Hyakuemu: Togashi Pre-Race Illustration by Uotoyo and Exciting Movie Updates
A brand new illustration drawn by Uotoyo has finally been released, and it is set to decorate the Blu-ray box of the upcoming theatrical animation "Hyakuem." which is based on the original manga work. Fans have been waiting for a while to see how the visual style translates into the physical media release, and this new artwork really captures the intensity of the series.
The Blu-ray box illustration of the theatrical animation "Hyakuem." drawn by Uotoyo (c) Uotoyo/Kodansha/"Hyakuem." Production Committee shows a very striking image that will surely look great on any collector's shelf. This high-stakes track and field series is gaining a lot of traction lately, and these home video details are just what the community needed.
Home Video Release Date and Special Bonus Footage
It has been confirmed that the Blu-ray and DVD of "Hyakuem." will be released simultaneously on May 27th. One of the biggest highlights of the Blu-ray box is the powerful image of Togashi captured just moments before a race starts. But that’s not all. The production committee has also decided to include the original pilot version footage as a special bonus feature.
This pilot video is quite significant because it was produced as a creative test during the early stages. The team wanted to check how well rotoscoping would work with the fast-paced movements of track and field before starting the full theatrical production. In the footage, you can see Togashi and Komiya arriving at the stadium. It follows their entire sequence of preparation right up to the sound of the signal gun for the 100m race. What makes it even better is the music by Hiroaki Tsutsumi, who also handled the score for the actual movie.
Go Behind the Scenes with "To Become Serious" Documentary
For those who love knowing how anime is made, the video bonuses are packed with content. There is an over 70-minute making-of documentary titled "Hyakuemu. Making Documentary -To become serious-". This documentary is very detailed and follows the entire journey:
- Live-Action Shooting: Seeing how real movements were captured for the rotoscoping process.
- Animation Production: The transition from real-life footage to the final animated frames.
- Sound Work: A look at how the intense atmosphere of the stadium was created.
- Exclusive Interviews: Discussions with the director and the main voice cast.
- Unreleased Footage: A 30-second cut that didn't make it into the final film.
Merchandise and Digital Making Collection
Along with the disc news, we got a look at the development diagrams for the Blu-ray/DVD and even an original soundtrack LP edition. There is also specific bonus information for different retailers. For the collectors, a second series of acrylic stands will launch on April 2nd. This set features characters like Morikawa, Togashi, Jinjin, Asakusa, and Shiina from the Sardine 2nd High School track and field club. They even included childhood versions of Togashi and Komiya.
If you really want to dive deep into the art, a collection of original art from Rock'n'Roll Mountain is coming out in late April. They are also releasing a "digital making" book that contains more than 10,000 images specifically from the final scene of the movie. It is quite clear why this must-read and watch phenomenon is getting so much effort put into its physical release.
Related features/interviews
The collaboration between Uotoyo, Akira Kawashima, and Kenji Iwaisawa has resulted in an animation that truly focuses on expressions that only this medium can provide. We are looking forward to the May release!
September 17, 2025
