by The second official music video for the short animation project Running Girl has been released, featuring the energetic track “RUN” by acclaimed Japanese music producer tofubeats. The video marks a stylish collaboration between the anime project and fashion brand initiative BEAMS MANGART, blending animation, music, and street culture into a single high-impact visual experience.
Designed to capture the pulse of modern urban life, the music video showcases a new character named Michiko, whose determined sprint through Tokyo’s fashion district creates a vivid sense of speed, youth, and contemporary culture.
A Fusion of Anime, Music, and Fashion
Unlike traditional anime openings or promotional videos, this project functions as a hybrid of a music video, brand collaboration, and short-form animated storytelling.
The video follows Michiko as she runs toward BEAMS WOMEN HARAJUKU, one of Tokyo’s most iconic fashion retail locations. Along the way, viewers experience stylized cityscapes, dynamic camera angles, and rhythmic editing synchronized to tofubeats’ upbeat electronic sound.
This approach reflects a growing trend in Japan where anime increasingly intersects with fashion and street culture, especially in youth-focused projects.
About the Song “RUN” by tofubeats
tofubeats is known for blending electronic pop, hip-hop, and club influences into accessible yet sophisticated tracks. “RUN” perfectly complements the animation’s theme of movement and forward momentum.
Why the Track Works So Well
- Fast tempo that enhances the sense of motion
- Bright electronic production suited for urban visuals
- Catchy rhythm that appeals to both anime and pop audiences
- Emotional undertones suggesting determination and freedom
The synchronization between the animation’s pacing and the music’s beats creates a cinematic flow that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.
Introducing Michiko — The Second Running Girl
The newly revealed character Michiko represents the project’s evolving narrative focus. While details about her backstory remain limited, her design and actions convey a confident, independent personality.
Key visual traits include:
- Modern street-fashion styling
- Expressive body language while running
- A determined, forward-looking gaze
- Symbolism of youth chasing dreams
Her sprint through Harajuku — a district famous for trendsetting fashion and youth culture — reinforces the theme of ambition in a fast-moving city.
Cultural and Urban Aesthetic
The music video has been described as having a strong “cultural mood,” combining elements of:
- Contemporary Tokyo street scenes
- Fashion-forward visual design
- Minimal dialogue storytelling
- Music-driven narrative
- Advertising-style cinematography
This aesthetic positions Running Girl closer to an art-driven promotional project than a conventional anime series.
Collaboration with BEAMS MANGART
BEAMS MANGART is a creative label under the BEAMS fashion group that collaborates with artists and pop culture properties. Their involvement signals an emphasis on lifestyle branding as much as animation.
Through this partnership, the project highlights how anime characters can function as cultural icons within fashion and retail environments.
Expanding Promotion: Ads and Broadcast Plans
The release of the music video is only the beginning of a broader promotional campaign. According to announcements, the project will expand through:
- Digital vision advertisements in urban locations
- Terrestrial TV broadcasts featuring the song
- Cross-media promotional content
- Potential in-store displays at BEAMS locations
This multi-platform strategy aims to reach audiences beyond traditional anime fans, including fashion enthusiasts and music listeners.
Why Running Girl Is Generating Buzz
Several factors contribute to the project’s growing attention:
✔ Short, Easily Shareable Format
Ideal for social media consumption.
✔ High-Profile Music Collaboration
tofubeats’ involvement attracts mainstream listeners.
✔ Strong Visual Identity
Stylized animation stands out from typical TV anime aesthetics.
✔ Fashion Industry Tie-In
Partnership with BEAMS expands cultural relevance.
✔ Relatable Theme
Running as a metaphor for ambition and perseverance resonates globally.
The Rise of Anime Music Videos as Standalone Works
Projects like Running Girl reflect a broader shift in the anime industry toward experimental formats. Rather than full-length series, creators increasingly produce short animated music videos that function as artistic showcases and marketing tools.
These projects often:
- Require smaller production budgets
- Allow for greater creative freedom
- Reach international audiences quickly
- Blur the line between advertising and storytelling
Final Thoughts
The second music video for Running Girl demonstrates how modern anime projects are evolving beyond traditional formats. By combining tofubeats’ high-energy track “RUN” with fashion-forward visuals and urban storytelling, the collaboration delivers a stylish and memorable experience.
As digital advertisements and broadcast promotions roll out, the project is likely to gain even more visibility. Whether viewed as a music video, fashion campaign, or short anime piece, Running Girl stands as a compelling example of cross-media creativity in 2026.
