Sakura Mori

Genre: Fantasy/Adventure Target Audience: Family/Teens Animation Style: Cut-out Animation Style with Osaka Materials Overview of Animation Style: The Dragon’s Treasure uses a Cut-out Animation style, inspired by traditional Japanese cut-out and paper craft aesthetics. The style integrates textures and patterns reminiscent of Osaka’s cultural heritage, such as fabric patterns, woodblock print influences, and iconic Osaka cityscapes. This approach blends the simplicity of cut-out animation with detailed, layered visuals that create a unique and captivating look.

Series 1: The Dragon's Treasure - The Lost Kingdom Executive Summary 1. Title: The Dragon's Treasure: The Lost Kingdom 2. Logline: In a mystical land inspired by ancient Japan, a young girl named Hana embarks on a quest to find the legendary Dragon’s Treasure to save her village from a looming drought. Guided by a mischievous fox spirit, Kitsune, and armed with her courage, Hana must navigate treacherous landscapes, solve ancient puzzles, and confront a powerful dragon guarding the treasure.

3. Synopsis: The first series of The Dragon’s Treasure is set in the mythical realm of Yamatai, a world inspired by the rich cultural and architectural influences of Osaka and ancient Japan. The story follows Hana, a brave and resourceful girl living in a drought-stricken village. After discovering a mysterious map hidden in her grandmother’s attic, Hana learns about the legendary Dragon’s Treasure—a magical artifact said to bring prosperity and water to the land. With the help of Kitsune, a playful fox spirit who can shape-shift and create illusions, Hana sets off on an epic journey to locate the treasure. Along the way, Hana and Kitsune encounter various challenges, including mystical guardians, tricky riddles, and deceptive spirits. They must work together to navigate the Osaka-inspired city of Fushin, a bustling metropolis filled with towering paper lanterns, and the Whispering Bamboo Forest, where the trees themselves seem to speak in riddles. As they draw closer to the treasure, they realize that the real challenge is not just finding the treasure but proving themselves worthy of it.

4. Key Characters: • Hana - The determined protagonist, a young girl who refuses to give up on her quest to save her village. She is clever, compassionate, and shows remarkable bravery despite her fears.

• Kitsune - A mischievous fox spirit who serves as both Hana’s guide and trickster. Kitsune often provides comic relief but also has hidden depths, reflecting the complexities of yokai (spirits) in Japanese folklore.

• Ryuu - The Dragon of the Lost Kingdom, a majestic but fearsome creature who guards the treasure. He embodies the wisdom and power of ancient times and tests Hana’s true motives.

• Jiro - A warrior from the ancient past trapped in the form of a living statue. He helps Hana during a critical moment and teaches her valuable lessons about courage and honor.

• Lady Mizuki - A water spirit who controls the flow of rivers in Yamatai. She initially stands in Hana’s way but ultimately becomes an ally when Hana proves her intentions are pure.

5. Setting: The series takes place in Yamatai, a fantasy version of ancient Japan filled with Osaka-inspired visuals, including: • Fushin City - A vibrant, Osaka-like city where floating markets, towering pagodas, and bustling crowds create a rich, immersive environment. The city’s design incorporates traditional Japanese architecture with whimsical, fantasy elements.

• The Whispering Bamboo Forest - A mysterious forest filled with twisting bamboo, hidden paths, and whispering spirits. It is both enchanting and dangerous, playing tricks on those who enter.

• Dragon’s Peak - The final destination, a towering mountain where the Dragon’s Treasure is hidden. The peak is surrounded by stormy clouds and mystical energies, making it the ultimate test of Hana’s resolve.

6. Themes: The series explores themes of courage, the value of perseverance, the balance between trickery and honesty, and the importance of believing in oneself. It also touches on the cultural significance of respecting nature and ancient traditions. 7. Tone and Style: The tone of the series is adventurous and heartfelt, combining moments of light humor with emotional depth. The cut-out animation style, enriched with Osaka’s textures and patterns, brings a handcrafted, storybook feel to the visual storytelling. The use of paper textures, traditional patterns, and stylized movement captures the essence of traditional Japanese art. 8. Episode Structure: The series is serialized, with each episode focusing on a specific challenge or location that Hana and Kitsune must overcome to progress on their quest. Key episodes highlight major confrontations, emotional growth, and the unfolding mystery of the Dragon’s Treasure. 9. Music and Sound Design: The soundtrack is a blend of traditional Japanese instruments (shamisen, koto, taiko drums) with a modern, cinematic flair. Sound design includes environmental effects like rustling bamboo, the distant echo of temple bells, and the growls of mythical creatures, enhancing the atmosphere of a mystical land. 10. Marketing Strategy: • Target Audience: Family audiences, teens, and fans of fantasy and folklore. • Promotional Materials: Animated teasers highlighting key action scenes, character posters with cut-out art style, and interactive online maps of Yamatai. • Merchandising: Paper craft kits, cut-out style action figures, art books featuring the animation process, and traditional Japanese-themed collectibles. • Distribution: Streaming platforms and television networks specializing in animated series, with a focus on international markets due to the universal appeal of Japanese folklore. 11. Budget and Financials: The budget covers detailed animation costs, voice talent, sound design, and marketing efforts. Revenue is projected from streaming rights, merchandise, and potential expansions into books or games. 12. Future Potential: Plans include a sequel series (Series 2), spin-offs focusing on Kitsune’s past, and exploring other mythical regions within the world of Yamatai. Expansion into interactive storytelling, mobile games, or VR experiences set in the cut-out world of Yamatai is also under consideration.