While Shinkai’s previous projects have been direct-to-video or theatrical features, She and Her Cat –Everything Flows– is the first anime to spring from his mind to be developed for television.

The series is set to premiere on March 4 as part of the Ultra Super Anime Time anthology program, but if you can’t wait until then, the producers have released a preview video that gives a glimpse of the art and tone.

While the original She and Her Cat is rendered entirely in black, white and gray, the TV series take places in a much more colorful world. It also looks to be softer in tone than the often melancholy short, with the video’s narration translating as:

“On the hottest day of the summer, this cat and I started living together. The times we spent together, just going through our morning routine or looking at the familiar sunset, were precious. Through our little, gentle promises the world keeps spinning, so even if I get hurt, or there are times when I don’t know what to do, I can find my way again.”

Aside form being the first Shinkai-sourced TV series, She and Her Cat –Everything Flows– is unique in that the famously hands-on creator, who single-handedly produced all of the visuals for some of his most popular works, is not directly involved.

As revealed in January, Kazuya Sakamoto will be handling directorial duties. Recently revealed additions to the staff include character designer and animation director Senbon Umajimi, whose credits include episode animation direction for the recent Heroic Legend of Arislan TV series and key animation for Attack on Titan. Takanori Tanaka, a background artist for Denno Coil and Moribito, will serve as art director, and the script is being written by Naruki Nagakawa.

The first episode of She and Her Cat –Everything Flows– airs Friday, March 4 at 11:30 p.m. on broadcaster Tokyo MX.

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