When I Turn Around is a posthumously published collection of sketches by Ghibli artist Yoshifumi Kondo. In 1992, Kondo started sketching moments he witnessed during his everyday life. Children sharing secrets in the park, students cycling through the street, teenagers blowing bubbles on the sidewalk, and businessmen posting letters in the rain– these were the sweet incidental moments captured lovingly in hand-drawn sketches. Kondo, who directed Whisper of the Heart, was expected to become one of the top directors at Ghibli and Takahata and Miyazaki’s eventual successor, but sadly suffered an aneurysm before these plans came to pass.
When I Turn Around can be purchased from Amazon Japan.
- Will we meet again some time?
- I’m sure we will.
- Promise?
- Promise. Now go, and don’t look back.
This place is gorgeous, Howl! It’s like a dream.
For my friend, Lucy, who is cooler, smarter, and more superior than me in every possible way bar height. Happy Birthday! I’m sure it’s still the 12th of March somewhere!
Concept Sketches for Ponyo: A view beneath the waves. Click for detail.
