If I were to discuss one piece of art that moved me emotionally, it would have to be “Your Name” (or in Japanese translation; “Kimi no Na wa”). “Your Name” is a 2016 indie Japanese animation film, created by Makoto Shinkai, that deals heavily on the themes of connection, loss, and then reconnection on a cosmic and supernatural level. The film’s original concepts are based on Japanese cultures, such as the “red string of faith” which claims that two people connected through the red string are destined to be together no matter what time, place, and circumstance. It also presents the idea of “musubi”, which is the greater unnatural force that drives people to create bonds and relationships with one another. The film has two main characters; Taki Tachibana (the boy protagonist) and Mitsuha Miyamizu (the girl protagonist), whose bodies tend to switch every two weeks. Basically, from time to time Taki would find himself inside Mitsuha’s body, and Mitsuha inside Taki’s body. The reason for this unusual switching is later explained in the plot. 

The story is a heart-warming tale about long-lasting love, even if you forget being in-love in the first place. Even if time and space separate two people in love, there is something supernatural that connects them, and that is called “musubi”. The idea that no matter what time, place, and circumstance; two people who understand and respect each other on such a deep level, will always end up together. The ideas the film is trying to portray alone has such profound and relatable meaning that gives it such an emotional analogy, and it would make you feel a sense of escapism (with its extraordinary themes and concepts) while being able to feel authentic and grounded. The outstanding visuals and animations will leave every single audience captivated, and gives each character uniqueness and depth. Shinkai-sensei has also done an amazing effort on how to use their original soundtracks to make scenes in the movie feel more connected and responsive towards each important moment. I find myself listening to its soundtracks for years now, and not once I got tired of hearing it over and over again. Overall, this movie was truly something special. It inspired me to become a better version of myself when it comes to the relationships I have and the people I care about. It taught me to never give up hope and to strive harder for the things I’m longing for. It gave me the conviction to redefine what I think about literature and give it some kind of quirky perspective that only I can understand. Most importantly, it reassured me that love truly exists in this world, and it can flourish no matter the time, place, and circumstance.

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