Тазашо - Токійо
Massive 3D animation and creative direction for TAZASHO's EDM release "Tokyo" (2026). Featuring CGI characters, custom SFX, and cartoon aesthetics.
This case became one of the most difficult and important projects in the history of our creative collective, "School Melancholy". For TAZASHO's EDM release "Tokyo," I built a complete visual identity from scratch. The main goal was to combine serious electronic sound and Japanese references with the hyperbolized, cartoonish aesthetic of the lyrics. I took on the creative direction for the entire promo campaign: from creating a 3D animated cartoon to designing the cover art and viral TikTok content.
Video Production
Creating this teaser was a long-held dream. Back in 2023, we came up with the concept of cartoonish 3D characters, each of which perfectly embodies a real member of "School Melancholy" down to the smallest details (from appearance to habits). Three years later, I finally brought this vision to life. I created an animated mini-scene where the characters fool around in a classic slapstick style: one bothers the other while they rest, and all their actions are highly exaggerated. To make the visuals work perfectly with the music, TAZASHO personally crafted unique sound design (SFX) that highlighted every on-screen action without overpowering the song itself. The project blew up on social media, gathering a massive amount of positive feedback and officially launching our collective's "multiverse."
Cover Design
The cover design had to carry the energy of the EDM track. By utilizing negative space in the composition, I created the illusion that the release's main mascot (the character with a bucket on his head) is breaking the fourth wall and escaping into the wild. The screaming expression and the baseball bat in his hands set an aggressive dynamic, which is amplified by paint splatters and falling confetti—a direct association with the euphoria of dance music. In the background, I used an image of the sky: this element is a recurring symbol of freedom in TAZASHO's aesthetics, creating a visual bridge to his previous works.
Socials & Promo
For TikTok and Reels promotion, we needed a video with an incredibly strong hook that would instantly grab attention and stand out in the feed. I decided to bring the drawn mascot from the cover into the real world. Using CGI, I integrated the bucket onto the head of a real person in the footage, turning them into a living character. To emphasize the absurdity, cartoonishness, and wild energy of the song, I filled the room in the video with flying air and created a 3D simulation of paper chaotically flying around and interacting with the hero. This mixed-reality effect worked perfectly to retain the audience's attention from the very first second.