Speed of Lightness - A Lo-Fi Look at Japan

In Barrie Sherwood's sophomore novel, Speed of Lightness, he takes an unromanticised but wildly engaging look at Japan. As our lead, Aozora, dodges Yakuza knuckledusters and parleys with gyaru call girls in pursuit of his missing sister - and the inheritance she's key to - we're taken on a beautifully broken tour of that wonderful world.
Consider supporting me on Patreon: / beyondghibli
Follow me on Twitter: / beyondghibli
Special thanks to Barrie Sherwood for agreeing to be interviewed for this project. If you'd like to read Speed of Lightness, you can find it at most major retailers and digital storefronts.
Art & Illustrations by Saku
/ shiiverse
/ @saku_art
/ saku_karjaluoto
Music by
Huey Daze
/ hueydaze
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Hazy Year
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My dear friend Manami Barrett provided the spot-on shinkansen announcement for the Speed of Lightness service. Find her wonderful blog about her experience of living in the UK at pytheas.cc
#SpeedOfLightness #EscapeFromAmsterdam #BarrieSherwood

[@diveintothebeyond8426]

This guy's content is on another level

[@semeyeify]

Not content.. art

[@diveintothebeyond8426]

@@semeyeify facts, I apologize

[@JackDanielThe7th]

Yup his narration is relaxing

[@asianjesus9813]

he's definitely the got the most based reviews

[@FriendlyKitten]

I'd listen to ANY audio-book you'd make (have you made any?)! Your voice is soothing, and relaxed, it calms me. Thank you!

[@BeyondGhibli]

www.beyondghibli.com/dl

[@gabe9245]

@@BeyondGhibli Thank you so much!

[@FriendlyKitten]

@@BeyondGhibli :O I also rewatch, you sneaky bugger, I caught you atleast 2 places ;)

[@MorningThief_]

this is what i admire about animation... EVERY. SINGLE. ELEMENT. is intentional. none are accidental. everything is so intentional that even the subtitles are done the way they are because it enhances the context of the scene... if you saw this video with subtitles turned off, do yourself a favour (as well as helping Joe's YT algorithm) -- watch this video again with subtitles turned on...you'll know what i'm talking about.

[@anthonyc9791]

Saw the new video pop-up, surprised it wasn't anime-related, really surprised it was about a novel you've read years ago, and most of all, it was absolutely delightful. The quirky visuals that are fun to watch, the moody complimentary lo-fi music, and the insight from the original author - please continue making unique content like this, it is truly a joy to see.

[@mozzfes3514]

The quality of content and the clear dedication and passion in these videos never stops to amaze me.

[@FirefoxisredExplorerisblueGoog]

"The street below was a tight glowing crevasse in a volcano". That made me smile. Such a beautiful way of describing it.

[@Nkanyiso_K]

That was beautifully executed. Very different from anything else I've seen in the anime community

[@Nkanyiso_K]

@@1000Tomatoes Breadswords channel definitely holds a special place in my heart.

[@Bananaman74799]

Your content is truly something else.

[@martinandreev5204]

Such a beautiful analysis. Buying the book soon. Keep up the great work man!

[@jellyg0d]

What s wonderful video! And it was visualized beautifully too! I need to read this novel asap

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

I listened with my eyes closed, wearing my bluetooth earphones, a glass of iced tea from my left hand and on my hammock. The best way to listen ever.

[@erufailon4723]

This is art. I don't know what else to say. Since I know your illustrator is Finnish (he follows me on Twitter for some reason), I have this to say to him: Nyt on kyllä ihan hemmetin hyvää jälkeä.

[@rogiernielson9063]

Wow, thank you Joe, i really needed this in the exact moment of my life. You not only make me buy the book, but also gave me a new perspective that i so needed right now. Thank you from a guy born in Amsterdam

[@moses8199]

As always your videos always delivers keep it up man I really love Your videos and along with the calming voice and thoughtful script You deserve more subs

[@Reverse_PolarityRBLX]

Very much looking forward to watching this on my next break! Thanks for your content always, Joe!

[@noahfranks984]

This channel is blossoming in a most beautiful way

[@SuperWowOMG123]

This video was so different, yet still your style. Great job again

[@bernardheathaway9146]

Very beautiful job! I always learn so much from your videos! Thank you 😁

[@apoema42]

Beautiful as always.

