“Workin’ Hard” by Fujii Kaze is the official theme song for the Japanese team representing the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. This song conveys a message that goes beyond competition or visible outcomes; the efforts of everyone involved are also significant. Fujii Kaze is also a singer who advocates love and acceptance. In this song, besides emphasizing hard work, he also suggests taking a break and giving yourself some rest after you work hard.
In this music video, I want to depict the connection between hard work and perseverance through characters' looping animations that the audience can relate to. The green energy flowing through the characters symbolizes the power of dedication, but when this energy gathers and reaches its peak, it signifies the time to chill and relax.
Style frame
Character Design
Initially, I planned to feature various characters engaged in different activities, but this confused the audience. Therefore, I chose one as the main character, Mr. Hedgehog, who symbolizes everyday life experiences similar to everyone. The square element represents individuals working in their own space or environment. The green light serves as the energetic essence of the song, prompting the main character to persevere during challenging times and reminding them to take breaks when feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.
Storyboard