How do ‘non-animation’ directors who are not former animators direct anime? A talk event with ‘Expelled from Paradise’ director Seiji Mizushima and ‘DEDEDEDE’ director Tomoyuki Kurokawa at Machi★Asobi Vol. 30

At Machi★Asobi Vol.30, directors Seiji Mizushima and Tomoyuki Kurokawa discussed how non-animator directors shape anime direction.

They said detailed storyboard notes, mouth-flap timing, and other wording-based instructions are key to conveying performance.

The talk highlighted how digital production has changed directing, especially in how scenes are planned and adjusted.

The session offered a practical look at how directors without a drawing background communicate acting and timing on the anime set.