Tarachine John's manga "The End Roll Where the Sea Runs" (Akita Shoten), which was also selected as the No. 1 female manga in "This Kono Manga ga Sugoi! 2022" (Takarajimasha), will be adapted into an anime film and released in theaters in 2027. Taichi Ishidate, known for "Violet Evergarden," will direct, and Kyoto Animation will produce the film. A teaser trailer and a visual announcing the theatrical anime adaptation have been released. The visual depicts the protagonist, Umiko Kayano, who takes on the challenge of making a film at the age of 65, standing on a beach at sunrise, facing the sea with her camera ready, not caring that her clothes will get dirty.
"The End Roll of the Sea" began serialization in "Mystery Bonita" (Akita Shoten) in 2020 and concluded in November 2025. It depicts a 65-year-old woman who, after the death of her husband, tries her hand at filmmaking after meeting a young art student. It has attracted attention, ranking first in the women's category of "This Kono Manga ga Sugoi! 2022" and ninth in the "Manga Taisho 2022" awards. The final ninth volume of the manga will be released on May 15th.
◇Comments from Director Taichi Ishidate
I am Taichi Ishidate from Kyoto Animation, and I will be directing the theatrical animated film "The End Roll as the Sea Runs." The original work is a manga, and when I first read the book, I felt "what a gentle work this is," and when I turned it into an animated film, I wanted to create a work that would allow viewers to feel that even more strongly.
This film tells the story of a 65-year-old woman who takes on the challenge of making a film for the first time. In other words, it's a story about the protagonist confronting "creation." I think that creating something can also be said to be about confronting oneself through that creation process. Through creation, one confronts the question of "who am I?" involving oneself and others, asking questions such as "What do I want to convey?", "What do I want to express?", "Will I be satisfied?". This act of confronting oneself is not limited to the subject of filmmaking, but I think it applies to everyone who is challenging themselves in some way.
However, I want to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to creating a "gentle work" that allows viewers to feel the effort and spirit of those who face their work with such dedication, as well as the pride and dignity they feel. When this film is released, I would be delighted if you could see it in theaters. Thank you very much for your support.
◇Comment from the original author, Tarachine John
This is a major announcement coinciding with the release of the final volume. It has been decided that the series will be made into an animated film produced by Kyoto Animation! It feels like a dream. If I had told my younger self, who was a huge fan of Kyoto Animation's works, I don't think she would have believed me. Have you seen the Teaser trailer? It's deeply moving to think that Umiko herself will be projected onto the screen that she has always longed for. Thank you for your support.
