It has been announced that the popular coming-of-age novel "To You, Who Are Further Away Than Anywhere" (Shueisha Orange Bunko) by Akiko Abe, who also won the 22nd Booksellers' Award in 2025 for "Kafune" (Kodansha), will be adapted into an anime and released as a theatrical anime on October 9th.
The coming-of-age novel, which became a hot topic on TikTok with the hashtag "Crying," is directed by Junichi Wada, written by Sayaka Kuwamura, and character design and general animation direction by Hechima. It is produced by TMS Entertainment. Singer-songwriter Tota wrote the song "Housenka" for the film. A special trailer featuring the song has also been released.
The film is a touching story that begins with the encounter between Tsukigase Kazuki, a high school boy with a secret, and a mysterious girl named Nanao, who is found collapsed on the beach.
◇Comment from original author Akiko Abe
I wrote this story in the summer of 2017. The novel, which my editor nicknamed "Doko-kun," is a somewhat special work to me. Nine years later, I have had the opportunity to have "Doko-kun" adapted into an animated film. I'm incredibly honored, and at the same time, I feel a sense of joy, as if people who left their homes long ago have returned home to say, "Hey, how are you?" The original novel and the film are not exactly the same. However, I'm truly pleased that they didn't faithfully follow the story. I'm grateful that they were able to express with beautiful images, sound, and voice what I couldn't have written nine years ago, and what only animation can do. I hope that both those experiencing this work for the first time in the cinema and those who visit the theater because they love the novel will enjoy the film "To You, Farther Away Than Anywhere."
◇Comment from Director Junichi Wada
The day I finished reading Abe-sensei's original work, I felt a quiet loneliness, but at the same time, a comforting warmth that was certainly present, and I cried in bed in the middle of the night. Each of the characters carries with them unhealed loneliness and pain. But amidst all that, they yearn for someone, and someone else thinks of them... The "sadness and warmth" that are born in the moment when our hearts turn toward someone, transcending distance and time. I'm not sure if it's appropriate to simply sum it up as a theme, but that is the appeal of this work, and I strongly hope to capture it in film. The strong light of the summer beach, the smell of the rice paddies, the sound of a raging storm, and the emotions of the characters that fluctuate throughout it all. We are working hard on the film "Dokokimi," hoping to deliver the brilliance of the original work to the deepest depths of your heart through animation!
◇ Comment from scriptwriter Sayaka Kuwamura
When I first read the original manga, I was excited as a reader to see how this fantasy story, woven together by fascinating characters and yet realistic, harsh, and filled with hope, would be adapted into an anime. I also thought there would be no greater joy than being able to be involved as a screenwriter. I want to run away from where I am now; life is full of pain, suffering, and sadness; no one understands my feelings; why is the world so unkind to me? Why am I so weak? I want everyone who feels these things, or who has ever felt these things, to watch this film. I also want people who have been saved by the kindness of others, who have worked hard for a loved one, and who have shed tears at the sight of something beautiful to watch it. I also want them to receive a message like a beautiful rainbow in the sunset sky.
◇Comment from character designer and animation director Hechima
I will be the character designer and chief animation director for "To You, Who Is Farther Away Than Anywhere." When I heard about the role, I immediately read the original work, and I remember being so impressed that I immediately replied, "Please let me participate!" We are working hard to create a work that will stay in the hearts of those who watch it. Please look forward to it...!
◇Tota's comment
I was in charge of the in-movie song "Housenka." I created this song while thinking about the scenery of Agi Island, where Kazuki and his friends live. I put all of these into the song: the sound of the wind, the smell of the tide, the vividness of the sky reflecting the colors of the sea, and Kazuki's perspective as he senses them. While making this song, I felt as if Kazuki, who is supposed to be in a place farther away than anywhere else, was breathing the same air, and I felt that it was a work that strangely drew me in. Because it is an in-movie song, I used a different production method than usual for songs. I went through many iterations of visual-led sound, audio-led visuals, and back-and-forth with the director, and I think I have created a song that smells of the wind of Agi Island. For me, it will be the first time my song will be played through the speakers in a movie, and I am excited just thinking about it. I hope that those who watch the movie will pay attention to "Housenka."
◇Staff (titles omitted)
Director: Junichi Wada▽Screenplay: Sayaka Kuwamura▽Character design and chief animation director: Hechima▽Production: TMS Entertainment/6th Studio▽Song in the film: Tota "Housenka" (RECA Records)▽Distribution: Shochiku▽Production manager: Shochiku/Pony Canyon
