The general modification plan was in place, but how to implement the specific changes was another problem entirely.
Lin Zhiyan saved and encrypted the modification plan. Then, instead of attempting any specific content changes to Weathering with You, he began to consider the possibility of creating an original anime.
First was the target audience. It needed to be focused on young people, just like Your Name. However, if he wanted to take it a step further, he shouldn't just make anime that only young people would like; he should make something that young people would love, but that children could also find thoroughly enjoyable.
Of course, he could also do the exact opposite, like Hayao Miyazaki did in the past, targeting children while crafting an effect that both children and adults would love—though that type of anime was even harder to make.
It was still more suitable to follow the path extended from Your Name.
Besides, Lin Zhiyan's current fan base was young people; it was impossible to abandon them just to cater to children.
It needs to be something young people would enjoy, while children would also find it fascinating, and it should be a genre he hasn't touched before... There definitely needs to be romantic elements, at most just not making romance the main focus. Additionally, there should be battles, explosions, or grand, magnificent scenes, the kind capable of supporting the climax of the entire animation, and the setting should preferably be a modern city.
Lin Zhiyan thought it over and felt that the best direction was still games.
However, even though the genre and target audience were determined, Lin Zhiyan had no clue as to what the animation should specifically look like, what the main storyline should be, or what the core plot would be.
Thinking of this, Lin Zhiyan couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
For the next several days, Lin Zhiyan was thinking about the new animation project, but he still had no ideas for an original animation. As for the specific revisions to "Weathering with You," because the changes were so significant—almost equivalent to redoing the whole thing from scratch—it wasn't something that could be completed in just a few days.
Moreover, Lin Zhiyan couldn't devote all his energy to revising "Weathering with You" or contemplating original animation. The company had all sorts of matters that required his attention as President; he wasn't that free.
After careful consideration, Lin Zhiyan simply went online and posted a message using his own account:
"Now that 'Your Name' has come to an end, I am considering my next animation project, though it might not be ready for everyone to see for some time.
Since graduating from high school and entering the animation industry in '95, I have been making animations non-stop. After L.S Produ was founded in 2000, I have produced almost one animation a year, and the company's original animation projects have almost all been personally handled by me...
My love for animation is beyond doubt.
However, even for me, there comes a day when I feel tired.
Therefore, I plan to take a break for a while, and at the same time, recharge my inspiration.
This is not a retirement or quitting for good. I can't say for sure when there will be a new animation—it might be three to five years, or maybe seven or eight—but there will definitely be one. If it takes a long time, I hope you won't forget me."
In addition, by "taking a break," I am referring specifically to my role as an animation director. I will continue my work as the president of L.S Produ, and moving forward, I will likely dedicate more time to my role as an animation producer. As both a producer and the company president, I will lead the entire team to create even more high-quality animation.
By the way, as for my goals as an animation producer: so far, the two most popular animations I have produced are the TV anime Puella Magi Madoka Magica and the animated film Your Name.
Although Puella Magi Madoka Magica has achieved average volume sales of around 130,000, it only ranks second, still far behind EVA in first place.
Your Name, with its box office revenue of over 25 billion yen, also only ranks second on the Japanese animated film box office chart, with a gap of over 5 billion yen compared to Spirited Away in first place.
Being second in both cases is admittedly a bit frustrating. I'm not sure when the new animation I'm directing will be ready for everyone to see, but without further ado, as a producer, I will first set my sights on those two number-one spots. Please look forward to it.
The content was a bit long, but since it was a message posted by Lin Zhiyan, many people read it word by word, patiently, the moment it was released.
Then, the comment section exploded:
"I was just discussing what the theme of your new animation would be with someone yesterday, and now you're telling me you're taking a break?"
"You call it 'taking a break for a while' when it'll take three to five, or even seven to eight years before we see a new animation? Shouldn't it be 'taking a break for a few years'?"
"No way, right? 'Your Name' has already finished its run in theaters. Based on your usual pace, I thought the script for your new animation project was already finished and it had entered the official production stage, just waiting to be announced. And now you're telling me the new animation is still under consideration and you don't know when it will meet the public?"
"Does this mean... we won't see any animation from Lin-shen for several years to come? (Crying~)"
"I was hoping to see you reach another peak after 'Your Name'."
"You're in your thirties, in the prime of your life, what kind of break is this? And I had such high expectations."
"Have you run out of talent? Can't think of any new animations?"
With his massive fanbase, combined with the fact that his previous animation was the smash hit "Your Name," the announcement of his hiatus naturally displeased many people.
However, Lin Zhiyan's true fans now definitely outnumber his haters, so many also expressed their understanding and support for his decision:
"Taking a break for a few years? Alright, although I'm really looking forward to his next animation, I can wait. A few years is doable."
"I support it. Take a few years off, recharge your inspiration, and strive to create an animation that surpasses 'Your Name'."
"He really does need a good rest. He's been making animations for over a decade, and with every single one being so popular, the pressure he faces must be immense. Not to mention that after 'Your Name' exploded in popularity, if his next project doesn't satisfy people, he's bound to face criticism. So, taking a break and going slowly might not be a bad thing at all."
"I'll wait for you. No matter how long it takes, I'll never forget you."
"Other people's breaks: eating, drinking, and having fun without working, playing mahjong every day. Lin Zhiyan's break: temporarily stepping down from his role as director, while continuing as a producer. While resting, he incidentally sets a small goal: to create an animation project with the highest sales and box office. I can only say, he's too dedicated."
"As long as he doesn't completely fade out or quit the animation industry, it's fine. Being a producer is different from personally directing an animation, but it can still barely count as your animation. I'll be sure to pay close attention when the time comes."
"Good luck. I hope your new animation will achieve even better results in a few years, but don't put too much pressure on yourself. I'll be happy just to be able to see your animations in the future."
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