This work is set in 2020, a year in which, due to the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), not only the Olympics but also many activities and events around the world were restricted. Its theme is the “Great Cosmic Robot Festival,” created to honor the disappointment of all the festivals, celebrations, and events that regrettably had to be canceled. In addition, this work is inspired by Japanese festivals. Festival culture, rooted in the history and traditions of local communities, has continued for about 400 years, carrying a variety of wishes such as “a bountiful harvest,” “family safety,” and “disaster prevention prayers” to protect against earthquakes, epidemics, and other calamities. Its form varies from region to region: in some places, people dance while praying to the gods; in others, they carry portable shrines and parade through the town. What they all share, however, is a wish for peace. However, in 2020, almost all festivals and ceremonies were canceled, including those whose origins lay in driving away epidemics. This music video contains BATTLES’ and AC-bu’s wish to replace the festivals that were unfortunately canceled, and to give courage and hope to music fans and festival organizers around the world, allowing them to enjoy themselves even just a little.

We produced two digital ad versions for Nikkei Electronic Edition’s U23 Discount (student discount): “Job Seeker Edition” and “New Graduate Edition.” Aimed at young people, they feature fast-paced narration, eye-catching vivid colors, and pop-style motion graphics. The music uses the same song in two different arrangements: one acoustic and one digital.

A work produced entirely in vertical format. The rapidly shifting visuals express the experience of being manipulated as one’s smartphone is taken over. The result is a video that blends reality and virtuality, making viewers feel as if their own smartphone has gone haywire.

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