Superduo YOASOBI has expanded their multimedia presence with a striking animated music video for “The Bloom” (“Sakihokore”), serving as the official theme song for the NHK serial TV novel Blossom. Known for their chart-topping anime contributions, the musical act teamed up with celebrated independent creator Ai Nina, who recently debuted her first original short film Luca. Nina stepped into multiple heavy creative roles for the project, helming positions as chief director, character designer, and storyboard artist.
Co-directing the music video alongside Nina is episode director and animator Nobuhide Kariya, celebrated for his storyboard and key animation work on properties like My Dress-Up Darling. The narrative core of Blossom follows Tama Hono, a fictionalized protagonist inspired by historical author and kimono designer Cho Uno, who left an indelible cultural footprint spanning the late Taisho, Showa, and early Heisei eras. Translating Uno's fierce historical legacy into kinetic animation required a dedicated conceptual approach, focusing on fundamental human motion and unyielding vitality.
Reflecting on the creative direction via social media, Ai Nina discussed the thematic weight behind the choreography and pacing. “‘Anima,’ the origin for animation, means ‘life,’ ‘soul.’ Walking, running, grasping, pointing; this music video is filled with such primal human motions,” Nina shared, emphasizing how frame-by-frame animation breathes vitality into everyday human resilience.
The prestigious production pedigree extends deeply behind the scenes. Background art direction was handled by Kiyoshi Sameshiki, while production management featured industry veteran Takafumi Nakame, whose extensive credentials include working as a co-animation producer for Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and serving on the production desk for Makoto Shinkai's Your Name. Collaborative production assistance was credited to studio OUTLINE, alongside specialized contributions from Toei Animation, Studio Kurm, Peakys, EOTA, and Team OneOne.
