U-25 Project
Balloon
Online
On a crowded train, worn down by daily life, the protagonist catches sight of a balloon outside the window and is drawn back to a childhood memory of one given by their older sister. As the line between past and present blurs, the feelings left in their heart begin to change.
- Director
- Suzuko Aoki
- Time
- 0:04:49
- Country
- Japan
- Genre
- Fantasy
- Year
- 2025
- Cast
- Rikako Aoki
Awards Nominations
SEIKA Award (Japan / 2026) Grand Prize
19th TOHO Cinemas Student Film Festival (Japan / 2026) Animation Category Nominee
Director
Suzuko Aoki
Graduated from the Film Department of Tokyo Metropolitan Comprehensive High School of Art in March 2026. Will enroll in the Graphic Design Department at Tama Art University starting in April. While working with stop-motion animation, aims not to be confined by a single technique, and seeks to refine a personal mode of expression by exploring a variety of methods.
Cast
Rikako Aoki
Screening
Screening Venue
| Venue | Schedule | Ticket Reservation |
|---|---|---|
| MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives | 2026.05.30 [Sat] 14:30-16:10 | |
| LIFORK HARAJUKU | 2026.06.07 [Sun] 12:00-18:30 |
Online Screening
| Online | schedule | Online Screening |
|---|---|---|
| Online Screening | 2026.05.25 [Mon] - 2026.06.10 [Wed] |
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Sponsors
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Recommended comments
Pay attention to the protagonist’s delicate emotions as they vaguely recall someone within a colorful, dreamlike world. A notable detail is that not only the dialogue but also the sound effects are voiced by the director’s own sister, adding an intimate layer to the experience.