After a mesmerizing glimpse through the torii gate of the eponymous Garden in Azuki and Dentsu’sEnter the Garden: The Waiting Man, viewers grew more curious about how this collaborative anime project would grow. With incredible names attached like Gorō Taniguchi, acclaimed director ofCode Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion,One Piece Film: Red, andthePlanetesadaptation that recently joined Crunchyroll, millions of viewers were wondering when they’d get their next fix.Episode #2, titledFractured Reflections, will expandEnter the Garden’svision as shown by a new press release, including Azuki’s newly-released trailer.
With Taniguchi as the creative producer helming the project,Yukio Takatsu is tapped to directFractured ReflectionsafterJunichi Yamamoto’s turn withThe Waiting Man.Additionally, Taku Kishimoto will write for the series following his work onHaikyuu!!andBlue Lock, whileSamurai Champloocharacter designer Kazuto Nakazawa will handle the character designs. In the spirit of a fully immersive and creatively unbound project, these impressive talents will work together to create the next storytelling experience in theEnter the Gardenanime project.
Fractured Reflections Is the Next Step for Fans Transfixed by The Waiting Man
The Collaborative Project Continues to Grow Its Urban Fantasy Vibes
With the video forThe Waiting Mangathering millions of views on YouTube and other streaming platforms,Enter the Gardenseems to double down on its urban fantasy vibe, withFractured Reflectionsexpanding this universe. After introducing viewers to Haru and T.K.,Fractured Reflections’trailerbrings Shao to the Garden from her home in the Alley after her sister, Raizan, disappears.Picking up Raizan’s sword, Shao embarks on a journey to find her sister, instead discovering a torii gate like inThe Waiting Man, promising a unifying theme of escapism across the worlds ofEnter the Garden.
One of the most enticing elements of this episode ofEnter the Gardenis Yukio Takatsu’s participation,known for multiple opening animations acrossNaruto Shippudenbut even more prominently for cases likeMonogatari. Given the striking animation quality of anime openings as a special draw, this is a fascinating edge forFractured Reflectionsand speaks to the horizontal production model, enabling similar levels of freedom across theEnter the Gardenstaff. But for viewers curious about more ofFractured Reflections, the series gives a passing glimpse at what’s to come.
Kazuto Nakazawa’s Character Designs Help New Enter the Garden Episode Stand Out
Key Visuals Show Striking Glimpse of the Mysterious Shao in the Alley
With previous work onKill Bill’sThe Origin of O-Ren Ishiiunder his belt, andfrequent collaborations with Shinichirō Watanabe acrossTerror in ResonanceandSamurai Champloo, Kazuto Nakazawa’s character designs forEnter the Gardenare an enticing addition. While there’s not much shown, with multiple glimpses through the obscure fog, Shao’s character is a moody, mysterious swordfighter whose journey begins when she goes through the gate, much like Haru and T.K. It’s yet another video to captivate viewers' attention before the inevitable next release.
Enter The Gardenis produced byAzuki,Dentsu, Qzil.la and IMAGICA Infos.
