While this animated short film primarily critiques Japanese society, many of the issues it presents are applicable to other countries and cultures as well. Still, it powerfully highlights problems specific to Japan.
The film depicts a society where everyone is expected to give 100%, and where conformity is enforced at the expense of individuality. Equality is portrayed in a negative light-suggesting that everyone must perform the same and conform, with little tolerance for personal differences. Children are shown studying solely to serve industry and corporations.
Teachers wear masks that hide their faces-an obvious metaphor for how people in Japanese society are expected to conceal their true emotions and always appear cheerful. Mental health struggles are also explored, including sudden emotional breakdowns and, most tragically, suicide by train-reflecting a painful reality for some who feel they can no longer endure the pressure.
To me, this film feels like a quiet cry for help-a call for society to wake up and change. But in the end, that change never comes. In many ways, it's reminiscent of Pink Floyd's iconic music video for Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2.
