Talk with the Lead Animation Director and Producer of To You in the Beyond

As you may have already read, this Autumn MondoCon will feature an exclusive pre-release screening of the anime film To You in the Beyond. The film’s character designer and lead animation director, Hechima, will also be joining us at the convention! And Hechima won’t be coming alone: Mukaichi Motoki, lead producer of To You in the Beyond, will be joining him on stage as well.

You’ll have a chance to meet both creators even before the film’s Sunday screening. On Saturday from 15:30 to 16:30 on the Main Stage, we’ll talk to them about the making of To You in the Beyond, their work in the anime industry, and, of course, the film itself.

If you’ve ever wondered how an anime film is made in Japan today, what exactly a character designer, lead animation director or producer does, then this is definitely a program you won’t want to miss! 🙂

And don’t forget that you can meet both creators again on Sunday from 13:30 to 15:00 on the Nissin Stage. This time, Hechima will be drawing live in front of you, while you’ll also have the opportunity to ask both him and Mukaichi Motoki your questions.

You can learn more about Hechima and his previous work below.

Who is Hechima?

There’s a good chance you’ve already come across Hechima’s work, even if his name doesn’t immediately sound familiar. He has worked on several anime films available on Netflix, a number of which have also received Hungarian subtitles or even Hungarian dubs.

His credits include character design for this year’s Chou Kaguya-hime! (2026), as well as work on Maboroshi (2023), Drifting Home (2022), A Whisker Away (2020) and Penguin Highway (2018). Throughout his career, he has worked in many different areas of anime production, ranging from character design and animation direction to key animation.

Hechima’s Anime Credits

Exclusive Anime Screening and Japanese Creators at Autumn MondoCon!

We have a very special anime film coming to Autumn MondoCon! On October 18, you’ll have the chance to watch the brand-new anime feature film To You in the Beyond (Doko Yori mo Toi Basho ni iru Kimi he) – and two members of the film’s staff will also be joining us in person!

Our guests will be the film’s character designer and chief animation director, Hechima, as well as Motoki Mukaichi, the Chief Producer of the film. And you’ll have not one, but two opportunities to meet them during the weekend: we’ll be talking with them about the film and its production on both Saturday and Sunday.

A Story of Love and Secrets Across Time

To You in the Beyond is an anime adaptation of Abe Akiko’s hit light novel, and will make its Japanese theatrical debut on October 9, just a few days before MondoCon.

The story takes place on the remote island of Tokishima, where high school student Tsukigase Kazuki moves due to personal circumstances. One early summer day, he discovers an unconscious girl on the beach. Her name is Nanao Aika, and she makes an unbelievable claim: she has come from the year 1974.

Kazuki gradually grows closer to the mysterious girl as secrets surrounding the island and the pasts of both Nanao and Kazuki slowly come to light. Blending romance, mystery and fantasy, the story intertwines past and present through the relationship between these two young people.

The film is directed by Wada Junichi (HIGH CARD), with a screenplay by Kuwamura Sayaka (Strobe Edge, Josee, the Tiger and the Fish), and animation production by TMS ENTERTAINMENT. Hechima, whom you’ll have the chance to meet in person at Autumn MondoCon, served as the film’s character designer and chief animation director.

Music also plays an important role in the film’s emotional atmosphere. Singer-songwriter Tota performs the insert song “Balsam” as well as the film’s theme song, “Olive.”

Trailer: https://youtu.be/J2tjySs8UbA 

Exclusive Screening on Sunday

To You in the Beyond opens in Japanese theaters on October 9, and just nine days later, on October 18, you’ll already have the chance to watch it on the Main Stage at Autumn MondoCon!

After Sunday’s exclusive screening, head straight over to the Nissin Stage, where Hechima and Motoki Mukaichi will join us from 13:30 for a discussion about the film and its production.

And if you’d like to meet our guests on Saturday as well, you’ll have your first opportunity on the Main Stage, where we’ll be hosting a one-hour talk with them.

Times and Locations

To You in the Beyond – Exclusive Anime Screening
October 18 (Sunday), 11:30–13:30
Location: Main Stage

Talk with Hechima and Motoki Mukaichi
October 17 (Saturday), 15:30–16:30
Location: Main Stage

Live drawing session with Hechima
October 18 (Sunday), 13:30–15:00
Location: Nissin Stage

See you at Autumn MondoCon!