mugram

[mugram]

Transcript:

Mayumi: Good evening, Takao-san.

Isamu: Huh? Oh, good evening, Mayumi!

: I already had my birthday celebration if that’s what you’re wondering about. 

Mayumi: Ah, well… I just wanted to tell you it in person.

: I’ve been trying my best to make sure we’re all released, but judging by some expressions on people’s faces…

Isamu: We aren’t going to.

: Yeah, I figured.

: It’s okay. I’ll still try my best to get out of here! Mayumi: Ha… Me, too.

[mugram]

Happy Birthday to Prisoner Seven, Isamu Takao! The flower that corresponds with today is the Japanese calliarpa. The Hanakomon website attributes this flower to "Sagacity" and "Try to understand".

Please wish Isamu Takao a Happy Birthday today!

[mugram]

Good afternoon, Wardens.

You may be wondering why I have seemingly been absent from this project.

For anyone wondering, I may take a brief break to prioritize school once Isamu's trial ends.

That's really the big part of the announcement, but I will provide an explanation for everything below the cut if you'd like to know.

What does this mean for MUGRAM?

Birthday timelines will posted at the right times and I will try to continue with the schedule for the regular timelines.

However, all prisoner trials left will be put on hold as I try to look into a few details that are bothering me.

I feel as though I am not giving you all the best feel for each character yet and the best way to do that is to properly sit down, analyze them, and write them so I understand them more.

Subtopic: Isamu's Trial

I will give Isamu extra weeks for his voting to run once I come back with Mia and their interrogation. I'd feel bad if I didn't give him a fair shot compared to everyone else.

Why?

To explain the break, I'm doing fine at school. Please don't worry that I was prioritizing MUGRAM over my grades. I'm going to get extremely busy over the upcoming weeks due to theater and one of my classes giving me a midterm. That same class also has me working on a historical research paper, so I would like to get that done as soon as possible.

Additionally, I like using my free time for myself rather than work and MUGRAM has recently begun to feel like another thing I have to work on.

Why now?

It's not actually like I've been particularly active with pushing MUGRAM recently. I took about a month break to adjust to my new classes and I've only recently returned. But, really, I just want to take more time work on the project when it's not actively running.

It's really nice to see all of these new followers interested in MUGRAM, and for that, I thank you for your interest in my project.

How long will this break be?

Hopefully, not long. As aforementioned, one of my classes has lots to do, and while my classes provide me with a lot of free time, the presentation for that research paper might take me a while to work on.

Final Words

I genuinely, and I mean this with my full heart, LOVE MUGRAM and I appreciate everyone who also enjoys my characters.

I truly want to provide you all with interesting characters and story, but I can't do that if I'm constantly fretting about if the next trial is on, if I did the timelines, or the reception of the MV was well-received while also working on schoolwork and additional things.

Thank you all SO SO MUCH for putting up with my trial and interrogation delays. Any interest in my project delights me, and it makes me so happy people like my characters.

I promise to come back with something I enjoy and that you all will as well. And, hey, if you don't like it, then I don't mind. This project is entirely self-indulgent.

So, for my final message:

(also happy early birthday isamu :])

[mugram]

Voting for Isamu Takao: Week 3

Would you like to vote again? To have a second vote daily, please look here.

To review the information, please follow these links:

Deflecting Punches and Blame

Smile! You're Next.

[mugram]

Voting for Isamu Takao: Week 2

Would you like to vote again? To have a second vote daily, please look here.

To review the information, please follow these links:

Deflecting Punches and Blame

Smile! You're Next.

[mugram]

Smile! You're Next. - Scene Transcript

You’re not escaping it The spotlight will always find you Smile! You’re next.

[Each scene should be seen as if you were watching from a surveillance camera unless otherwise said!]

Cameras are on you

Isamu is silently walking on the sidewalk, headphones in as he listens to music. He has his hands in his pockets.

