Live-Action '5 Centimeters per Second' Poised for Global Impact with Busan Premiere and Asia-Wide Release

The cinematic world eagerly awaits the international debut of the live-action adaptation of Makoto Shinkai’s critically acclaimed anime masterpiece, 5 Centimeters per Second. This highly anticipated film is slated for its global premiere at the prestigious 30th Busan International Film Festival in South Korea, running from September 17 to 26, 2025.

Selected for the festival's esteemed Open Cinema section, known for showcasing artistically rich and widely popular new films on expansive outdoor screens, the adaptation promises an unforgettable experience. Following its high-profile festival unveiling, the film is set to embark on a significant theatrical rollout across Asia, with confirmed screenings in key markets including Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia. Japanese audiences will have their chance to witness this poignant narrative unfold on the big screen beginning October 10, 2025.

Bringing the Characters to Life

At the heart of this live-action rendition is Hokuto Matsumura of the popular group SixTONES, who steps into the shoes of the introspective protagonist, Takaki Toono. The film meticulously captures the original’s multi-faceted timeline, featuring Haruto Ueda and Noa Shiroyama as the young Takaki and Akari Shinohara, respectively, while Mitsuki Takahata portrays the adult Akari, bringing a mature depth to the character. Further rounding out the ensemble are Yuzu Aoki as the high school-aged Takaki, Nana Mori as Kanae Sumida, and Mai Kiryū as Risa Mizuno.

A Faithful Adaptation

The narrative remains steadfastly loyal to Shinkai’s original vision, delivering a melancholic yet beautiful exploration of love, separation, and the relentless march of time, intricately woven across three interconnected segments. The 2007 animated film, a singular achievement directed, written, and storyboarded by Makoto Shinkai with an evocative score by Tenmon, earned widespread critical acclaim for its profound emotional resonance and breathtaking visual artistry. Its enduring legacy led to successful releases on DVD and Blu-ray through licensors such as Bandai Entertainment, Discotek, and GKIDS.

The new live-action adaptation endeavors to preserve this distinctive, evocative atmosphere, offering both devoted long-time fans and an entirely new generation of viewers a fresh yet deeply faithful cinematic journey. Anticipation has been steadily building, fueled by striking promotional materials, including a powerful teaser poster featuring Takaki amidst a snowy backdrop, hinting at the film’s evocative aesthetic. Official social media channels are actively engaging fans with updates as the release dates draw nearer.

Positioned with both an international film festival spotlight and a multi-country release strategy, the live-action 5 Centimeters per Second is poised to capture considerable attention across Asia and beyond, breathing new life into Makoto Shinkai’s beloved and timeless narrative through a compelling new medium.