Suzume Skies

It all started with the theme song of ‘Suzume no Tojimari’, which means Suzume’s locking up. Suzume in Japanese literally translates to sparrow. The song unlocks different emotions with every line

It stormed the internet recently with reels and shorts being made from the same. Vivid scenes from Japanese anime and real life were portrayed, revealing their beauty to the world. Indian artists and animators were also inspired and created the magical scenes, monuments and characters of a rich and diverse India. Here is an excerpt from the hit song:

“Red lines, blues lines you carry inside
The twain shall meet at the centre of your heart

In a voice that withstands the wind
I’m bringing up the words to deliver

Time is a sleeper, wind the soft skin, the star is a cradle, people are a mirage

If this tear answers your question of why I’m crying
It’s not as close to the meaning of us finding each other…”

 

The movie hit the screens in India in April this year, and has been trending ever since. It is directed by renowned Japanese animator Makoto Shinkai. He was the mind behind other hits like Kimi no Na wa (Your Name) – 2016 and Weathering with You (Tenki no Ko) – 2019, which connected with a large crowd that people looked forward to this year’s release of his new film. Suzume no Tojimari also follows similar aesthetics with out of the world visuals, animative realism with vibrant colour palette and lighting, as its precursors. The songs and music also play a vital role in luring consumers to be a part of the story.

The visual aesthetics reached a wider range of audience owing to their fresh colour palette and slice-of-life imagery, as though bringing these digital elements to life, by making them feel alive. The beauty of nature, the lush green leaves, morning dew and splattering rain, mellow sunshine opening up soft white clouds, the humdrum of urban life, the peace of country life, the chopping ASMR of fresh vegetables and the whirlpool of emotions shown through the eyes of characters create a different experience altogether. The scope of implementation is endless, be it wall art, advertising, animation or gaming technology, it creates a new vibe to existing Indian aesthetics with the unique influence of Nihon – san!

Words by Dhivya Darshini