Donut Hole
ドーナツホール
GUMI, Hatsune Miku, Megurine Luka, and Kagamine Rin run a junk collection business in a messy downtown area. They drive around in a light truck and collect broken TVs, computers, and other items while playing silly announcements over the speaker. Their office is in a corner of a multi-tenant building and calls itself a recycle shop, but most of it looks like a warehouse with junk lined up with price tags. Before long, the four of them start receiving requests for junk that they can't handle on their own and by chance the abandoned items end up in GUMI's hands. Meanwhile, in the city center, an environmental beautification organization is formed and a cleanup operation for the downtown area is about to begin, under the pretext of redeveloping the area into a beautiful town. GUMI and the others rebel against the way of life in the downtown area that is gradually being threatened. As the government and beautification organizations each have their own agenda, breaking news breaks that a dangerous creature has been found on the garbage dump and a drastic move is made to clean up the dump, along with the downtown area, turning it into a vacant lot. (Source: Kenshi Yonezu YouTube Channel; translated)
Synopsis
GUMI, Hatsune Miku, Megurine Luka, and Kagamine Rin run a junk collection business in a messy downtown area. They drive around in a light truck and collect broken TVs, computers, and other items while playing silly announcements over the speaker. Their office is in a corner of a multi-tenant building and calls itself a recycle shop, but most of it looks like a warehouse with junk lined up with price tags. Before long, the four of them start receiving requests for junk that they can't handle on their own and by chance the abandoned items end up in GUMI's hands. Meanwhile, in the city center, an environmental beautification organization is formed and a cleanup operation for the downtown area is about to begin, under the pretext of redeveloping the area into a beautiful town. GUMI and the others rebel against the way of life in the downtown area that is gradually being threatened. As the government and beautification organizations each have their own agenda, breaking news breaks that a dangerous creature has been found on the garbage dump and a drastic move is made to clean up the dump, along with the downtown area, turning it into a vacant lot. (Source: Kenshi Yonezu YouTube Channel; translated)
Characters
Main
Main
Main
Main
Reviews(1)
GrowlingBird
May 20, 2025
Donut Hole 2024 – A Mesmerizing Revival of a Vocaloid Classic Kenshi Yonezu’s Donut Hole 2024 is a masterclass in how to breathe new life into a beloved song through animation. Originally a Vocaloid track produced under his alias Hachi in 2013, this reimagined anime music video—brought to life by Production I.G.—does far more than just accompany the music. It tells a vivid, emotionally resonant story that elevates the original track to a whole new level. What stands out immediately is the art style. Every frame is richly detailed, blending a gritty urban aesthetic with bursts of surreal, almost dreamlike imagery. The cityscape feels alive—cluttered, industrial, andfull of character—yet never overwhelms the focus on the characters. The animation direction by Yuki Kamiya (of Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man fame) ensures that the movement feels fluid and cinematic, while still embracing the stylized quirks of a music video. The character designs by Takahiro Chiba are expressive and distinct, giving each of the Vocaloid icons—GUMI, Hatsune Miku, Megurine Luka, and Kagamine Rin—a fresh, grounded look that feels rooted in the story’s world rather than abstract idol fantasy. It’s a brilliant creative decision that makes these digital icons feel surprisingly human and relatable. Visually, there’s a perfect balance between action and atmosphere. When the mysterious black creature appears and the junk-collecting team is pulled into a deeper conflict, the animation doesn’t just go for flashy battle sequences—it uses composition, lighting, and color to build tension and mood. The palette shifts seamlessly from warm and nostalgic to cool and unsettling, matching the emotional arc of the song. But beyond just looking great, Donut Hole 2024 tells a story—of memory, transformation, and something lost in the modern world. It’s subtle, layered, and open to interpretation, which makes it rewarding to watch again and again. Final Verdict: A beautifully animated, emotionally rich reinterpretation of a Vocaloid classic. Donut Hole 2024 is a visual feast and a testament to the power of collaboration between music and anime. Whether you’re a long-time Kenshi Yonezu fan or new to his work, this is a must-watch. Rating: 9/10
