCG footage.

The book is divided into chapters based on themes: "1. Pre-production," "2. Characters," "3. Mechanics," "4. Background," "5. Visuals," "6. Color," and "7. Director's Revision."

When we asked the person in charge of this exhibition about the highlights, he said that we should pay particular attention to the opening section , "1. Pre-production ." "1. Pre-production" introduces materials used until the outline of the film was solidified, such as sketches of early concepts and illustrations for proposals, and many of these materials are being shown for the first time.

It seems that from the initial concept, it was decided that a "battle between robots and organic lifeforms" would be a key element, but there were also many twists and turns, such as the main characters being a duo consisting of an elite police organization member and a self-made friend, and also some children wearing what appear to be school uniforms who look similar to Garo and Rio, making for very exciting and intriguing content.

It seems that there will be other materials being released for the first time besides "1. Pre-production," so not only casual fans like me who only enjoyed the movie, but also avid fans who have bought official books of production materials or visited exhibitions such as "The World of Imaishi Hiroyuki" in 2021 are sure to find something new to discover.

The "2. Characters" exhibit also includes materials that show how familiar characters have changed over time to arrive at their in-game designs, making it extremely interesting to see. Designs such as Garo, a mean-looking thug, and Mad Burnish, riding a dinosaur-like vehicle rather than a motorbike, have me thinking, "What kind of story would this have been?" In the movie "Promare," three shapes, "circle," "triangle," and "square," were chosen as the visual concept that runs throughout the entire work, and it would be interesting to look back on the character designs from that perspective.

In order to create a sense of exclusivity and heroism for the protagonist's robot, the Rio Degalon, which appears towards the end of the story, other robots such as the Rescue Mobile and Rescue Armor were designed as an extension of real heavy machinery and motorcycles. The background art emphasizes the colors and uses contrast to create a memorable finish that is unparalleled in other animations. Various techniques that attract the viewer are introduced, and you can once again experience the unique charm of the film "Promare."

Normally, animation is made by blending cels with backgrounds, adding effects and other filming processes, and then fixing the final image, but for the movie "Promare," an additional process was added, and it seems that they tried to express the overall flow of the film and the director's intentions through "color." In the "6.Color" exhibit, character designer Shigeto Koyama, who was in charge of finishing the film after shooting, showed a comparison video before and after giving instructions for the filming process. You can feel part of the attention to detail that is characteristic of this work, which positions "color" as an important element.

At the end of the exhibition, there will be a specially edited movie that can only be seen at this exhibition !

The content is a mix of the main footage, which is a compilation of memorable action scenes, storyboards, original animation, and storyboards. The attention to detail and passion that the production team poured into the story of the movie "Promare" is also condensed into this entertaining work. The main theme of the movie, "Inferno," plays in the background, and you will be filled with emotion and satisfaction by the time you finish watching the approximately 4 and a half minute video.

The merchandise section sells acrylic stands and T-shirts featuring the 5th anniversary illustrations, as well as cards with original illustration designs and badges with setting drawings. Many customers will be especially pleased with the products inspired by items that appeared in the story, such as the "Foresight Foundation Medal" (3,500 yen including tax) and "Pizza Plate" (3,800 yen including tax).

In addition, in front of the elevator on the 8th floor of Ikebukuro PARCO, there is a commemorative photo booth called ShaGoo!® where you can take photos like Purikura using the poster visuals of "Promare" and the 5th anniversary illustrations. Don't forget to check it out when you visit the venue.

[Installation location]
Ikebukuro PARCO 8th floor in front of the elevator
[Available hours]
11:00-21:00 *18:00 on the last day
【Fee】
700 yen per time (tax included) / 4 types in total
*Only one type can be selected per shooting.
*Available regardless of whether you have admission to the exhibition or not.
*Scheduled to be installed only at the Ikebukuro venue.

"THE MAKING OF PROMARE" is a must-see exhibition for fans. After touring the exhibition, I wanted to watch the movie again as soon as possible. If you are even slightly interested, I recommend you go and see it.

©TRIGGER・Kazuki Nakashima／XFLAG

■ Overview of "THE MAKING OF PROMARE Exhibition (Ikebukuro)"

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