Makoto Shinkai, the visionary director who brought us masterpieces like Your Name and Weathering With You, is about to see one of his earliest works, 5 Centimeters Per Second, transformed into a live-action film. With over 540 billion yen in combined box office earnings, Shinkai’s films have become legendary in the world of animation. Now, for the first time ever, one of his movies is getting the live-action treatment, and it’s none other than the heartfelt story that helped define his career.
A Deep Dive into ‘5 Centimeters Per Second’
Originally released in 2007, 5 Centimeters Per Second is Shinkai’s third major project, following Voices of a Distant Star and The Place Promised in Our Early Days. The story beautifully captures the bittersweet journey of a young man who, as he approaches 30, reflects on his unshakable feelings for a girl he met in elementary school. This emotional tale, celebrated for its stunning visuals, evocative music, and poetic dialogue, is often hailed as the essence of “Shinkai’s world”—a realm of deep sentimentality that continues to resonate with fans across the globe. The anticipation for its adaptation is a testament to how deeply this story has touched hearts everywhere.
©Makoto Shinkai ／ CoMix Wave Films
Insights from the Creator and Cast
Makoto Shinkai himself expressed excitement about the live-action adaptation. “This is a film I couldn’t possibly recreate now,” he said, acknowledging the youthful passion and raw emotion that fueled the original. He’s thrilled to see a young and dedicated team, led by director Yuji Okuyama, bringing this story back to life. Hokuto Matsumura of SixTONES, who has been cast in the lead role – Sota in Suzume, is also looking forward to the challenge. “This story has deeply influenced so many lives, including my own. I’m both excited and nervous to be part of its live-action adaptation,” he shared.
Complete Remarks from Makoto Shinkai on the 5 Centimeters Per Second Live-Action Adaptation
“The animated film 5 Centimeters per Second, which I directed nearly twenty years ago, was a very immature and incomplete work. However, it is perhaps because of its incompleteness that it continues to be loved by many people even today. A film like that, driven purely by the initial impulse—the yearning and fear of the unknown—is something I could never create again, nor could I recreate it now.
That’s why I’m incredibly excited that a young and passionate team, led by Director Okuyama, is taking on the challenge of bringing 5 Centimeters per Second to life once more. I’m also deeply moved by the fact that Hokuto Matsumura, an actor I trust the most, will be playing the lead role.
Please, make this film something that can only be made now, with all of your current selves poured into it. I’m looking forward to its completion more than anyone and am wholeheartedly cheering you on.”
Anticipating the 2025 Release
Scheduled for a fall 2025 release, this live-action adaptation promises to be a fresh yet faithful take on a classic that has touched hearts worldwide. With a talented cast and crew dedicated to honoring the original’s emotional depth, fans are eagerly awaiting how this beloved anime will transform on screen. Stay tuned for more updates as this cherished story transitions from animation to reality!
Source: Movie Walker Press 主演は松村北斗！新海誠ワールドの原点『秒速5センチメートル』が実写化決定