[@uqke4742]

Your content is so captivating, keep it up!

[@WaitingToBeAGhost]

Just want to let you know that I didnt get a notification for this one but I'm happy I checked in and found this gem! Keep up the great work! Stay healthy and blessed

[@BeyondGhibli]

Thanks for the heads up Rufio! And for checking in regardless 💪

[@nabilimran212]

Your videos voids in my life. Thank you for doing such a great job.

[@slosher6394]

I just realized beyond ghibli hasn't been popping up in my feed. I come back and views are so low. Something's wrong with the algorithm. Stoked that I have so much to binge tho

[@marvelous_jack5228]

A video i was not expectin from ya, but a delightful one though!

[@bobcatethan8919]

How does this channel not have 1mil subs yet?

[@pmshe8273]

Thank you for making great content!

[@KarolisOfficial]

Thanks for bringing this to the light of day in such a fantastic perspective

[@badgerspeaks7189]

Absolutely loved the flow and presentation of this one (and an outstanding script per usual). Thank you for bringing this novel to my attention, I'll be checking it out soon!

[@DABUNGINATOR]

This is absolutely stunning. The visuals are attractive, & the music is so relaxing. I'm depressed that this video hasn't received much attention so far. This sort of content does seem to belong to a more niche audience, but I wish it didn't.

[@santoshrananaware1186]

Your channel has really great content. Kudos!

[@madeinengland1212]

I had the same imagery about the tetrapods. Once you see it you can’t get it out of your head.

[@sneedmando186]

This feeing, this vibe, these feels, is why I love Lofi

[@sele4925]

Great video! Loved what you tried new here!

[@sorryminati4719]

Very very insightful

[@DMP89145]

Really great video!

[@Mountlougallops]

Interesting and well done. Thanks

[@guavagecko]

A little skeptical about reading a novel that aims to subvert the romanticised aspects of Japanese culture when it is written by (from what I can tell with a quick google search) a foreigner. I think it is better to turn to Japanese voices if one is looking for a nuanced dissection of Japan through fiction. Regardless, this is a gorgeous video, loved the animation and art.

[@joksimradovic4040]

You should do audio book for this.

[@qlementin]

Great video, you've convinced me to check out the book!

[@AdaraFukuchi]

I love how you hid yourself in every environment X3

[@BeyondGhibli]

Glad you found them all!

[@AdaraFukuchi]

@@BeyondGhibli do zou ever think zou would make a video about "breakfast at tiffany's" since your character was inspired by her?

[@BeyondGhibli]

Probably not, considering Mr Yunioshi :p

[@AdaraFukuchi]

@@BeyondGhibli OH SHI! I didnt know he was from this movie! (i never watched it but i heard of mr yunioshi before :'v but yeah, fair enough)

[@lamprospitsillou6325]

Will there be a Miura video?

[@BeyondGhibli]

Sadly not - I said everything I wanted to say about Miura & Berserk in my video a while ago. His work had a profound impact on the industry and his readers, and his passing has left an equally massive hole in both. There's nothing else to say, really :(

[@lauryn921]

This is amazing. Can't wait to read the book.

[@Mezzanined]

Brilliant, man, absolutely brilliant!!

[@tindersamurai911]

Have you by any chance read Bloom into You?

[@BeyondGhibli]

I have! I discussed it in my 'Degenerate' video :) Lovely series.

[@tindersamurai911]

@@BeyondGhibli Yeah, I finished reading it today and I was absolutely blown away by how amazing it was. And the first thing I thought about was if you had made a video on it lol

[@kushkungvivo744]

Good art

[@UncagedCrayon]

This guy definitely likes the move Fireworks

[@Flugmorph]

of course he would, it's the best movie ever made ever made ever made ever made ever made

[@commentarytalk1446]

Hana-Bi (fireflower)? Sonatine is the best "Beat" Takeshi movie imo. Not sure what to make of this one. Some solid quips but an overall meanderingly, aimless direction... not my style. The Basho quote was great however.

[@somedude2748]

I need to get my hands on this book, sounds like it's exactly what I've wanted to see conveyed about Japan that I often found lacking in more romanticised depictions.

