Get ready for a heartwarming romance coming to the big screen! The popular manga series Gazing at the Star Next Door, also known as Tonari no Stella in Japan and Stella Next to Me, is being made into a live-action movie. Fans of the manga and romantic movies have a date to mark on their calendars: August 22, 2025, when the movie will be released in Japan.
To give fans a sneak peek, the official movie website has just launched a brand-new trailer and a beautiful teaser visual. The teaser visual is extra special because it’s designed to look just like the cover of the manga’s fourth volume, a lovely nod to the original artwork that fans will surely appreciate. This visual connection highlights the movie’s dedication to staying true to the spirit of the beloved manga.
The movie has also announced its lead stars. Playing the main character, Chiaki Amano, is the talented Riko Fukumoto. You might recognize her from her role as Yuna Ichihara in the live-action movie Love Me, Love Me Not. Opposite her, in the role of Subaru Hiiragi, the charming love interest, is Yusei Yagi. Yagi is not only an actor but also a member of the popular Japanese dance and vocal group FANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE, bringing his star power to the film.
Behind the camera, the movie boasts a talented team as well. Hana Matsumoto is directing the film. She is known for her work on the live-action drama series Oshi no Ko, which was also very popular. The screenplay is being written by Sawako Kawamitsu, ensuring a well-crafted and engaging story. The movie will be distributed by Toho, a major film distribution company in Japan, promising a wide release for audiences to enjoy.
The original story comes from the manga Gazing at the Star Next Door by Ammitsu. It has been published in Kodansha’s Bessatsu Friend magazine, a monthly magazine focused on shojo manga (manga aimed at young girls), since January 2022. So far, seven volumes of the manga have been released in Japan, showing its ongoing popularity with readers. For fans outside of Japan, Kodansha USA is releasing an English version of the manga, making the story accessible to a wider international audience.
What’s the story about? Gazing at the Star Next Door tells the tale of Chiaki, a teenage girl who seems pretty ordinary on the surface. However, she has a secret crush on her childhood friend, Subaru. But Subaru isn’t just any boy next door anymore. He’s quickly becoming a super famous young actor in Japan. As Subaru’s fame grows, Chiaki feels him slipping away. She’s faced with a big decision: should she finally tell Subaru how she feels, risking everything, or should she let him go and allow him to belong to his many adoring fans? This classic dilemma of young love, friendship, and chasing dreams is at the heart of Gazing at the Star Next Door.
The casting of Riko Fukumoto and Yusei Yagi is already generating excitement. Riko Fukumoto has proven her acting skills in previous roles, and her portrayal of Yuna in Love Me, Love Me Not showed her ability to bring manga characters to life. Her fans are eager to see her take on the role of Chiaki, a relatable and endearing protagonist. Yusei Yagi, with his experience as a performer in FANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE, brings a natural charisma and star quality that perfectly suits the role of the rising star Subaru Hiiragi. His fanbase is also expected to bring significant attention to the movie.
Director Hana Matsumoto‘s involvement is another reason for anticipation. Her work on the Oshi no Ko live-action drama series demonstrated her skill in adapting manga for the screen while capturing the emotional depth of the story. Sawako Kawamitsu, as the screenwriter, is tasked with crafting a script that will translate the manga’s charm and romantic moments into a compelling cinematic experience. With Toho distributing, the movie is set to reach a wide audience in Japan, and potentially beyond, depending on its success and international interest.
The manga Gazing at the Star Next Door has resonated with readers due to its sweet and relatable story about first love and navigating the challenges of growing up. The themes of friendship, pursuing dreams, and the courage to confess your feelings are universal, making it appealing to a broad audience, especially young adults. The live-action movie adaptation is expected to capture these themes and bring them to life with the talented cast and crew. The visual style, hinted at by the teaser visual’s homage to the manga cover, suggests that the movie will aim to recreate the aesthetic and atmosphere of the original manga.
For fans of romance manga and movies, Gazing at the Star Next Door live-action movie is definitely one to watch out for. The release of the trailer and teaser visual is just the beginning of the promotional campaign, and more updates and information are expected to be released as we get closer to the August 2025 release date. Keep an eye on the official movie website and social media channels for the latest news and behind-the-scenes glimpses. This movie promises to be a heartwarming and enjoyable cinematic experience, bringing the beloved manga to a new audience and satisfying long-time fans alike. The story of Chiaki and Subaru is ready to shine on the big screen, and audiences are eagerly waiting to see their romance unfold.
The success of manga and anime adaptations in recent years has been significant, and Gazing at the Star Next Door is poised to join the ranks of successful live-action adaptations. The combination of a popular source material, a talented cast and crew, and a well-known distributor creates a strong foundation for the movie’s success. As the release date approaches, anticipation will continue to build, and Gazing at the Star Next Door is expected to be a highlight in the 2025 Japanese movie lineup. The story’s focus on relatable characters and universal themes of love and dreams should resonate with audiences, making it a potentially popular and heartwarming film.