The upcoming original anime project, Miru: Paths To My Future, has announced its opening theme song artist and confirmed its premiere date. The anime, produced by the Japanese machinery manufacturer Yanmar Holdings, will feature the virtual singer unit V.W.P (-Virtual Witch Phenomenon-) for its opening theme. The song, titled “AI=UTA,” will accompany the five-episode series set to premiere in Japan in April 2025.
A Story of Time Travel and Hope
Miru: Paths To My Future tells the story of MIRU, a unique robot from a distant future. Unlike typical robots, MIRU is weaponless and travels through time to support people across different eras. The anime explores the encounters MIRU has with individuals who, despite their struggles, live their lives with determination. These interactions spark a “Butterfly Effect,” where small steps forward lead to significant changes and a brighter future. The core message of the anime is that “the future is in our hands,” emphasizing the power in every small beginning.
The Role of MIRU
MIRU is a robot designed not for combat but for support and growth. As MIRU interacts with people, it learns and evolves, becoming more capable of assisting those in need. By listening to their problems and offering help, MIRU sets in motion a chain of positive changes. This character is central to the anime’s exploration of hope and the potential for a better tomorrow.
Production Details
The anime is produced by Yanmar Holdings, marking their foray into the animation industry. Masuo Ueda, a veteran anime producer known for works such as Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space and City Hunter, is serving as the executive producer. The production is also supported by Skyfall Co., Ltd, where Ueda is the CEO, and btrax Japan LLC is providing planning assistance.
The series is structured as a five-episode omnibus, with each episode potentially showcasing a different story and perspective. This format allows for diverse storytelling and creative expression from the five different anime studios involved in the project.
V.W.P to Perform Opening Theme
The virtual singer group V.W.P, consisting of KAF, RIM, Harusaruhi, Isekaijoucho, and KOKO, will perform the opening theme song “AI=UTA“. The song is composed by Noriyasu Agematsu of Elements Garden, with arrangement by Yusuke Takeda, also of Elements Garden. Hibiki wrote the lyrics, and Akihiro Tomita produced the song. This team is known for creating music for various well-known anime series. The involvement of such a talented team signifies the high production value of the anime’s musical components.
Thematic Connection
The selection of V.W.P for the theme song aligns with the anime’s themes of hope and resilience. Their virtual identities bring a unique dimension to the project, reflecting the futuristic aspect of the series. The song, “AI=UTA” which translates to “Love Song,” promises to enhance the anime’s emotional impact.
Release and Global Availability
The five-episode series is scheduled to air in Japan in April 2025. While details for a global release are not yet confirmed, Yanmar Holdings has stated they will announce information regarding global availability once it is available.
Anime’s Design and Themes
Miru: Paths To My Future has made conscious efforts to steer away from traditional mecha design tropes. The robots, designed by Yanmar’s in-house team, are unique and have a non-combative approach to solving problems. The central themes revolve around the “confrontation and harmony between humans and nature,” emphasizing sustainability and the potential for positive change. The anime encourages viewers to believe in their potential to shape the future and take action toward creating a better world.
Creative Team
The anime boasts a strong creative team, including Yuu Iguchi as the concept artist for the robots and Shigeru Morita from Studio Nue as the scenario writer and scriptwriter. This blend of talent ensures a cohesive and engaging narrative. The involvement of five different studios will also contribute to a unique aesthetic, enhancing the series’ diverse storytelling approach.
Yanmar’s Commitment to Sustainability
Yanmar’s decision to produce an anime project stems from their commitment to creating a “Sustainable Future.” Guided by their “HANASAKA” initiative, which values the potential of people and encourages new challenges, they believe that anime can inspire positive change. The story of MIRU reflects this commitment, showing the protagonist grappling with change and growing through interactions with others. Each character’s journey in the anime embodies the HANASAKA values, representing steps toward realizing a sustainable future.
A Message for the Future
Miru: Paths To My Future is not just an entertainment product but also a medium for conveying Yanmar’s values. The company aims to inspire viewers to believe in their own ability to shape the future and take concrete steps towards a sustainable society. The anime’s slogan, “The future is in our hands,” underscores this message, encouraging everyone to take ownership of their role in building a better world.
Conclusion
Yanmar’s Miru: Paths To My Future is shaping up to be a significant project with a blend of entertainment and a powerful message about sustainability and the human potential for positive change. With the unique character of MIRU, the creative talents involved, and the theme song by V.W.P, the anime is poised to make a notable impact when it premieres in April 2025. The project highlights Yanmar’s commitment to innovation and their belief in the transformative power of storytelling.