[@yokie8472]

Love this channel

[@WingSun]

Amazing work, as always... Your videos are truly unique pieces of art on this grumble KZbin chaos ^^ I wish the algorithm could recommend your videos to more people, recommend art rather than profitable and « engaging money videos made for .. View time and advertising ». So thank you very much for your work ^^ and congrats to all the team that worked on it

[@AdaraFukuchi]

Rewatching this before reading the book ^^

[@seanfleury538]

Beyond ghibli is literally on fire rn

[@nathanmoran8691]

Is Escape from Amsterdam the same book, just a different title?? I can't seem to find a copy of Speed of Lightness for sale anywhere...

[@BeyondGhibli]

Yep, same book with some slight alterations and updates.

[@tricky1800]

Bro when is that book coming out. I can't find it anywhere!

[@Shmoonii]

Shout out to the ICO and Shadow of the Colossus double pack for the PS.

[@pedrokatcradle]

Mmhm, we should all strive to contextualize our past. "Find[ing] beautiful places on the fringe" waxed poetic. "[....]apart from sex doll, I didn't actually see any sex dolls..." -Muwahh! Perfection.

[@itsheymonth]

Missed your content bro!

[@HarryScTam]

With its calm and reassurance; yours sir, is a voice, I could take a shit to.

[@Catheur]

I feel like this guy would really enjoy the kiseki games

[@COLORMIND.mp4]

8 people thought they could get fried oysters in 11 minutes

[@2shadowgamer2]

Yayyyyyyyy new video!

[@redeo1475]

please voice this and make it an audio book!!

[@johnpienta4200]

"To care about something is to hurt about something a ways down the road." -Joe O'Connell. "You travel light when you've got no sense of history." -Barrie Sherwood.

[@bo6be3]

Please make a video about the anime “After the Rain”

[@jameslessells4154]

Why would people dislike this

[@dmitritsvetaev129]

Nice.

[@dylanchong3346]

where did the review of I want to eat your pancreas go? I can't find it in the list of videos

[@BeyondGhibli]

It was removed by a copyright holder. I'm working on getting it reinstated :)

[@seraj1411]

Wow! Never been this early in my life!

[@stevenbrown1225]

Saw a video of a veteran talking about he couldn't forgive the Japanese for the horrible atrocities they did in the war. Can't deny that. I just have hope that the Japanese have moved on from that perversion of bushido that was used to justify the crimes. As an American I know our hands are not clean. Today "Justice" is swapped with vengeance. Almost everywhere. I hope we can all move on. Don't ignore the crimes of today. Don't used the crimes of the past to "make it even"! P.s. love your videos!

[@petermgruhn]

Keep waiting for that man to order some yam sausage.

[@haresmahmood]

Being dutch I'm really interested to visit the amsterdam-themed theme park

[@insaneirishtaco8791]

"Kids on the slope" please

[@shahirali8235]

Where can we buy the book though?

[@BeyondGhibli]

Amazon has kindle versions, I imagine the physical hardcover / paperback releases will launch soon. I've seen it in some bookstores near me as well! You can also buy it under 'Escape from Amsterdam' pretty much anywhere for about £3 at the moment (ebay / amazon etc)

[@propmadepostapo]

Wow

[@vinyoung1883]

ARE YOU GOING TO DO A VIDEO ON “JOSÉE THE TIGER AND THE FISH”?!? 😨 I JIST SAW IT, and can’t find any video essays on it!! How is this possible!!! Please do one! Please! I want to know and hear more about it!! You are the best person to do it 🙏 i hope you do! 😊

[@BeyondGhibli]

It's so new that I don't think anyone wants to square off against its rights holder with unlicensed footage. Give it time and you'll see a lot of essays pop up on that, potentially here on BG too ;)

[@vinyoung1883]

@@BeyondGhibli ahhhh that makes sense! Thank you so much! I understand!! Love your work btw!!

[@Jaysonmb1]

Please create video regarding Hello World

[@KelvinWKiger]

🤩

[@nootnootman6353]

noot noot

[@chimedemon]

Not your average Joe :)

[@zodsinclair8500]

Ah..... Culture!

[@FriendlyKitten]

3 times ;

[@karanvideos4175]

Can you please re-upload the I want to eat your pancreas video

[@BeyondGhibli]

It got taken down by Sony, I'll be appealing it but that can take months.

[@bobcatethan8919]

Ag Ag