In This Corner of the World (この世界の片隅に Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni) is a 2016 Japanese animated wartime drama film produced by MAPPA, co-written and directed by Sunao Katabuchi,[6][7] featuring character designs by Hidenori Matsubara and music by Kotringo.[8] The film is based on the manga of the same name written and illustrated by Fumiyo Kōno.[9][10] It premiered in Japan on November 12, 2016.[11] Animatsu Entertainment has licensed the film for global distribution,[12][13] while Shout! Factory has acquired the distribution rights for North America, with a U.S. theatrical release to take place in August 11, 2017, co-released by Funimation Films.[14]

The film is set in the 1930s-1940s in Hiroshima and Kure in Japan, roughly 10 years before and after the atomic bomb, but mainly in 1944-45. In the film, nature and traditional culture in Japan are clearly described and contrasted with the cruel and irredeemable scenes brought by the war. Though it is a fictional account, the episodes and background of the story are based on facts and real incidents researched by the production staff[15]. In the film, the lost townscape of pre-war Hiroshima, damaged by the atomic bombing in Hiroshima, is accurately revived in the scenes, following old photos, documents, and the memories of living people.

In This Corner of the World is a beautiful animated film telling the story of a common woman living in the hills surrounding Hiroshima during WWII. This overlooked point of view provides an oblique perspective that illuminates the civilian experience of war. The soft watercoloresque style is unquestionably a world class work of art that embraces the natural world it portrays. The story slowly gathers the viewer into its unfamiliar slice of life, making you feel welcome in this specific time and place. I look forward to director Sunao Katabuchi's (assistant director of Kiki's Delivery Service) next film. *A+*