The film uses haiku not just as a hobby but as a narrative structure; poems written on walls often act as "chapters" for the story.

For Cherry, the rigid structure of 17 syllables provides a safe container for feelings he cannot voice aloud.

Smile represents the irony of modern fame—she seeks "cuteness" for her followers while feeling personally un-cute and hiding her true face.

The 2021 anime film (internationally known as "Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop" ) is a vibrant exploration of youth, communication, and self-acceptance. Directed by Kyōhei Ishiguro, the film centers on two teenagers, Cherry and Smile, who struggle with social anxieties and physical insecurities in a tech-driven world.

Set against the backdrop of a mundane suburban shopping mall, the film subverts traditional "boy-meets-girl" tropes by focusing on the characters' internal "maladies". Cherry (Yui Sakura) is a shy boy who wears headphones to avoid conversation and only feels comfortable expressing his emotions through haiku . Smile (Yuki) is a popular video influencer who hides her buckteeth and braces behind a physical mask.