A New Era of Animation: '100 Meters' Film Unveils Breathtaking Long Take Sequence

Prepare to be captivated as Uoto’s celebrated manga, "100 Meters" (Hyakuemu), makes its breathtaking cinematic debut. The film offers a glimpse into its technical marvels with a newly released, impactful one-minute clip. This highly anticipated anime film adaptation immediately immerses viewers in a pivotal opening sequence, showcasing an extraordinary long-take animation shot. The preview vividly portrays characters Togashi, Komiya, and their rivals poised at the starting blocks, their anticipation palpable before a grueling race. Utilizing sophisticated rotoscoped character animation, combined with a dynamically moving camera and meticulously animated backgrounds, the scene sets an incredibly high bar for visual storytelling.

This minute-long spectacle is merely a segment of a much grander 220-second continuous long take, an ambitious feat comprising approximately 9,800 frames. This underscores the film's profound artistic dedication and groundbreaking technical prowess.

Box Office Success and Global Reach

"100 Meters" has already sprinted to success, premiering in Japan on September 19, 2025. It impressively secured the eighth spot at the box office, raking in over 102 million yen (approximately $694,700) within its initial three days. Its global journey began with a prestigious world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on June 12, 2025.

North American audiences can soon experience this animated triumph, with an East Coast premiere slated for the Japan Society in New York on October 8, followed by a Los Angeles screening on October 10. Further screenings from October 12 to 14 will be presented by GKIDS, offering both English subtitles and an English dub, making it accessible to a wider audience.

The Heart of the Story: Rivalry and Perseverance

At its heart, "100 Meters" weaves a compelling narrative around Togashi, a naturally gifted runner voiced by the acclaimed Tori Matsuzaka, and Komiya, passionately brought to life by Shōta Sometani. Komiya's intense obsession with the 100-meter dash is ignited upon his fateful encounter with Togashi, setting the stage for an electrifying rivalry. The film masterfully delves into universal themes of fierce competition, unwavering perseverance, and the profound emotional and physical trials inherent in elite athletics.

A stellar voice cast, including Kōki Uchiyama, Kenjirō Tsuda, Jun Kasama, and Rie Takahashi, further enriches the narrative, lending depth and authenticity to the supporting characters and the team dynamic.

From Manga Pages to Animated Masterpiece

Born from Uoto’s debut series in Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket app in November 2018, the manga’s immense popularity naturally led to this cinematic interpretation. The adaptation seamlessly fuses exhilarating sports action with poignant human drama and cutting-edge animation techniques. The innovative integration of rotoscoping with extended long-take sequences promises viewers an exceptionally immersive and fluid experience, poised to redefine animation quality standards within the sports anime genre.

Fans and newcomers alike are invited to witness a powerful saga of ambition, camaraderie, and rivalry, presented through a technically ingenious work that glorifies the essence of the 100-meter dash in a visually spectacular and emotionally resonant form.