Live-Action Adaptation Confirmed for Makoto Shinkai’s Anime Film 5 Centimeters Per Second

On September 22, 2024, it was officially announced that the live-action adaptation of Makoto Shinkai’s acclaimed anime film, 5 Centimeters Per Second, is set to premiere in the Fall Season of 2025, as detailed on an officially registered website. Spoon Production Company, known for its high-quality productions, will be behind the live-action film, with Hokuto Matsumura cast in the lead role of Takaki Toono.

5 Centimeters Per Second was one of the pioneering works of the renowned Japanese director Makoto Shinkai, who took on multiple roles throughout its production. The anime film originally debuted on March 3, 2007, and has since expanded into both a novel and a manga adaptation.

Live-Action 5 Centimeters Per Second Set for Fall 2025 Release

The anime film's main poster (Image via CoMix Wave Films) — The anime film’s main poster (Image via CoMix Wave Films)

Spoon Production Company will also handle the distribution of the live-action film in partnership with TOHO, the esteemed production company responsible for iconic anime films such as Your Name and popular series like Mushoku Tensei.

The lead cast for the film has been announced: Hokuto Matsumura, known for his role as Souta Munakata in Suzume and a member of the idol group SixTONES, will take on the character of Takaki Toono.

In the original anime, Takaki Toono was voiced by Kenji Mizuhashi, with Kanae Sumida voiced by Satomi Hanamara (known for her role as Ayasato Mayoi from Ace Attorney 8 Prologue), Akari Shinohara voiced by Yoshimi Kondo, Risa Mizuno by Risa Mizuno (Akasaka Yukie from Higurashi), and Ito by Adrien Solis (whose character Nagisa is from Assassination Classroom).

Makoto Shinkai’s films are noted for featuring emerging voice talents, as demonstrated in 5 Centimeters Per Second, which primarily includes lesser-known actors in the anime industry.

Makoto Shinkai can be seen as a one-man army for this anime, serving as the original creator, director, storyboard artist, scriptwriter, art director, photographer, sound director, colorist, character designer, and editor, showcasing his immense contribution to the film.

Plot Overview of 5 Centimeters Per Second

Takaki and Akari as seen in the anime film (Image via CoMix Wave Films)

The narrative begins with Takaki and Akari parting ways, as Takaki reflects on their relationship, troubled by regrets over what could have been. The second part of the story portrays Takaki during his high school years, where he is preoccupied with thoughts of his childhood friend while neglecting the affections of Kanae, a girl who loves him. Finally, the third part delves into Takaki’s adult life, highlighting his struggle to find fulfillment as he searches for someone reminiscent of Akari.

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