Pay attention! Smile! You’re on camera

The scene glitches to another surveillance camera outside a store as it follows Isamu down the sidewalk. It takes a photo and as the camera’s shutters close, the scene switches out of camera view and faces Isamu straight on.

Hey, you seem to be alone

So, listen to my warning because this won’t end well

Isamu suddenly gets shoved by an invisible force, making him stumble back and look around. He pulls out a headphone as he notices no one. 

Shrugging it off, he continues walking.

Running away won’t change what will happen

So throw your hands up and duck out of sight

Isamu doesn’t seem to notice anything. Actually, it doesn’t seem anything is happening at all. Something should be happening, right?

There are eyes watching you

The view flashes to a glitching surveillance camera watching Isamu.

People will attack you.

He continues to walk until he hits someone again. This time, someone is actually there instead of an invisible force. 

The person says something, practically spitting in his face.

You think you’re not supposed to be here?

Isamu breathes and quickly apologizes for hitting them.

Judging from Isamu’s eyes narrowing, he seems to be guessing that the guy in front of him is drunk.

Why don’t you watch the footage?

Isamu gives a weak smile and starts walking off, beginning to say something about how he might be late.

No matter what you do You’re not escaping it

Isamu is grabbed by the collar of their shirt as the other roars in his face. He’s desperately trying to get rid of this man’s grip on his shirt.

The spotlight will always find you Smile! You’re next.

Instead, Isamu is slammed into the wall of an alleyway nearby with a groan. Sliding onto the floor, he looks up at the other with a terrified look in his eyes. 

The second he does, a spotlight shines on him.

The scene flashes as it returns to Isamu walking on the street. He blinks, completely shocked by this.

Hey, what are you doing? It’s a cycle that you’re stuck in

The same thing happens over again. Someone. Someone pushes someone. Apologies. Isamu.

Isamu shakes his head and starts running into the alleyway, a spotlight flashing on to him.

The person follows him into the alleyway, unable to see their face since they’re out of the light.

Continue to drown in the troubles you’re in

Everything glitches for a moment as Isamu is suddenly back sitting against the wall. He has a completely panicked look. For a moment, a glitch causes him to look apathetic.

He starts crawling away, throwing a trash can to slow the drunken man.

Or save yourself and escape with your life

He quickly stands up, trying to run away. As he begins to move, the drunk man punches his stomach, making him wheeze and stumble away.

There are eyes judging you

Isamu looks up at the man, a pained look in his eyes as another spotlight shines on him. He holds his stomach. The scene glitches to Isamu standing upright and staring straight at the man before it changes back to Isamu clutching his stomach.

People will attack you, are you a fool?

He reaches for the wall. Isamu is grabbed and he’s practically thrown to the ground with a groan.

The man is... kicking at him and slamming his fist into his chest and face.

You think you’re in the right?

Isamu coughs.  His glasses are smashed. He... he can barely see now; his face burns... it hurts to breath.

Help. Someone, please.

He can feel blood trickling from his forehead and his left arm is aching.

Why don’t you watch the footage?

They watch as the man takes a long breath and turns around. "Learn your fuckin' lesson." Isamu just stares at the man.

No matter what you do

He wraps his hands around the bottle and silently groans as he struggles to get up.  The other must have heard him when he got up, maybe he hit something... 

You’re not escaping it

"You aren't done yet? Well, then..." The man laughs and begins to turn around.

The spotlight will always find you

He slowly raises the bottle. A spotlight shines on the two of them.

"Eh-? Trying to save yourself now, are you?" 

Smile! You’re next.

HE SLAMS THE BOTTLE.

INTO.

HIS.

HEAD.

Can you really trust yourself?

Isamu stumbles back.

He stares at the body.

His head snaps to the camera nearby.

It shuts off.

[mugram]

[mugram]

Voting for Isamu Takao: Week 1

Would you like to vote again? To have a second vote daily, please look here.

