Latest news with #Suzume
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
If you loved anime Your Name, these 5 Makoto Shinkai films will stay in your heart too
Source: Crunchyroll When Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) premiered in 2016, it didn't just become one of the highest-grossing anime films of all time; it became a cultural phenomenon. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, the film blends supernatural elements with teenage emotion, stunning animation, and an aching sense of distance. It tells the story of two strangers, Mitsuha, a rural girl yearning for city life, and Taki, a Tokyo boy caught up in modern chaos, who begin mysteriously swapping bodies across time and space. What begins as a quirky, almost comedic premise soon transforms into something far more poignant: a search for meaning, memory, and connection in a world that often keeps people apart. Your Name resonates because it captures something universal, the feeling that someone out there might understand us completely, even if we've never met. The film's unique mix of romance, fantasy, and emotional depth has left many viewers wanting more. And luckily, Makoto Shinkai's other works explore similar themes in equally moving ways. Loved Your Name? You must watch these 5 stunning anime movies by Makoto Shinkai If Your Name left a lasting impression, whether you're drawn to romantic longing, quiet sci-fi, or the emotional weight of time and distance, these five handpicked films by Shinkai offer something just as unforgettable. Suzume (2022) Source: Crunchyroll One of Shinkai's more recent and ambitious works, Suzume follows a high school girl who stumbles upon a mysterious door that leads to a disaster-stricken world. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Doctors Shocked: This Ginger Mix Shrinks Waistlines While You Sleep healthlifeexperience Click Here Undo As she journeys across Japan to close these portals, she confronts themes of grief, resilience, and recovery. Visually stunning and deeply symbolic, Suzume blends heartfelt storytelling with social commentary, particularly around the emotional aftermath of natural disasters, drawing inspiration from real-life events like the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. Weathering With You (2019) Source: Crunchyroll From the first frame, Weathering With You feels like a spiritual sibling to Your Name. It follows Hodaka, a runaway teen who meets Hina, a girl with the power to control the weather. As Tokyo faces unrelenting rain, their bond grows, but so do the consequences of altering nature. Balancing light romance, social struggles, and fantasy, this film touches on climate change and urban isolation, all while delivering the kind of stunning animation and emotional highs that Shinkai fans expect. The Garden of Words (2013) Source: Crunchyroll Short, poetic, and emotionally resonant, The Garden of Words tells the story of an unlikely bond between a teenage boy and an older woman, set against the backdrop of Tokyo's rainy season. At just 46 minutes, it's one of Shinkai's shorter works but arguably one of his most visually refined. This film explores loneliness, unspoken connections, and the healing power of empathy, all conveyed through breathtaking imagery of rain-soaked parks, cityscapes, and the silence between words. Children Who Chase Lost Voices (2011) Source: Crunchyroll Often described as Shinkai's most 'Ghibli-like' film, Children Who Chase Lost Voices ventures into myth, ancient civilizations, and the underworld. The story follows Asuna, a young girl who embarks on a journey to a hidden land where the living and the dead may reunite. Though different in tone, leaning more into adventure and folklore, it's still deeply rooted in themes of love, loss, and letting go. This film showcases Shinkai's range and his ability to create entire worlds that feel both fantastical and deeply human. The Place Promised in Our Early Days (2004) Source: Wikipedia Shinkai's first feature-length film, The Place Promised in Our Early Days, sets the tone for many themes he explores later: distance, longing, and parallel realities. Set in an alternate post-war Japan, the story follows three teenagers bound by a mysterious tower visible from their town and a pact they made to uncover its secrets. With its layered plot and slow-burning emotional core, this film is more subdued than Your Name, but it delivers a powerful exploration of friendship, lost promises, and the quiet ache of growing apart. Makoto Shinkai's films are more than just visually stunning; they're emotional journeys that resonate long after the credits roll. If Your Name moved you with its tale of time-crossed lovers, these five films offer even more of what makes Shinkai a master of modern anime: beautiful animation, haunting soundtracks, and deeply personal stories about connection, memory, and the passage of time. Also Read: Takopi's Original Sin (episodes 1–2) review (when cute goes catastrophically wrong)
