Alkemy X Adds Spencer Levin as Post Production Supervisor
March 23, 2026
Working through Japanese collective CALF, animation director Takashi Ohashi delivers a masterclass in character and style with this music video for Hatsuboshi Gakuen, the fictional band from the mobile game Gakuen Idolmaster.
Takashi Ohashi: “The story centers on one of the game’s protagonists, Saki Hanami, a former athlete who experienced early success but also faced a setback in her youth. This piece portrays her journey of psychological rebirth, as she transforms from an athlete into a Japanese idol.
“To evoke the ‘solitude and impatience inherent in genius, and a fiercely independent spirit,’ I intentionally stripped away the kind of excessive, colorful imagery often described as eye candy. Instead, I pursued what I would call eye protein, a restrained visual language defined by simplicity and bold character silhouettes.
“In an era shaped by social media, where visibility within timelines and responsiveness to algorithms often dictate creative decisions, I hope this piece can offer a reminder of the value in depicting what cannot be seen.”
“Light in the film functions as a metaphor for Saki Hanami’s psyche: in one moment, a spark-like glow flickers deep within her eyes, representing her fighting spirit. This is rendered in a style reminiscent of the animated expressions of Norman McLaren. The recurring motif of light suggests an attempt to visualize the flow of music and emotion as if perceived directly on the retina.
“In that sense, this music video is an attempt to depict the intersection between a character’s inner life and the traditions of music videos and abstract animation, as seen in the works of artists such as Michel Gondry and John Whitney.
“In an era shaped by social media, where visibility within timelines and responsiveness to algorithms often dictate creative decisions, I hope this piece can offer a reminder of the value in depicting what cannot be seen. In that sense, this work carries something akin to a sense of faith or prayer for me as a filmmaker.”
Client: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Music Label: ASOBINOTES
Production: CALF
Director: Takashi Ohashi
Storyboard/Compositor: Takashi Ohashi
Producer: Keisuke Yano
Animation Producer：Shuma Hirose
Production Manager；Mai Takeshita
Character Designer/concept artist: Yukie Nakauchi
Animator: Namiko Ishidate, Haruya Kageyama, Yuta Kuniyasu, Ippei Kurahashi, Yukie Nakauchi, Shin Hashimoto,Kei Fuj ishima, Maikaken, Yuribou, RiU, rhythmos
Prop Designer/Background Art: Hirotaka Tanaka
Graphic Design: AYOND
Designer: Syun Sasaki, Ryuji Okura
Music: Saki Hanami（VA.Aoi Nagatsuki）
Lyrics: HIROMI
Composer/arranger: Giga
