The highly anticipated live-action version of 5 Centimeters per Second has officially revealed that Mitsuki Takahata will portray Akari Shinohara, one of the main characters from Makoto Shinkai’s beloved 2007 anime film. Alongside the casting news, a new teaser visual featuring Takahata has been released, showing her seated on a bus, lost in thought while holding a flyer—capturing the reflective tone that defines the original work.
Takahata, known for her roles in live-action adaptations such as Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku and Golden Kamuy, shared her thoughts on playing Akari. She admitted feeling nervous at first, describing the anime version of Akari as almost ethereal. But upon reading the screenplay, she found Akari grounded and real, which brought her closer to the character. She also expressed her joy in working under director Yoshiyuki Okuyama, with whom she has collaborated in photography for over a decade.
Director Makoto Shinkai himself watched the film and offered his heartfelt impressions. Initially uncertain, he soon found himself emotionally immersed and even moved to tears. Shinkai described the film as a quiet but profound story without dramatic twists or clear heroes, a tale of longing and lost moments. He reflected on how the live-action version seemed to mature the themes of the original, making him feel grateful to have created the story in the first place.
The live-action 5 Centimeters per Second is directed by Yoshiyuki Okuyama, whose work includes music videos for Kenshi Yonezu. The screenplay is written by Ayako Suzuki, and the role of Takaki Tono is played by Hokuto Matsumura, a member of the popular idol group SixTONES.
Originally released in 2007, 5 Centimeters per Second tells the emotional journey of Takaki and Akari, childhood friends separated by distance but connected through unspoken feelings. As years pass, the story unfolds through three chapters, capturing the fragile beauty of growing up and the ache of missed chances.
The live-action film premieres in Japan on October 10, 2025.
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