Today, November 21, 2024, the iconic music video “ME!ME!ME!”, created by Japanese DJ and producer Teddyloid, marks ten years since its official release. Originally premiered on the Japan Animator Expo website, the video has become a cultural phenomenon inside and outside the realm of anime, leaving an indelible mark on contemporary animation and the electronic music landscape.
“ME!ME!ME!” was released as part of the Japan Animator Expo, a collaborative project between Hideaki Anno's Studio Khara, creator of “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” and Japanese company Dwango. This project sought to highlight the talent of emerging artists in the Japanese animation industry. The work, with its extremely high-quality animation, was directed by Hibiki Yoshizaki with character designs by Shuichi Iseki, and quickly captured the attention of the public for its vibrant aesthetics, cryptic narrative and themes aimed at mature audiences.
The video accompanies Teddyloid's song of the same name, with lyrics by Japanese singer and rapper Daoko, whose catchy melody and electronic rhythm merge perfectly with the images.creating a striking visual and auditory experience.
Since its debut, “ME!ME!ME!” generated an explosion of debate and creativity in online forums and communities. Sites such as AnimeNewsNetwork, NeoGAF, and the anime board 4chan (/a/) were flooded with analysis of its narrative, which many interpreted as a critique of escapism, media consumerism, and emotional alienation. Fans also turned to creating illustrations, memes and remixes, further popularizing the work on platforms such as Pixiv, Tumblr and DeviantArt.
Ten years later, “ME!ME!ME!” It remains a reference work, notable both for its artistic style and for its ability to generate debates about the social and emotional issues it addresses. Its success set a precedent for collaboration between independent artists and major studios, proving that experimental animation can resonate deeply with global audiences.
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