To review the information, please follow these links:

Deflecting Punches and Blame

Smile! You're Next.

[mugram]

Smile! You're Next. - Scene Transcript

You’re not escaping it The spotlight will always find you Smile! You’re next.

[Each scene should be seen as if you were watching from a surveillance camera unless otherwise said!]

Cameras are on you

Isamu is silently walking on the sidewalk, headphones in as he listens to music. He has his hands in his pockets.

Pay attention! Smile! You’re on camera

The scene glitches to another surveillance camera outside a store as it follows Isamu down the sidewalk. It takes a photo and as the camera’s shutters close, the scene switches out of camera view and faces Isamu straight on.

Hey, you seem to be alone

So, listen to my warning because this won’t end well

Isamu suddenly gets shoved by an invisible force, making him stumble back and look around. He pulls out a headphone as he notices no one. 

Shrugging it off, he continues walking.

Running away won’t change what will happen

So throw your hands up and duck out of sight

Isamu doesn’t seem to notice anything. Actually, it doesn’t seem anything is happening at all. Something should be happening, right?

There are eyes watching you

The view flashes to a glitching surveillance camera watching Isamu.

People will attack you.

He continues to walk until he hits someone again. This time, someone is actually there instead of an invisible force. 

The person says something, practically spitting in his face.

You think you’re not supposed to be here?

Isamu breathes and quickly apologizes for hitting them.

Judging from Isamu’s eyes narrowing, he seems to be guessing that the guy in front of him is drunk.

Why don’t you watch the footage?

Isamu gives a weak smile and starts walking off, beginning to say something about how he might be late.

No matter what you do You’re not escaping it

Isamu is grabbed by the collar of their shirt as the other roars in his face. He’s desperately trying to get rid of this man’s grip on his shirt.

The spotlight will always find you Smile! You’re next.

Instead, Isamu is slammed into the wall of an alleyway nearby with a groan. Sliding onto the floor, he looks up at the other with a terrified look in his eyes. 

The second he does, a spotlight shines on him.

The scene flashes as it returns to Isamu walking on the street. He blinks, completely shocked by this.

Hey, what are you doing? It’s a cycle that you’re stuck in

The same thing happens over again. Someone. Someone pushes someone. Apologies. Isamu.

Isamu shakes his head and starts running into the alleyway, a spotlight flashing on to him.

The person follows him into the alleyway, unable to see their face since they’re out of the light.

Continue to drown in the troubles you’re in

Everything glitches for a moment as Isamu is suddenly back sitting against the wall. He has a completely panicked look. For a moment, a glitch causes him to look apathetic.

He starts crawling away, throwing a trash can to slow the drunken man.

Or save yourself and escape with your life

He quickly stands up, trying to run away. As he begins to move, the drunk man punches his stomach, making him wheeze and stumble away.

There are eyes judging you

Isamu looks up at the man, a pained look in his eyes as another spotlight shines on him. He holds his stomach. The scene glitches to Isamu standing upright and staring straight at the man before it changes back to Isamu clutching his stomach.

People will attack you, are you a fool?

He reaches for the wall. Isamu is grabbed and he’s practically thrown to the ground with a groan.

The man is... kicking at him and slamming his fist into his chest and face.

You think you’re in the right?

Isamu coughs.  His glasses are smashed. He... he can barely see now; his face burns... it hurts to breath.

Help. Someone, please.

He can feel blood trickling from his forehead and his left arm is aching.

Why don’t you watch the footage?

They watch as the man takes a long breath and turns around. "Learn your fuckin' lesson." Isamu just stares at the man.

No matter what you do

He wraps his hands around the bottle and silently groans as he struggles to get up.  The other must have heard him when he got up, maybe he hit something... 

You’re not escaping it

"You aren't done yet? Well, then..." The man laughs and begins to turn around.

The spotlight will always find you

He slowly raises the bottle. A spotlight shines on the two of them.