Kyodo News
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Kyodo News
Regions cashing in on Japan's anime, manga soft power reach: study
KYODO NEWS - 18 minutes ago - 11:29 | Arts, All Visits by foreign tourists to locations related to manga and anime works in Japan have proven a boon to local economies, a research institute said, providing impetus for more areas to cash in on the nation's soft power reach. In 2024, around 3 million foreign tourists, or 8.1 percent of 36.87 million inbound visitors, likely visited places linked to movies or anime. That is up from 4.8 percent, or an estimated 1.15 million, of the 24.04 million who did so in 2016, the Meiji Yasuda Research Institute said based on a government survey. Purchases of anime and manga-related goods are estimated to have totaled 54.3 billion yen ($372 million) last year, up 53 percent from 2016, the report said. Japan's anime industry continues to expand, with more than 3 trillion yen spent by consumers globally in 2023, while animated films led domestic box office revenues in recent years. The phenomenon known as "seichi junrei," literally meaning "holy pilgrimage," has become a rite of passage for fans. They visit places that inspired or were the real-life settings for popular works. The trend became prominent after the success of 2016 Japanese anime film "your name." One popular destination among foreign fans is the Homangu Kamado Shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture linked to the "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" anime and manga series. The southwestern prefecture ranked fifth in the nation in foreign tourist numbers, said Takafumi Fujita, an economist at Meiji Yasuda Research. In addition to its positive impact on local economies, the growing popularity abroad of Japanese content, including games and movies, also has the potential to reduce the country's massive digital trade deficit. While Japan incurred a record 6.8 trillion yen digital trade deficit in 2024 due to domestic firms' heavy reliance on technologies provided by U.S. IT giants, exports of Japan's entertainment content, which stood at 4.7 trillion yen in 2022, could offset much of the deficit if the industry continues to grow, the report said. However, the benefits are tempered by some downsides. Fujita said local governments need to address overtourism issues affecting the lives of those who live near the popular locations. "To accommodate a large number of tourists, including those from abroad, local authorities need to develop systems to offer multilingual support and train local tourism volunteers," Fujita said. Related coverage: FEATURE: Anime "Slam Dunk," "Suzume" locations in Japan a magnet for tourists FEATURE: Tokyo spots bank on cherry blossom peak as foreign tourists return FEATURE:Korea boom in Japan sparked by drama 20 yrs ago kept going by young
Kyodo News
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Kyodo News
Regions cashing in on Japan's anime, manga soft power reach: study
KYODO NEWS - less than a minute ago - 11:29 | Arts, All Visits by foreign tourists to locations related to manga and anime works in Japan have proven a boon to local economies, a research institute said, providing impetus for more areas to cash in on the nation's soft power reach. In 2024, around 3 million foreign tourists, or 8.1 percent of 36.87 million inbound visitors, likely visited places linked to movies or anime. That is up from 4.8 percent, or an estimated 1.15 million, of the 24.04 million who did so in 2016, the Meiji Yasuda Research Institute said based on a government survey. Purchases of anime and manga-related goods are estimated to have totaled 54.3 billion yen ($372 million) last year, up 53 percent from 2016, the report said. Japan's anime industry continues to expand, with more than 3 trillion yen spent by consumers globally in 2023, while animated films led domestic box office revenues in recent years. The phenomenon known as "seichi junrei," literally meaning "holy pilgrimage," has become a rite of passage for fans. They visit places that inspired or were the real-life settings for popular works. The trend became prominent after the success of 2016 Japanese anime film "your name." One popular destination among foreign fans is the Homangu Kamado Shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture linked to the "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" anime and manga series. The southwestern prefecture ranked fifth in the nation in foreign tourist numbers, said Takafumi Fujita, an economist at