The famous Greek philosopher Aristotle argued that true friendship and love are based on shared virtues and character, suggesting that the quality of a relationship depends on the individuals involved. However, love can become complicated during the teenage years. This period is often confusing, filled with overwhelming emotions and physical changes that can seem to happen overnight. Teenage brains are wired to make us feel as though everything we experience will last forever. These challenges are subtly depicted in the Japanese music video “You Light The Stars.” It stands out as one of the few videos that tells a story in a simple and straightforward manner.

“You Light the Stars” is a Japanese animated music video that blends themes of light, darkness, and magic. It features an anime song in which the protagonist, Maho, confesses her love for her classmate Miharu.  Both Maho and Miharu are students and friends, and Maho’s feelings for Miharu are pure and tender, adding a sweet touch to the narrative. While it may initially seem innocent, the story delves deeper. Directed by Gregory Christopher Snelgar, the music video explores both the sweetness of falling in love as well as the pain and trauma that can accompany it. The most intriguing aspect of the video is that it is narrated from a girl’s perspective, portraying the struggles and frustrations of a teenage girl.

This video evokes a sense of nostalgia, particularly for adults who grew up watching similar shows. The story provides a comforting experience by revisiting familiar themes and tropes, such as high school cliques, making it predictable and less stressful than the complexities of adult life. Teenage experiences are portrayed with intensity and relatability, including first crushes, heartbreaks, and struggles with friendship. “You Light The Stars” allows viewers to relive their own youthful experiences with emotional intensity from a safe distance. For younger viewers, this music video can be aspirational, offering models for self-discovery and personal growth. The story frequently explores themes of identity, loyalty, and understanding, which are crucial for forming later relationships.

The standout feature of this animated video is its dance. It is beautiful because it explores movement beyond the limitations of the human body, creating fluid, expressive, and often fantastical choreography that is both visually stunning and emotionally impactful. The animators did an excellent job of emphasizing certain aspects of the dance, such as emotion and rhythm, by exaggerating or simplifying movements to create a unique visual language. The dance is used to tell stories, convey emotions, or establish a specific atmosphere, with movements and visuals carefully tailored to the narrative. Furthermore, this dance combines the art of dance with animation, creating a powerful and unique form of expression.

In addition to the love story, an interesting aspect of the narrative is the relationship between Maho and her cat. The video illustrates how the cat offers valuable emotional support during a tumultuous period in Maho’s life. As Maho navigates through intense emotional changes and stressors, the companionship of a cat provides her with a sense of stability and calm. It has been noted that cats and teenage girls can form strong bonds based on mutual affection and trust. Cats often seek attention and affection, which can enhance a teenager’s sense of self-worth and responsibility. Maho realizes that while human relationships can be complex and demanding, her bond with the cat is relatively low maintenance. This allows her to experience the joy of a meaningful connection without the stress associated with maintaining human relationships.

“You Light The Stars” has the power to evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy and laughter to sadness and empathy. By featuring relatable characters who face various challenges, animated films foster empathy and create a deep emotional connection with viewers. This emotional resonance makes the viewing experience more immersive and memorable. The video showcases vibrant visuals, fluid movements, and imaginative storytelling that captivate audiences and stimulate the visual processing areas of the brain. Additionally, the artistic freedom in animation allows creators to craft unique and captivating worlds that are both visually stunning and emotionally engaging.

“You Light the Stars” is a teenage love story that has the potential to resonate with people of all ages. Anyone who has experienced love—almost everyone—will find a connection with the narrative. As a result, I rate the music video 4 out of 5 stars.