"Eh-? Trying to save yourself now, are you?" 

Smile! You’re next.

HE SLAMS THE BOTTLE.

INTO.

HIS.

HEAD.

Can you really trust yourself?

Isamu stumbles back.

He stares at the body.

His head snaps to the camera nearby.

It shuts off.

[mugram]

[opens door, Es enters]

: [clears throat] Good afternoon, prisoner.

Es: Gah, my wrist hurts…

: I should not have slammed the table so much during the last interrogation.

: I’ve been waiting to finally talk to you one on one. Did Mayumi tell you?

Isamu: [Isamu hops to their feet.] Warden! You’re here!

: Oh, God– I’m glad you’re here!

: Look, there’s been a terrible mistake– I’m not supposed to be here–!

: Please you have to let me out. I need to get back to my job–

: Oh, what’s my manager going to think?

: Please, just let me out! I have to get back home and back to class and everything.

Isamu: What? No, I’m not supposed to be here. You have to listen, Es. I have to go back out there!

Es: Prisoner, calm down.

: [Es sits down and exhales.] You’re supposed to be here. There’s no question about that.

Es: Just calm down. We’ll… something will be sorted out.

Isamu: …If you say so… But, this will be an unlawful detainment if you don’t do anything!

Es: Yes, yes. [sigh] I’ve heard it from all of you prisoners before. Let’s get this interrogation started.

: MUGRAM exists to reveal the sins of you prisoners. In order to do so, I must interrogate you. Let’s talk, then.

: What is your name, age, and occupation?

Isamu: Eh?? Who am I? I’m Takao Isamu. I’m 23 and in college. I do part-time though. 

Isamu: Es, what do these questions have to do with my wrongful imprisonment?

: Warden– Actually, can I call you Es?

Es: …Sure.

Es: I need them to decide on what to do with… everything that’s going on, I guess.

: Next question.

: How is your life in MUGRAM been so far?

Isamu: I mean… It’s nice! Besides the fact that I’m really not supposed to be here…

: I like walking around the prison. I think we need more games, though…

: I like talking to everyone!

: It’s nice not working, I think.

: Um… I’m worried about Mia, though.

: Daiki tries to help, but it’s touch and go. I think he’s a dad, so it helps a little.

Es: Eh? And, why’s that?

Isamu: I have a cell near her and it sounds like she has nightmares a lot.

: I mean, besides the fact we did get kidnapped to an unknown place where we have no idea where we are and we’re being called prisoners.

: I think she’s scared of MUGRAM, to be honest.

: I wouldn’t know why.

: I’m not sure if she’s scared of one of us, actually. I hope she isn’t scared of me. [laughs] I really want to have a conversation with her! I bet she’s really nice when she’s not terrified!

Es: Ah… Thank you for telling me.

Isamu: Nice, nice…

Isamu: Yeah, no problem.

: Oh, we can request stuff for other prisoners, right?

Es: If you would like to, then yes.

Isamu: Well… yeah, but it’s the thought that counts, right?

Es: Are you going to get everyone a present?

: I’m sure they can request it themselves.

Es: You seem like a nice person, Isamu.

Isamu: Huh?

: I’m just trying to make everyone’s life nicer here. I mean… Some of them could also be here wrongfully like me.

: …Well, besides Masaru.

Es: [laughs]

Isamu: Huh? What’s so funny?

Es: Nothing. Let’s move on.

: I don’t think I’ve done anything wrong…?

: I’m wondering, why do you believe you’re not supposed to be here?

Isamu: I mean… If we say this is like… an actual prison or something…

: And, even then, if I hurt someone.

: It’s not really my fault.

: You called us murderers when we first met, but I don’t think I’ve murdered someone like… um… 

Es: Sure. Even then, you could have indirectly caused someone’s death.

: We need an intent to kill, right?

: I don’t… think I have one, haha…

: That could still be considered murder.

Isamu: Oh, okay.

