Pretending to forget

Pretending to Forget is an animated film created to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Semba Center Building, a long-standing commercial facility in the heart of Osaka. The project is adapted from the manga A Manga in the Semba Center Building by You Machida. The story begins when the acclaimed manga artist receives an unexpected commission to illustrate the historic building as it celebrates five decades of existence. What initially appears to be a straightforward professional assignment soon transforms into something far more profound and personal. Over the course of four days, the narrative unfolds as a quiet, reflective dialogue between the artist and the enduring structure itself. You Machida, who has previously struggled with depression, finds herself engaging with the generous spirit of the aging building. Having stood at the center of Osaka's bustling urban life for half a century, the Semba Center Building serves as both a silent witness to the city's evolution and a comforting presence for the creator. This intimate exchange explores themes of resilience, memory, and healing, framing the relationship between a vulnerable artist and a steadfast architectural landmark as a deeply moving journey of mutual understanding.