A romantic
mystery that transcends time is getting ready for the big screen. Distributor
Shochiku presented the first trailer for the film To You in
the Beyond (Doko Yori mo Tooi Basho ni Iru Kimi e) on
Wednesday, officially confirming that its release in theaters in Japan is
scheduled for October 9.
The film is
produced by TMS Entertainment and adapts the novel by Akiko
Abe. In addition to the trailer, the team revealed a special illustration
made by Hechima, the project's character designer. The musical
theme "Balsam" was also presented, performed by the
singer-songwriter Tota.
To You
in the Beyond movie details
The
production has assembled a team with experience in emotional narratives to
bring this story to the cinema:
1.
Junichi Wada
as Director
He is known for his work on HIGH CARD and The Disappearance of
Nagato Yuki-chan.
2.
Sayaka Kuwamura as Screenwriter
Recognized for Josee, the Tiger and the Fish and Strobe Edge.
3.
Hechima as a
Character Designer.
Previously credited in Cosmic Princess Kaguya!.
4.
Tota as
Performer of the insert track "Balsam".
Comments
from the crew and cast
Along with
the announcement, both the original creator and staff shared messages about the
adaptation. Akiko Abe, author of the novel, expressed her gratitude
for the creative changes:
Akiko Abe (Original Author):
"I feel as if the characters who left me a long time ago have come back to
visit me... The film is not an exact copy of the novel, and I'm genuinely
grateful that the adaptation doesn't follow the story word for word. There are
things that can only be expressed through animation."
Junichi Wada (Director):
"When I finished reading the original novel, I felt a quiet sadness, but
also a comforting warmth. I cried alone in bed that night... The moments when
hearts reach out across distance and time are at the core of what I wanted to
bring to the film."
Sayaka Kuwamura (Screenwriter):
"I hope this film reaches everyone who has ever felt the desire to escape,
who has faced difficulties or felt misunderstood... I hope viewers get the
message of the story, as beautiful and fleeting as a rainbow at sunset."
About To
You in the Beyond
The story
follows Kazuki Tsukigase, a student who transfers to a high school
on a remote island looking to get away from his previous surroundings. There he
discovers an entrance where, according to rumors, people disappear. When
exploring the place, he finds an unconscious girl named Nao, who
when she wakes up remembers nothing except her name, her age of 16 and that she
comes from the year 1974.
The novel
was published in 2017 by Shueisha. Currently, a manga adaptation
made by Haruka Chino has been published on the Tonari
no Young Jump site since August 2025.