: …Sorry, I’m just thinking now.

: …

: Anyways, murders aside…

Es: I don’t believe laws properly apply in MUGRAM, yes.

: I don’t know. I’m sure everyone else has told you this, but this is pretty much kidnapping, right?

: Are we… operating outside of the law or something…?

Isamu: Oh. That… makes sense.

: Oh, one more question, Es.

Es: Eh? Ask.

Es: …

Isamu: Do you plan on voting everyone guilty?

: I don’t really know everyone’s verdicts so far, but I’m worried about what’s going to happen to us…

: I do have some thoughts of choosing you all to be guilty.

: I will decide your fates on what I think of your crimes.

: And, considering you all are murderers…

Isamu: Oh.

: That’s…

: That’s not really fair, is it, Es?

Es: Well, I guess it isn’t, but it’s up to me to decide.

: Whatever you prisoners do in here really shouldn’t affect my decision that much.

Isamu: What if something happens?

Es: Eh?

[mechanical noises]

Isamu; What if something happens because of your verdicts?

Es: Then, I’ll sort it out.

: But, I doubt anything of the sort will happen.

: Do you have any last words, Isamu?

Es: Hm…

: This was an oddly calm interrogation.

Isamu: Oh, yeah.

: If… if something happens in my extraction…

: I just want you to know that it wasn’t my fault that it happened.

: …And, uh… I’m not supposed to be here.

: That’s all.

Es: I’ll keep that in mind.

: Prisoner seven, Isamu. Sing your sins!

Scene Transcript - Smile! You're Next.

[mugram]

Transcript:

Ryuu: Oh, Sora? You’re up early!

: We haven’t talked in a while. Is it because of that?

Sora: I’m… I’m thinking, that’s all.

Ryuu: About what?

Sora: Escape.

Ryuu: I thought you said this place was a dream?

Sora: …Nevermind. How is work for you usually? I remember you wanting to talk about that last time…

Ryuu: …

: Right, yes…

[mugram]

Coming Soon

Voice Drama - Deflecting Punches and Blame

Song - "Smile! You're Next."

Cover Songs:

MeMe - Mikoto, MILGRAM

ネガティブ進化論/Theory of Negativity - DECO*27

フォニイ/phony - Tsumiki

---

Please note that for the moment, upcoming MVs will no longer have an animated snippet due to time constraints. Please enjoy the content anyway!

[mugram]

Transcript:

Masaru: Happy birthday.

Tomoko: Oh? I didn’t expect you to greet me.

: Why the sudden change of hear–

Masaru: Shut up. 

Tomoko: You didn’t–

Masaru: Shut up, alright?! I’m fucking tired. I should’ve listened. You’re right. Does that make you happy?

Tomoko: …

[mugram]

Happy Birthday to Prisoner Four, Tomoko Shiratori! The flower that corresponds with today is the Princess flower. The Hanakomon website attributes this flower to "Calm" and "Do not be misled by the opinion of others."

Please wish Tomoko Shiratori a Happy Birthday today!

[mugram]

Transcript:

Sora: Sleepover…??

Shun: The prison’s been feeling weird. I don’t know. I think it’d be nice.

Sora: And, everyone else was on board?

Shun: I mean, I think some people might be dragged along, but…

: I think we have to stick together in situations like this.

[mugram]

Transcript:

Shun: …

: I miss my family. We would’ve… It’s…

Keisuke: Hey, Shun. I heard it was your birthday, today.

: Happy birthday!

: Um… Ryuu was nice enough to help me make cookies. He said it was to pay you back or something? I wasn’t too sure…

: Here are some cookies! Shun: Oh! Ha… Thank you.

[mugram]

Happy Birthday to Prisoner Five, Shun Minami! The flower that corresponds with today is beard-tongue! The Hanakomon website attributes this to "Attention" and "Be ahead of your time"!

Please wish Shun Minami a Happy Birthday today!