The original Precious Taku went viral on early video-sharing platforms not for its production value, but for its raw emotional weight. In a six-minute runtime, it depicted loss, memory, and the bittersweet nature of growing up. The final shot of the origami crane flying into a storm—never to return—left viewers devastated. For years, fans begged for a continuation. It took nearly seven years for that answer to arrive. Announced via a cryptic blog post in late 2012, Precious Taku 2 was described as “a parallel story of shadows and light.” Unlike the linear narrative of the first film, the sequel promised an interactive element. According to archived forum posts, Precious Taku 2 was not just a film, but a "playable memory"—a hybrid experience where viewers could click on objects in Taku’s now-empty bedroom to unlock fragmented memories of the origami crane.
Originally released in the mid-2000s, the first Precious Taku was a short animated project created by an indie developer known only by the pseudonym "Oki-ni." Using a blend of early Flash animation and hand-drawn watercolor backgrounds, the original followed the story of a young boy (Taku) and his relationship with a magical, living origami crane. The film was silent, relying on a haunting piano score by composer Rei Harakami.
In the vast and often chaotic world of online content, certain phrases emerge that pique curiosity, evoke nostalgia, or hint at something hidden. One such phrase that has been steadily gaining traction among collectors, animation enthusiasts, and digital archaeologists is "Precious Taku 2" .
Until the wooden USB drive surfaces or Oki-ni steps back into the light, we are left with the demo of our own imagination. And in that sense, Precious Taku 2 is the most interactive experience of all. It exists not on a screen, but in the quiet space where memory meets hope.
The name "Taku" means "to take hold" or "to rise" in Japanese. Ironically, Precious Taku 2 has slipped through our fingers. But every few months, a new post appears: "I found something. Could this be Taku 2?"
