Kuro no Sumika -Chronus-

Kuro no Sumika -Chronus- was produced in 2014 as part of the Anime Mirai project, an initiative funded by the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs to support the training of young animators. Studio 4°C undertook the production, tasking director Naoyuki Onda with the project. The film serves as a showcase for the studio's signature surreal aesthetic, blending traditional dark fantasy elements with a distinct, fluid animation style intended to push the boundaries of short-form storytelling within the industrial constraints of an apprenticeship program.

The narrative follows a young man named Makoto who possesses the ability to see dark, insect-like creatures known as 'Kuro' that feed on human memories. The design work emphasizes a stark, melancholic atmosphere, utilizing shadows and restricted color palettes to illustrate the encroaching loss of identity. Upon release, the film was noted by critics for its ambitious visual composition and thematic depth, cementing its reputation as a standout entry in the Anime Mirai series for its departure from typical lighthearted training exercises in favor of a more somber, psychological tone.