by A stunning 39-second animated short film set to Kenshi Yonezu’s latest song “Karasu” (“Crow”) has taken social media by storm, with fans praising its emotional storytelling, breathtaking animation, and powerful symbolism.
Created by acclaimed animation studio MAPPA, the short has generated an overwhelming wave of reactions online. Despite its brief runtime, viewers say the film delivers an emotional impact comparable to a full-length anime episode. Many fans admitted they were moved to tears, while others drew fascinating connections between the soccer-themed visuals and legendary football icon Lionel Messi.
Kenshi Yonezu and MAPPA Reunite Once Again
The “Karasu” animated short marks the third collaboration between singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu and MAPPA, one of Japan’s most celebrated animation studios.
Their previous collaborations include:
- “KICK BACK” – the opening theme for Chainsaw Man (2022)
- “IRIS OUT” – the theme song for Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc (2025)
With “Karasu,” the partnership once again blends music and animation into an emotionally rich visual experience that resonates with audiences worldwide.
A Powerful Story Told in Just 39 Seconds
The short animation perfectly synchronizes with the first chorus of “Karasu.”
The story follows a young soccer player who relentlessly chases a ball across the field while a crow soars high above the sky. Although the animation contains no dialogue, its expressive visuals communicate themes of determination, perseverance, dreams, and personal growth.
Rather than focusing solely on victory or defeat, the film celebrates the courage to keep pursuing one’s dreams despite obstacles. The crow serves as a symbolic representation of freedom, hope, and the unwavering desire to continue moving forward.
The result is a visually poetic animation that has deeply touched viewers despite lasting less than a minute.
MAPPA’s Pencil-Style Animation Wins Praise
One of the most talked-about aspects of the short is its unique visual presentation.
Instead of using vibrant colors throughout, the animation adopts a black-and-white pencil sketch aesthetic, accented by selective blue highlights. This artistic approach gives the film a hand-drawn, almost nostalgic feeling while maintaining fluid movement and dynamic action.
Fans praised the animation with comments such as:
- “The pencil texture is absolutely beautiful.”
- “The movement feels incredibly alive.”
- “The contrast between black, white, and blue is stunning.”
- “The sense of speed is amazing.”
- “It feels like watching a moving manga.”
Many viewers noted that the simple color palette allows the emotions and movement to stand out even more powerfully.
Social Media Reacts with Emotion
Shortly after its release, social media platforms were flooded with emotional reactions from fans.
Many viewers described the animation as one of the most moving promotional videos they had seen this year.
Popular reactions included:
- “It warmed my heart.”
- “This is absolutely divine.”
- “I held my breath the entire time.”
- “I can’t believe I cried over a 39-second video.”
- “MAPPA and Kenshi Yonezu never disappoint.”
Fans also praised the continued collaboration between Yonezu and MAPPA, calling it one of the strongest creative partnerships in anime and music today.
Fans Spot Possible Lionel Messi Reference
One detail quickly captured the attention of soccer fans.
At around the 11-second mark, the protagonist is shown wearing the iconic number 10 jersey, traditionally associated with legendary playmakers in football.
Because the player is portrayed as relatively small in stature yet exceptionally skilled at dribbling and relentlessly pursuing his dreams, many viewers began speculating that the character may have been inspired by Lionel Messi.
Online discussions included comments such as:
- “Number 10, shorter than everyone else, incredible dribbling… it reminds me of Messi.”
- “This feels like a tribute to Messi’s journey.”
- “The crow represents someone who never stopped believing.”
Other fans suggested similarities to Japanese football stars Kaoru Mitoma and Takefusa Kubo, interpreting the animation as a broader celebration of determined athletes rather than a direct reference to one specific player.
While no official confirmation has been made regarding the inspiration behind the character, the symbolism has fueled lively discussions among anime and football fans alike.
Timely Release During the FIFA World Cup
The release of “Karasu” coincides with the excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Following Japan’s advancement to the knockout stage after a hard-fought draw against Sweden, many fans connected the animation’s themes of perseverance and ambition with the national team’s World Cup campaign.
Supporters shared encouraging messages online, including:
- “Let’s beat Brazil!”
- “We’re ready to witness a new chapter.”
- “The crows will keep flying!”
The song is also scheduled to be featured during NHK’s football broadcasts and related World Cup programming, further strengthening its connection with this year’s tournament.
Staff Behind the Short Animation
The beautifully crafted short film was created by an experienced team at MAPPA.
Production Staff
- Storyboard & Director: Hiroyuki Takashima
- Animation Director: Takeshi Noda
- Animation: Takeshi Noda, Hiroyuki Takashima, Yoshiki Nakakoji, and Amp
- Director of Photography: Ruya Shiihara
- Photography Supervisor: Chika Toda
- Photography: Shinnosuke Kato
- Editing: Shinnosuke Kato and Ruya Shiihara
- Production Progress: Naotake Muraoka
- Animation Production: MAPPA
Final Thoughts
Although it lasts only 39 seconds, Kenshi Yonezu’s “Karasu” animated short demonstrates how music and animation can tell a compelling story in an incredibly short amount of time.
With MAPPA’s expressive hand-drawn visuals, symbolic storytelling, and Yonezu’s emotionally resonant music, the project has captivated anime fans, music lovers, and football enthusiasts alike.
Whether viewers see it as a story about chasing dreams, overcoming adversity, or even a subtle tribute to football legends like Lionel Messi, one thing is clear: “Karasu” has become one of the most memorable short anime collaborations of the year, proving that powerful storytelling doesn’t always require a long runtime.
