Presented at the 16th class of the Graduate School of Film and New Media, Tokyo University of the Arts, Animation Course Graduation Production Exhibition GEIDAI ANIMATION 16 MANIA=ANIMA. “Find Me” Akari Maru Concept/ Three voices intersect. The “I” of childhood, the things they wanted their mothers to do, the place they kept searching for, the wounds that can’t be erased. They are girls who want to grow up, but cannot. I will carry your voice.

With innocent vocals, original lyrics, and explosive live performances, the band Regal Lily makes their first appearance on Minna no Uta! What could be the meaning of placing “stars,” “freckles,” and “diamonds” side by side? The protagonist once saw her “freckles” as a major complex, but after being told as a child, “They’re pretty,” she became able to accept herself. Because she still carries that sparkling, shining memory from that time, she can continue to like herself... With that feeling, she sings of her “freckles” as “stars” and “kiddy (tiny) diamonds.” The animation is by young talent Akari Maru, a student who has created animations for a variety of artists, including TOMORROW X TOGETHER. It depicts the figure of an ordinary girl who positively transforms feelings such as complexes, anxiety, and worries symbolized by her “freckles.” Everyone must have been hurt at some point, and everyone must have memories of being gently and emotionally saved. We hope this piece becomes a trigger for embracing all of those experiences close to the heart and moving forward. [From the animator, Akari Maru] My biggest challenge was how to portray a third party who affirms the protagonist’s complex about her “freckles.” While her heart is wavering, someone or something stays by her side. It doesn’t have to be a realistic human, and it doesn’t have to reply. It could be a stuffed toy, a pet cat, a plant growing on the balcony, or even a completely imaginary being. Like encountering the infinite stars spread across the night sky, perhaps the protagonist’s complex can only be eased through contact with a variety of personalities and beings. With that in mind, I made the scenario include Virgo, which becomes a decisive encounter for the protagonist. Like Regal Lily’s music, which is strong, ephemeral, and gentle, I hope I was able to portray an existence that lights up the protagonist while staying close to her heart.

Wounds inflicted on me, wounds I caused you. Wounds I can’t forget, wounds I wanted someone to notice. Wounds hurt. When touched, they hurt even more. And yet there was someone who gently placed a hand over the wound. The small bandage is proof of that undeniable fact.