The live-action movie adaptation of Makoto Shinkai’s popular anime film, *5 Centimeters per Second*, has just released its main trailer! Fans of the original will be thrilled to hear that Masayoshi Yamazaki’s iconic song, “One more time, One more chance,” is making a return as an insert song in the new film.
The trailer offers a glimpse into the live-action world of Takaki and Akari, capturing the bittersweet essence of their long-distance relationship. The inclusion of “One more time, One more chance” is a significant nod to the anime’s emotional core, promising a nostalgic experience for longtime fans.
A Beloved Song Returns
Masayoshi Yamazaki shared his excitement about his song being used again. He mentioned how Makoto Shinkai’s 2007 anime film breathed new life into “One more time, One more chance,” which was originally released in 1997. He feels honored that the song will be featured in the live-action version and considers it a “fortunate song” loved by many. Yamazaki is also looking forward to director Okuyama’s new take on *5 Centimeters per Second*.
Meet the Cast
Along with the trailer release, five new cast members have been announced:
- Nana Mori as Kanae Sumida, a high school classmate with feelings for Takaki.
- Aoki Yuzu as Takaki in his high school days.
- Mai Kiryu as Risa Mizuno, a colleague of Takaki.
- Aoi Miyazaki as Midori Koshimizu, Kanae’s older sister and a teacher at Takaki’s high school.
- Hidetaka Yoshioka as Ryuichi Ogawa, the director of the science museum.
These additions round out the cast, bringing to life the characters that contribute to Takaki’s journey through love and loss. The actors will portray the complexities of the characters, adding depth to the narrative.
New Visuals Released
Two new teaser visuals have also been revealed, showcasing scenes from the film. One image features Kanae in a surfing wetsuit, looking out at the water. The other shows Takaki and Kanae gazing at each other under a reddish sky at dusk. These visuals offer a taste of the film’s aesthetic, highlighting the beautiful scenery and emotional moments.
Release Date and Production Details
The live-action movie *5 Centimeters per Second* is scheduled to be released in Japan on October 10, 2025. Yoshiyuki Okuyama, known for his music video work with Kenshi Yonezu, is directing the film. The screenplay is written by Ayako Suzuki. Hokuto Matsumura, a member of the idol group SixTONES, will play the main character, Takaki Tono.
About the Original Anime
*5 Centimeters per Second* is Makoto Shinkai’s third original anime film, following *Voices of a Distant Star* (2002) and *The Place Promised in Our Early Days* (2004). The anime, released in 2007, tells the story of Takaki and Akari, two close friends who are separated when their families move. The film explores themes of distance, longing, and the passage of time through three interconnected stories.
The official synopsis from Comix Wave Film describes the story:
“After transferring to the same elementary school, Takaki and Akari became best friends. However, their lives change when the families of both are forced to relocate. After a year of separation, Takaki is about to reunite with Akari. As he sits on the train from Tokyo, memories of the past rush through Takaki’s head, his meeting time with Akari drawing ever closer. Takaki and Akari begin to wonder if they will ever be able to see each other again, and share their secret feelings. Join Takaki on a journey into three interconnected tales of love and lost innocence that span the minutes and months of their lives.”
What to Expect from the Live-Action Adaptation
The live-action adaptation aims to capture the emotional depth and visual beauty of the original anime. With the return of “One more time, One more chance,” the film promises to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for fans of the anime. The casting choices appear to be carefully considered, with actors who can bring the characters to life in a believable and relatable way.
Director Yoshiyuki Okuyama’s background in music videos suggests that the film will have a strong visual style, complementing the emotional narrative. The screenplay by Ayako Suzuki will likely stay true to the original story while adding new layers of depth and nuance.
Hokuto Matsumura’s portrayal of Takaki Tono will be crucial to the film’s success. As a member of a popular idol group, Matsumura brings a built-in fanbase and a strong stage presence to the role. His ability to convey Takaki’s inner turmoil and longing will be key to connecting with audiences.
The Enduring Appeal of 5 Centimeters per Second
*5 Centimeters per Second* has resonated with audiences worldwide due to its universal themes of love, loss, and the challenges of maintaining relationships over distance. The anime’s beautiful animation, evocative soundtrack, and relatable characters have made it a classic in the genre.
The live-action adaptation has the potential to introduce the story to a new audience while also satisfying longtime fans. By staying true to the original’s emotional core and visual style, the film can capture the essence of what makes *5 Centimeters per Second* so special.
The release of the main trailer and the announcement of the cast members have generated significant buzz around the film. Fans are eagerly anticipating the release in October 2025 and are hoping that the live-action adaptation will do justice to the beloved anime.
The use of “One more time, One more chance” is a brilliant move, as it instantly connects the live-action film to the anime and evokes a powerful emotional response. The song is deeply associated with the anime and serves as a reminder of the characters’ longing and the bittersweet nature of their relationship.
As the release date approaches, more details about the film will likely be revealed. Fans can expect to see more trailers, visuals, and interviews with the cast and crew. The live-action adaptation of *5 Centimeters per Second* is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of 2025, and it has the potential to become a classic in its own right.