Meiji Yasuda Research. In addition to its positive impact on local economies, the growing popularity abroad of Japanese content, including games and movies, also has the potential to reduce the country's massive digital trade deficit. While Japan incurred a record 6.8 trillion yen digital trade deficit in 2024 due to domestic firms' heavy reliance on technologies provided by U.S. IT giants, exports of Japan's entertainment content, which stood at 4.7 trillion yen in 2022, could offset much of the deficit if the industry continues to grow, the report said. However, the benefits are tempered by some downsides. Fujita said local governments need to address overtourism issues affecting the lives of those who live near the popular locations. "To accommodate a large number of tourists, including those from abroad, local authorities need to develop systems to offer multilingual support and train local tourism volunteers," Fujita said. Related coverage: FEATURE: Anime "Slam Dunk," "Suzume" locations in Japan a magnet for tourists FEATURE: Tokyo spots bank on cherry blossom peak as foreign tourists return FEATURE:Korea boom in Japan sparked by drama 20 yrs ago kept going by young
GMA Network
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
'5 Centimeters per Second' live action teaser is brimming with nostalgia
Makoto Shinkai's "5 Centimeters per Second" is getting a live action adaptation! On Friday, TOHO unveiled the first teaser, introducing the main character, Takaki Tono, played by Haruto Ueda. It shows glimpses of Takaki's life growing up, along with hints of Akari Shinohara, played by Noa Shiroyama. The clips feature stunning scenery of Japan, from cityscapes to fields and seas. The trailer also features the melody of the original anime's soundtrack, "Omoide wa Toku ni Hibi" by Tenmon. "5 Centimeters per Second" is a 2007 animated film that follows Takaki Tono as he navigates life and love, and his complex relationship with Akari Shinohara. Shinkai is known for other popular animated films such as "Your Name," "Weathering With You," and "Suzume." —JCB, GMA Integrated News
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Penguin and Barbie stars new futuristic fantasy romance is giving Suzume vibes in first trailer
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell go through a one-in-a-lifetime journey in A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, which just released a first-look trailer with some serious Suzume vibes. No, Farrell doesn't turn into a talking chair, but there are plenty of magical doors and a romance that feels larger than life. The trailer, which you can see above, follows Sarah (Robbie) and David (Farrell), two single strangers who meet at a mutual friend's wedding, and feel a connection. "It's funny how the most beautiful places make you feel the most alone," he tells her. "Maybe it just depends on the person you're with," she replies. Thanks to David's magical GPS, they meet again and decide to go on a Big Bold Beautiful Journey. Per the official synopsis, the film sees them living "a funny, fantastical, sweeping adventure together where they get to re-live important moments from their respective pasts, illuminating how they got to where they are in the present… and possibly getting a chance to alter their futures." Both Robbie and Farrell had the biggest success of their careers in recent years. Robbie made history as star and producer of the massive box office hit Barbie, while Farrell was nominated for an Oscar for his excellent performance in The Banshees of Inisherin and is now starring in DC's successful series The Penguin. They are joined in this new movie by Kevin Kline, Lily Rabe, Jodie Turner-Smith, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Billy Magnussen. The film was helmed by The Acolyte director Kogonada, who took inspiration not exactly from Makoto Shinkai's Suzume (despite the magical doors) but from Hayao Miyazaki's movies at Studio Ghibli. "That sort of magical lightness really connects you to our everyday experiences and all the challenges of being human, and is able to do both things at once," he told Vanity Fair. In fact, he brought on Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi, known for his work on Miyazaki's films, to create the score for the film. "It felt important to lean into the fantastic, but to also ground it in these landscapes," added Kogonada. Both Robbie and Farrell had the biggest success of their careers in recent years. Robbie made history with Barbie, and Farrell was nominated for an Oscar for The Banshees of Inisherin and is starring in HBO's successful crime series The Penguin. A Big Bold Beautiful Journey arrives in cinemas on September 19. In the meantime, check our guide for all upcoming movies in 2025 and beyond.
