Lu Over the Wall

In the coastal town of Hinashi, Kai Ashimoto grows up hearing his grandfather warn about the mermaids said to haunt the waters near Merfolk Island-creatures rumored to lure humans to their deaths. Because music is blamed for drawing them in, and for the death of Kai’s grandmother, it’s a forbidden topic in his home. Still, Kai secretly finds comfort in creating looped beats on his laptop and sharing them online. Despite his quiet, withdrawn nature, Kai catches the attention of two classmates, the upbeat Kunio and Yuuho Ebina, who stumble across one of his videos. They invite him to join their rock band, but he shows little interest. Even so, he reluctantly agrees to practice with them on Merfolk Island, where he witnesses something impossible. That night, as Kai works on music in his room, a mermaid appears-drawn by the sound. She dances playfully to his stereo, introducing herself as Lu. Kai soon learns surprising things about her: she can control water, her legs form when she hears music, and far from being a monster, she’s kind-hearted, eager to be liked. As their friendship grows, Kai and Lu begin to break down the walls they’ve each built, slowly challenging the deep-seated fears that have silenced the people of Hinashi for generations.