Kohei Kadowaki's New Animation Celebrates Rissho University's Spirit

Celebrating Rissho University through Animation

In a significant leap for educational promotion, Rissho University has unveiled its new image movie titled "A Moment's Dream," crafted by the acclaimed animation director Kohei Kadowaki. Known for his artistic prowess, Kadowaki has recently garnered international recognition, winning the Grand Prix for Feature Animation at the 50th Ottawa International Animation Festival for his film "We Are Aliens." He also secured the Best Feature Animation Award at the 59th Sitges – Catalonian International Film Festival, becoming the youngest Japanese director to do so.

A New Perspective on University Life

The new animation aims to encapsulate the essence of Rissho University by highlighting its unique atmosphere, student life, and educational experience. Instead of merely illustrating a pre-defined image from the university, Kadowaki's creative process began from the ground up, involving in-depth interactions with students, scouting both the Shinagawa and Kumagaya campuses, and engaging in classes and discussions with faculty members.

The result is an authentic portrayal of Rissho University through the eyes of one animator. Kadowaki wanted to portray not just statistics or program details, but the intrinsic value of university life that can only be felt on campus. This animation transcends conventional visuals shared through brochures or websites, instead offering a heartfelt excursion through the world of Rissho University.

Capturing Campus Life

For the animated piece, two students from Rissho University were interviewed by Kadowaki to gain insights into their daily experiences. This was complemented by thorough location scouting on both campuses, during which Kadowaki examined the buildings and landscapes, and observed the vibrancy of student interactions. The animation ultimately captures fleeting moments that symbolize the ordinary yet precious aspects of university life, such as engaging with friends, learning from faculty, and enjoying everyday campus interactions.

A Two-Minute Reflection

The two-minute animation showcases a variety of those seemingly trivial yet deeply meaningful aspects of student life. Kadowaki highlights how simple yet significant these moments can become when viewed from the perspective of time; what seems routine during college often reveals its true value upon graduation. This poignant theme is enhanced by visual expressions of seasonal transitions and sounds that enrich the animation.

Kadowaki drew from his actual experiences at Rissho University, reflecting the allure he felt during his campus visits in the animated landscapes portrayed in the film.

Kadowaki’s Vision for the Project

In a statement regarding the project, Kadowaki expressed his desire for the charm he discovered at Rissho University to shine through in his animation. He treasures every detail and hopes that audiences will appreciate the subtle nuances throughout the piece.

About Kohei Kadowaki

Born in 1996 in Saitama Prefecture, Kohei Kadowaki is a distinguished film director and animation artist. After graduating from the Tokyo University of the Arts with a focus on design, he honed his skills at an animation production company before venturing out independently. Kadowaki's portfolio spans various media, including music videos and corporate films. His anticipated feature film "We Are Aliens" is set for release on October 26, 2026, and showcases his multifaceted talent as he takes on the roles of planner, writer, and director.

The film has already gained attention from major festivals, competing in prestigious venues such as the 79th Cannes Film Festival and the Annecy International Animated Film Festival in 2026, reaffirming Kadowaki's status as an emerging talent in the animation world.