In producing an event that is the exact opposite of the clamor of modern society, called the “Daydreaming Contest,” we focused carefully on sound. By drawing on nature, we created visuals that evoke a sense of spaciousness.

Since the song evokes summer, I aimed for a sense of freshness and transience. As this was a collaboration with a composer who has been trending on social media, I raised the saturation to match that image and focused on creating tricky, attention-grabbing visuals. The concept was “the glamorous, flashy side of a YouTuber, and moments of quiet that feel serene.”

We captured the image of Toshimitsu Seishugaoka as he breaks free from the mold of a YouTuber and charges headlong into music. No matter what happens, this man never stops moving forward. He just keeps going, keeps running, keeps swimming. With that one concept, we shot him as “the modern-day Melos who keeps running.”

I have been entrusted with directing the commemorative film for Aoyama Gakuin’s 150th anniversary. As an alumnus of Aoyama Gakuin Senior High School and Aoyama Gakuin University, I am truly honored and delighted to have been given this opportunity. It was unprecedented for me, as a YouTuber, to take on a project like this, but I poured my heart and soul into every scene, striving to fully express my own style and create the best possible work with meticulous attention to detail. I believe that the feelings of everyone who has been connected to Aoyama Gakuin are each unique, but I feel this film conveys the certainty that the 150 years of history and spirit continue to be passed down today, like a relay baton. I am proud to have been given such a wonderful opportunity, and I will continue to dedicate myself even more earnestly from here on.

Mori Nana, the rising new actress who was cast in a breakout role as the heroine in Weathering with You and received high praise for her performance in The Last Letter, covers the classic song “Smile,” released in 1996. Inspired by the title “Smile,” a music video was created to bring smiles to people in modern-day Japan. It captures Mori Nana’s genuine, unguarded smile in moments that are usually hard to see, including on actual shooting locations, during recording sessions with HOFF DYLAN, while livestreaming on Instagram Live, and while walking her beloved dog.