The year is 2042. A renowned web designer, Kenji Tanaka, finds himself grappling with a debilitating illness – itai-itai disease, a crippling affliction caused by cadmium poisoning. Ironically, Kenji's award-winning website designs, characterized by their vibrant, cadmium-yellow color schemes, are now a tragic reminder of his ailment. His once-sharp mind, capable of crafting elegant and intuitive interfaces, is now clouded by chronic pain. Confined to his hospital bed, Kenji finds solace in writing. He begins to pen a screenplay, a dark, poignant drama reflecting his physical and emotional decline. The protagonist, a young, ambitious web developer named Hana, mirrors Kenji's early career trajectory, driven by her passion for user experience and beautiful aesthetics. However, Hana’s story diverges. She discovers a hidden ethical cost in the pursuit of visually stunning designs – the environmental impact of rare earth minerals used in high-tech devices, highlighting the complex relationship between aesthetics and sustainability. Kenji weaves his own experiences, filtered through his artistic lens, into Hana's journey. The vibrant cadmium yellow that once symbolized his success transforms into a symbol of regret and the unseen consequences of unchecked ambition. The screenplay explores themes of corporate responsibility, the ethics of technological advancement, and the heavy price of prioritizing aesthetics over ethical considerations. His narrative becomes a powerful testament to the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate elements: the artistry of web design, the devastating impact of environmental pollution, and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity. The final scene shows Hana choosing a sustainable design path, a poignant counterpoint to Kenji’s past and a silent plea for a different future. As Kenji’s health deteriorates, the screenplay becomes a legacy – a cautionary tale, but also a hopeful one. It's a testament to the power of art to transcend personal suffering and resonate with a broader audience, offering a critical commentary on societal values and inspiring a new generation of ethically conscious designers.
1. What is the central irony presented in the passage?
2. What does Hana’s character arc symbolize in the screenplay?
3. What is the primary purpose of Kenji's screenplay?
4. Which theme is LEAST emphasized in the passage?