High Five: Japan
From visually stunning pieces of art to much-needed poignant narratives that make us reassess our relationship with the environment, I here share some of my favourite projects to come out of Japan in recent months...
JR East Japan - 'Shinkansen Year 2022'
Director: TAKCOM
Translation:
“The Shinkansen keeps moving forward, paving the way through the undiscovered. Where to next? What is the next move? The ride will always show you a new horizon. We’ll keep running towards the future. In the meantime, enjoy the ride. Shinkansen Year 2022.”
Japan is famous for its bullet trains, and 2022 is the Shinkansen Year, so this amazing motion design was created to celebrate it. You can feel the speed, modernity and diversity of Japan, and the colour keys match the actual colours of the trains. So, have a nice ride on this graphical rollercoaster!
The Weeknd - 'Echoes of Silence'
Director: Kurando Furuya
Famous Japanese artist, Hajime Sorayama, worked as an art director on this music video with his 'sexy robot' as the leading role. A beautiful conceptualisation of the landscape and good music make it worth watching the short movie.
Red Bull - 'Race Day'
Production: Tohokushinsha Film Corporation
Director: Yukihiro Shoda
I love this movie because everything was achieved in-camera without any CG elements. The analog way of animation mixes with the dynamic brand of Red Bull. A big 'high five' for the idea and execution! You will probably need to watch it a few times to notice all the details, and here you can find a behind-the-scenes for even more fun.
Audi - 'If You Change Your Mindset, The Future Will Change'
Agency: Wieden+Kennedy Tokyo
Production: Y’s
Director: Chris Rudz
Translation:
“Maybe you think that the climate change of this planet is not your problem, that it is something that will solve itself eventually. But time is irreversible. Unsustainable resources. There is no second to waste. Audi has a different vision for the future. First, we will implement carbon neutrality in all of our factories by 2025 and introduce 20 full-electric models. If we change our mindsets, we can change the future. It’s time that we do."
I truly love this great concept and execution. Who knew a car commercial with an important message could be so simple and beautiful? No more words are needed.
SiGNALS - 'Plastic Must Die'
Production: Mt. Melville
Director: Mackenzie Sheppard
Post: Juice
This subject is very important, and I think the message is very straightforward - keep our planet clean. YouTube Originals invited filmmakers from around the world to create the experimental series #SiGNALS based on stories of everyday objects, which educate you on how to be more sustainable for sake of Mother Earth. Different styles of narration in this work (some of them referring to Japanese culture) will suit every taste.
