Our hero (voiced by rapper ACE COOL), called by a different name in each chapter of his life, becomes a J-pop idol, an outcast, a leader, and an oracle in this hundred-year chronicle spanning the past, present, and future. Through a chance encounter with a transfer student, he trains to become an idol, starting his search for self-identity and a journey toward greatness beyond superstardom. Written, directed, edited and entirely hand-drawn by newcomer Ryuya Suzuki over eighteen months, JINSEI (meaning “life” in Japanese) is an anime tour-de-force that announces Suzuki to the world as a bold new talent in independent animation.

"For his first feature film, director Ryuya Suzuki created a masterpiece.” - The Japan Times

“A fascinating, compelling debut that shows how exciting the future of Japanese independent animation is.” - Anime News Network

“A landmark in outsider animation… One of the most unique Japanese anime movies of the 21st century.” - Cinema Daily US