Bump of Chicken: Willpolis 2014 (2014)

While ostensibly a concert film documenting the popular Japanese rock band Bump of Chicken's 2014 tour, the "Willpolis 2014" release earns its place on a list of Takashi Yamazaki's best works due to a crucial, integral component: an animated short film he directed specifically for the tour. This visually stunning CGI piece, created by Yamazaki's acclaimed studio Shirogumi, served as a captivating interlude during the live shows and is included in its entirety on the home video release. It's not merely supplementary material, but a complete, narrative short that showcases Yamazaki's distinctive flair for grand visuals and emotional storytelling, even within a musical context. Though a brief entry in his extensive filmography, this segment is a powerful showcase of Yamazaki's signature directorial style. It blends cutting-edge visual effects – a hallmark of his work from *Always: Sunset on Third Street* to *Godzilla Minus One* – with an emotionally resonant narrative that perfectly complements Bump of Chicken's music. The ambitious scope, imaginative world-building, and seamless integration of story and song elevate what could have been a simple interlude into a miniature masterpiece. For fans and critics alike, "Willpolis 2014" is more than just a concert document; it's a testament to Yamazaki's versatile talent and his ability to infuse even supplementary material with his distinctive cinematic vision, making it an essential, if unconventional, highlight among his achievements.