LIGHT THE WAY Inc. created the CG moving image (motion graphics) for the promotional video introducing avex’s member ID service, “+ID.” +ID is a convenient service that lets users access avex’s various offerings—such as ticket purchases, merchandise sales, and fan clubs—all with a single ID. The piece was designed with crisp, dynamic motion so that the information is easy to follow at a good pace and the animation feels smooth and pleasant to watch.

A series of minimal loop animations and installations composed solely of blinking simple line drawings inspired by neon. Each work consists only of a repeated sequence of different flashes, roughly 4 to 8 frames each, yet the continuous repetition creates the sense of movement. Although the technique is inorganic and stoic, the expression was designed to feel approachable and familiar. As an extension, combining the work with live action and 3DCG creates contrasts in texture and a sense of depth.

I directed animation for the first time after having only ever made independent animations before. In independent production, data management is much looser, there’s no need to separate in-between drawings from key drawings, and there’s no need to give instructions to anyone, but commercial animation doesn’t work that way, so it was tough. There were at least three major accidents, and I ended up drawing a huge amount of layout, key animation, in-between animation, and backgrounds. In the end, I got heavily involved in every stage except the photography, and for the month leading up to the deadline—34 days—I worked every day for 13 hours while talking on the phone with the art director, making it feel like the three of us, including the photography director, were producing an independent animation. Because my memories of my first time as director were like this, it has become a trauma.