Takayuki Yoshikawa is a video game artist and animation creator from Nagoya, Japan.
He spent 15 years at Square Enix Co. as an environment and cinematic artist on popular franchises such as FINAL FANTASY after graduating from art college.
Presently, he is an associate professor at Nagoya Zokei University, teaching computer graphics and visual communication.
In his free time, he passionately creates captivating animations that showcase his unique creative talents.

Aspiration Towards Evolution:
The genesis of "Departure" is deeply rooted in my experiences as a minority within society. The anxiety I felt during my childhood over my underdeveloped emotions and physical capabilities forms the core motivation behind this film.

Journey with Technology:
"Departure" delves into the intricate relationship between technology and art. It presents a visual journey through the evolution of art across history, traversing architecture, painting, and film. The latter half of the movie, in particular, showcases impressionistic expressions through a combination of hand-drawn illustrations, computer-generated imagery, and AI-assisted visuals, intuitively indicating that art evolves alongside technology, with AI acting as a catalyst in this progression.

Resonance of Visual Style and Technological Choices:
In the narrative's midst, the protagonist experiences visual transformations that symbolize the fusion of technology and humanity. This approach explores the role of technology in modern society and its impact on our perceptions, providing a mirror to our evolving relationship with technological advancements.

Embedded Message:
Through "Departure," I aim to engage the audience in a journey of self-reflection and transcendence amidst the swift changes in society. Sharing the belief that "technology, especially AI, serves as a mirror reflecting ourselves," I hope to elucidate that the anxieties and hostilities we may hold towards evolving entities mirror our introspections. This film is intended to prompt each viewer to find deeper meaning and purpose in our shared existence within this era