Violet Evergarden is a hauntingly beautiful light novel series by Kana Akatsuki, which has ended up touching the hearts of millions. This mesmerizing tale of self-discovery, love, and loss effortlessly climbs up among the other tear-jerking stories, leaving audiences emotionally spent. Hailed as a hit light novel franchise when it was first published, the anime adaptation by Studio Kyoto Animation catapulted Violet Evergarden to its peak height of success.
Kana Akatsuki is held as one of the most mysterious authors in the world of light novels as her true identity is still unknown to so many. Recently though, in a very exclusive interview, she shared some deep insights into the adaptation that has grabbed the hearts of anime fans worldwide.
Kana Akatsuki Couldn’t Get Enough of Each Episode of The Anime
Kana Akatsuki candidly shared her sentiments after watching Episode 8 of the anime adaptation of Violet Evergarden, which drew much critical acclaim. Akatsuki openly admitted during the interview, that there were times, she felt miserable for not having a perfect anime adaptation as she initially envisioned. However, by viewing each episode, Akatsuki’s skepticism melted away.
She described each week’s release of the new episode as similar to watching a cinematic masterpiece. She even praised the adaptation’s ability to capture the essence of her story, from the subtle emotional nuances to the breathtaking scenery, music, and voice acting! Akatsuki found herself enchanted.
Every week, it is as if I am watching a film. The time is short, which is partly my fault since I have written the story in episodic tales, but within it is probably included everything that I feel to be wonderful, such as the subtleties of sensitive emotions, stunning scenarios, music and the enthusiasm of the performers.
Even as the author, Akatsuki said that she was attached to Violet’s storyline in the anime so much, that she kept swinging back and forth with the audience from happiness to sadness. She admitted how even her own heart was touched by the show. With every episode, Akatsuki fell in love with the anime as fans around the globe did, embracing the connection everyone felt with Violet Evergarden.
Hearing Fans Cherish Violet Evergarden’s Story Makes Akatsuki-sensei Proud
For Kana Akatsuki, the true reward of creating Violet Evergarden isn’t fame or fortune, but knowing that her story has resonated with fans. Eavesdropping on complete strangers about her work, who speak of it with much enthusiasm, makes her incredibly proud. Once, she heard two girls talking about Violet on the subway and that left Akatsuki-sensei beaming with happiness. She humbly goes on to say,
I lately overheard two girls talking about Violet in the subway and, hum, it made me extremely happy. People really are watching it, huh?
This underlines the significance of her relationship with her readers and reaffirms her passion for storytelling and the value of sharing Violet’s journey with the world.
Akatsuki understands that translating her episodic writing into a coherent visual narrative wasn’t really an easy deed. Her original light novel’s structure caused the anime to slightly compromise the cohesion Akatsuki wanted in this adaptation. However, all this becomes worthwhile because the love and admiration of the fans cement Violet Evergarden’s place in them as something beyond the time.
Violet Evergarden is available to watch on Netflix.
