Step into the enchanting Hokkyoku Department Store where the shoppers are animals “of all shapes and sizes.” Big-hearted newcomer Akino aims to emulate her colleague, Mori, as the perfect concierge. Tested by the demands of her unique clientele, Akino must learn how to flourish in her dream role all while under the watchful (and intense!) eye of her manager, Mr. Todo. Based on the critically-acclaimed manga, the film is told in a series of lovely and loosely connected vignettes animated by the legendary Production I.G. Yoshimi Itazu has worked as a key animator for such luminaries as Satoshi Kon and Hayao Miyazaki (including on this year’s AIF Opener, The Boy and the Heron), but makes his feature debut with this magical celebration of being at the service to others – and to yourself. An Aniplex release.
