リクルート | 卒おめ | 2016
Nothing has ended yet, and nothing has begun yet / Recruit "Sotsu Ome"
This is one of those classic ads I find myself watching again every year around this time. It captures that particular spring when high school seniors are finishing up, set to a wonderful Chatmonchy song, and every time I watch it, something about it hits me right in the chest.
The insight
The narration, "Nothing has ended yet, and nothing has begun yet," captures that spring when the third year of high school comes to a close so well. It portrays graduation not as an "ending," but as a moment that's suspended in between—yet full of hope.
The idea
High school students in uniform talk about something, each with their own expression. Cherry blossom trees and the familiar scenery of school. The words "To turning 18: Congrats on graduating" appear on screen. Eriko Hashimoto of Chatmonchy's unaffected voice blends into the whole scene.
Afterthought
The expressions on these young people's faces are something else. Whether they're actors or ordinary students, I can't quite tell, but that look, that atmosphere, is what holds this commercial together. I feel like the wish to send off graduates with a few parting words really comes through.
