The acclaimed youth novel Doko Yori mo Tooi Basho ni Iru Kimi e (To You Who Exist Somewhere Farther Than Anyone Else), penned by Akiko Abe—winner of the 22nd Honya Taisho award for Kafune—is officially making the jump to the silver screen. Distributed by Shochiku, the animated feature is scheduled to premiere in Japanese theaters on October 9, 2026.
Animation production is handled by the historic studio TMS Entertainment. Directing the project is Junichi Wada, renowned for his delicate character framing on HIGH CARD. The screenplay is crafted by Sayaka Kuwamura, celebrated for her work on sensitive youth dramas like Strobe Edge and Josee, the Tiger and the Fish. Character designs and chief animation direction are managed by Hetima, whose striking illustration work spans games, light novels, and the recent hit Chou Kaguya-hime!.
The musical landscape of the film is shaped by singer-songwriter Tota, who contributes both the theme song and insert songs with her signature transparent vocals. The central protagonist, Kazuki Minamigase—a high schooler carrying a heavy secret—is voiced by Hiiro Ishibashi, known for his starring role in Disney-Pixar's Coco. Joining him is Anna Nagae as Nanao, the mysterious girl found collapsed on a sandy beach claiming to hail from the year 1974.
Unraveling a Half-Century Mystery
Set on the lush, isolated island of Saikijima, the narrative centers around a local landmark known as the "Cove of Kamikakushi" (spiriting away). When Kazuki encounters Nanao washed ashore at this mysterious spot, time itself begins to blur. Blending elements of sci-fi mystery with intimate emotional drama, the film explores how past and present intertwine across a span of fifty years.
The stellar supporting voice cast features Shinya Tsuchiya, Sumire Uesaka, Wataru Hatano, Nobuhiko Okamoto, and Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, alongside special guest appearances by Naohito Fujiki and Hiroshi Tamaki. As the production gears up for its autumn theatrical release, anticipation continues to build around how TMS Entertainment will capture Abe's bittersweet temporal puzzle.
