Honestly, he's probably on the movies, and while I'd love to see him flex on a series again, I also like that he gets to play in the sandbox of the movies and do what he does best without the limitations of the show.
I believe Yuyama mentioned he appointed Yajima his permanent successor as movie director, so unless that changes, it's very unlikely he'd be able to juggle directing both the movies and TV series at the same time.
Yeah, it was something like that. At least, if it's the same interview I'm thinking about then it's the same where the inteviewer joked about Yajima having half of Yuyama's age but double of his weight lol
A tad unrelated to the topic, but I always felt like Tomiyasu was a bit more the exec pick than one handpicked by Yuyama. He lacks a little bit on the creative side of things and, in my opinion, understanding past characters very well (like thinking a 6-region-vet Ash needed a father figure). And to bring it back on topic, this is why I hope Serena never returns under Tomiyasu's tenure unless Yajima has a hand in it.
ngl I kinda feel like Yajima's style works better for the movies, due to not really having to adhere to neither game nor executive mandates aside from "promote this mythical"
And I love that he's on the movies, but his general follow-through on writing can work just as well for a series, and I'd love to see what he can do with another one. Not a particular fan of the Tomiyasu era.
Or Ash reactions odd like a running gag around her,
Personally, I wouldn't say it's confirmed at all, but honestly I'd imagine they might not mention it.
Tbh if she comes back I'm almost sure they'll let Yajima and Tomioka handle her episode
Her crush is an inextirpable part of her character, it is one of her defining traits. When you ask "who's serena"? The immediate reply is "that girl who kissed him". What i'm trying to say is that she is Ash's ONLY love interest. I doubt they won't capitalize on that.