Behind the Art of 'Upper Moon Meeting' Movie

I hope you all enjoyed my latest big project!! Creating a 16-minute animation featuring so many characters was an incredible challenge, and it’s an objective fact that this is without a doubt my best animation so far!! (At least from a technical standpoint!)

So, in this post, I’ll be revealing a lot of hidden details about the animation.
Stay with me and discover the secrets!

Hashira Meeting featured 61 shots, while Upper Moon Meeting reached an incredible 107 — almost double!

A major difference lies in the use of color: Hashira Meeting embraces calming greens from the Master’s estate, while Upper Moon Meeting explores a richer palette — fiery reds for Muzan, deep blues for Gyokko, and warm oranges for the Infinity Castle.

You can also feel a clear contrast in tone: the Hashira’s unity versus the demons’ individuality.
These subtle choices in color and characterization are what truly define the identity of each animation.

Although Nakime doesn’t truly make her presence felt until the final minutes of the animation, she is, in a way, the hidden protagonist of the entire piece.

While one might think that Daki takes the spotlight — and yes, she certainly dominates most of the screen time — the animation both begins and ends with Nakime.
In a sense, it’s Nakime who decides which sections Daki is transported to, quietly observing everything from above.
I like to think of this animation, in a sort of fan-canon way, as the origin story of how Nakime grows stronger and eventually, in the future, becomes the Upper Moon Four.

It was incredibly fun for me to animate those transition scenes, where with every strike of her biwa, Nakime moves Daki around like a mere pawn across a vast game board.

On the other hand, if you look closely, you’ll notice how Daki subtly begins to gain more power as she overcomes her trials — starting with clear, unmarked skin, then developing faint brown veins, and finally ending up with the distinctive black markings she bears in the original series:

Another key aspect worth highlighting is how each character was given a chance to shine and have their own moment in the spotlight:

In Gyokko’s case, his peculiar taste for “seafood” (you know what I mean 😏) and his inability to stay quiet for even a second, constantly boasting about himself, perfectly define his presence.

Then we have Hantengu’s clones — Wrath, Pleasure, Sorrow, and Joy — who, since they all come from the same body, ultimately cum together because of the failure of just one.

Akaza’s constant desire to prove his superiority creates a battle of egos with Daki, who is just as proud and defiant.

Doma’s venomous remarks and his selfish nature always reveal one thing: he only ever thinks about what benefits himself.

Meanwhile, Kokushibo takes on the role of the group’s “father,” trying to maintain hierarchy and order among the chaos.

And finally, Muzan, who views all of his Upper Moons as nothing more than insignificant pawns.
I know many of you were expecting a larger role for Muzan in the animation — but if you truly analyze his character, you’ll understand that he would NEVER lower himself to join the group as “one of them.”

That said, the story between Muzan and Daki isn’t over yet — I already have plans for a new (and more intimate) animation featuring both characters coming next year!


Finally, the magic that truly makes each character feel like themselves also lies in the incredible voice acting team that joined me for this project.
Muzan, Nakime, Daki, Gyutaro, Gyokko, Hantengu, Sekido, Karaku, Aizetsu, Urogi, Akaza, Doma, and Kokushibo — thirteen characters, each with such unique tones and personalities — wouldn’t have shined nearly as much without the amazing work of my team!

To wrap up this post, I just want to thank everyone who made this possible.
Remember, what was 16 minutes of entertainment for you was five long months of hard work for me — filled with challenges, sleepless nights, and everything in between.

Thank you for being a part of this journey!
What incredible projects will 2026 bring us? Well… we’ll find out soon enough 😈