Takashi Murakami is a controversial figure, be it in his home the art world, where some claim that he is commercializing his work or in the Otaku realm, where he is seen as somebody exploiting the Otaku culture instead of supporting it. Despite this, Murakami's work continually proves successful, even resulting him being listed in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People list. And while western audiences might not understand all the themes he uses in his work, he certainly makes it more accessible for those who simply don't know about them. 

 

After growing success he founded his own company called KaiKai Kiki LLC, a home for new artists and a staff of about 100 people. One of these artists is called Mr. ("Mister") and is currently gaining popularity with his lolita style anime characters, recieving praise from fellow artists like Paul McCarthy. 

 

Yesterday (November 10th) was the japanese press screening of Mr.'s short film called "Daremo Shinanai"「誰も死なない」roughly translated as 'nobody really dies' depicting young girls, some of them actual junior idols, partaking in a survival game and their struggle. By putting middle school girls in colorful combat suits and letting them battle it out in the field, he certainly throws some Otaku themes together but mixed in a way that has not been seen before. This was even enhanced by letting the screening take place in Akihabara's UDX building.

 

According to Murakami a viewer in the french audience was moved to tears by the movie, something that does not seem as a likely thing to happen when taking the movies cheerful and colorful nature. The cuts are fast and the very present music theme stays with the viewer, or at least with the journalists who could listen to it for a long time before the film started.  Judgement is definitely bound to vary heavily, but the proper production as well as the obvious fun of those participating is something that should be credited.