Interview with Mamoru Hosoda on BELLE’s Success, Design Secrets, and Overseas Release

Earning 5.8 billion JPY (approximately 51 million USD) at the box office, BELLE, the latest Mamoru Hosoda film, has been a massive success. Showcasing the inhibitions of the modern generation, this story of a girl from Kochi prefecture’s countryside who becomes a songstress on the internet and makes many personal strides has captured the hearts of many.

BELLE shows off new techniques that Mamoru Hosoda was willing to try. For example, the world of U, where BELLE, the protagonist Suzu’s avatar, exists, utilizes CG animation, portraying the duality of the real world and the internet.

How were these concepts created, and how were they received? And what is Hosoda thinking about in preparation for the overseas release of the movie?

Our interview took place after the movie had been released in Japan, so we asked Mamoru Hosoda questions we had about the movie. Whether you’ve seen BELLE yet or not, reading this interview is sure to frame the way you see the movie differently!

This interview has been translated into English so that Mamoru Hosoda’s message can be delivered to as many people as possible!

The Internet has Changed Societies Globally

ーーWe interviewed you before the movie was released in Japan, so we’re speaking with you again today to hear about the reaction from the Japanese public to the film and what you have in store for the overseas release.

Hosoda: Sounds good.

ーーBELLE has been a big hit at the box office, making 5.8 billion JPY. What was the reaction like after the film was released?

Hosoda: A lot of people went to see it. It seems the film was well-liked, which I am relieved about. I was happy to hear that some people saw it multiple times.

ーーWas there any feedback that stood out to you?

Hosoda: I heard many comments saying that the music was beautiful, BELLE's songs were amazing, and the extraordinary grandeur of the art and visuals was intense.

However, the comment that I heard the most was, "the movie's theme touched me personally." As our society is linked with the internet, many people living through this generation could relate to the themes presented.

Anyone can put themselves out there on the internet, but there is the problem of defamation and dangers that comes with anonymity. BELLE featured a way to face those challenges. Topics such as the bravery required to show your real self and the importance of connecting with people in real life and virtually really resonated with many people.

This reaction was not only in Japan but also at the Cannes Film Festival in France as well. I heard from many folks that the movie accurately depicted the online space, which is something people across the globe can understand, and that the current and global nature of the film was exceptional.

Using the internet as a topic for the film is something that anyone in the world can relate to. We’ve all been affected by the pandemic and felt incredibly restricted, so this movie was something of a release for many people.

ーーIt seems those overseas and those in Japan perceived the movie the same way.

Hosoda: BELLE shows how the internet has changed our lives, which is a theme that people worldwide have an interest in.

During the pandemic, everyone faced the same struggles, and there was the feeling of "that country is having trouble, as are we, so let's support each other." When I spoke with people in France about the coronavirus, it was as if I was talking to people in a neighboring town (laughs).

What I mean is, I feel as if the internet has brought down the wall that divides the world, just as the coronavirus has lowered the hurdles people face psychologically. So there is a purpose to releasing a movie under these circumstances.

ーーThis is a fascinating topic. I have a feeling that those in their teens would especially be able to relate to the film.

Hosoda: For young people, I think that the internet is like another reality, and together with the real world, they have a sense of living in two different universes. That may be why so few young people sense the walls and hurdles that have been in place until now.

People in the parent/adult generation have some fear surrounding the internet, and even if it’s only a little, they feel that children shouldn’t be interacting with it. However, young people think that the internet is here to stay, so they should use this new tool as much as they can.

Of course, there are merits and demerits to the internet, but I want young people to overcome this and live life without fear. I strongly feel that I want them to destroy the old world and create a new one.