Tsukahara Shigeyoshi is a critically-acclaimed creator who has won multiple awards, both in Japan and abroad. His stories take place in the downtown Tokyo suburbs and feature a unique, retro-futuristic animation style. Animation fans around the globe have lauded the detailed cityscapes and steampunk-scenery he puts together. In this special episode, we're broadcasting "Joseito (Schoolgirl)" and "The Man Traveling with a Picture in Relief," 2 of Tsukahara's popular works, complete with English voices.

Mainly works as a director on live-action commercials. At 43, he began working on original stop-motion animated works. In addition to writing and directing, he also works with art, animation, puppet-modeling and more. He's a nature-loving Akita Prefecture-born creator who currently lives in Karuizawa. He aims to create textured visuals unique only to stop-motion animation.