SYMPATHY TOWER TOKYO

Hanako Footman's light tone perfectly contrasts with this chilling speculative fiction, which examines artificial intelligence, technology, and concepts of justice. Thirty-seven-year-old Sara Machina is the architect of the controversial Sympathy Tower Tokyo, a luxury residence for criminals whom society now sees as having been victims of their circumstances. Footman exercises restraint in her portrayal of Sara, who is conflicted about her role in the project because the sexual assault she endured as a teen was never acknowledged by authorities. Footman's authentic-sounding Japanese accent and intonation deepen her performance as Sara tries to understand the language of AI. This listening experience introduces a futuristic landscape full of conversation starters. M.F. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2025]