Because You Are You

Shonan, Japan, 203X—an era when AI and humanoid technology are rapidly advancing. Hayashi, devastated by the loss of his beloved daughter Aiko from illness, cannot accept her death. He creates a humanoid replica of her and names her Airi.As Airi navigates daily life, she begins to perceive the world with innocent eyes, finding beauty in the smallest things. She discovers a passion for music, nurtures her talent, and when she meets Shin, something unexpected stirs within her—the beginnings of love. Slowly, Airi starts walking a path uniquely her own.But as Airi evolves beyond the image of Aiko, Hayashi grows troubled. When malfunctions begin to appear, he traces the cause to Airi's new experiences—particularly her connection with Shin. Hayashi forbids them from seeing one another. If Airi does not obey, he warns, he will reset her—return her to the original Aiko. And if that happens, Airi's memories will vanish entirely: her time with Shin, her feelings for him—all of it, as though it never existed.As Airi faces the threat of losing the individuality she has developed through her experiences, what will become of the feelings growing quietly within both her and Shin? As Airi once perceived through her innocent gaze upon the world, are all beautiful things destined to fade away? Rooted in the Japanese aesthetic sensibility of impermanence, this story explores its counterpoint: the possibility of enduring bonds that transcend transience.