Anime 5 Centimeters Per Second Makoto Shinkai's novel is getting a live-action film adaptation scheduled for release in fall 2025.
SixTONES's Hokuto Matsumura has been cast as the main character Takaki Tono.
The screenplay was written by Ayako Suzuki, with Yoshiyuki Okuyama directing.
Shinkai expressed his excitement about the upcoming film adaptation, saying, “The animated film 5 Centimeters Per Second that I directed nearly 20 years ago was an extremely raw and unfinished work. But perhaps it was precisely because of that incompleteness that it has been loved for so long. Today, I could never make such a film again, nor could I recreate it. That is why I am so happy that a group of enthusiastic young people, led by Director Okuyama, have once again embraced 5 Centimeters Per Second. I also feel the strange wonder of life that Hokuto Matsumura, the actor I trust the most, will play the main role. I hope this will be a film that can only be made in this moment, and I am eagerly awaiting its completion, cheering for everyone.”
Comments from the cast and staff can be read below:
Hokuto Matsumura:
I have watched the original work countless times, and because of that, I feel the weight of responsibility every day. This original story has deeply impacted the lives of many people. Fans have their own interpretations and worlds, and I am one of them. I was initially hesitant to participate in the live-action adaptation because I felt I was not ready for such an important project. But the passion and love for the original work from Director Okuyama and the production team, along with Shinkai-san's words, “I want to see you play Hokuto,” gave me the reason to take on this challenge. This film was made by a team inspired and influenced by 5 Centimeters Per Second, and I will approach it with deep respect for both the original team and the fans.
Yuki Okuyama:
I felt a deep sense of fate when I was directing a story created by Makoto Shinkai at the age of 33, and I, too, am now 33. Facing 5 Centimeters a Second every day, I'm reminded that there are things you can only create at a certain time and perspectives that we may eventually forget. With the warm support of a deeply trusted team, I want to approach each scene and each second sincerely, creating something with care and urgency. I will leave all the feelings I have in me to this film, so please look forward to it.
Fumiko Suzuki:
I first watched Makoto Shinkai's 5 Centimeters Per Second in my twenties. Many of us in the group first saw it in our junior or senior years. Depending on when we first encountered this profound work, our connection to it would be different. Facing such a deeply moving original story was both thrilling and tense. Together with Director Okuyama, a trustworthy and sincere staff, and a serious cast, I incorporated everything we discussed into the script. I hope it touches the hearts of many people at this time.
Hiroaki Tamai (Producer):
We are incredibly grateful to Makoto Shinkai and the team at CoMix Wave Films for supporting this project, providing invaluable guidance, and taking on the bold challenge of adapting such a beloved and timeless work into live-action. Together with the exceptionally talented Director Yuki Okuyama, Hokuto Matsumura, and the rest of the cast, we have assembled professionals with extraordinary talent, skill, and exquisite sensibilities across a variety of disciplines, including script, cinematography, sound, and design. We hope you will look forward to more updates as we get closer to the film’s release.
5 Centimeters Per Second An animated film written and directed by Makoto Shinkai, released on March 3, 2007.
The film was awarded Best Animated Feature at the 2007 Asia Pacific Screen Awards. It was adapted into a novel in November 2007 and a manga adaptation illustrated by Seike Yukiko in 2010.
Source: Natalie Comedy
