The main cast has been announced for the animated film "To You Who Are in the Farthest Place from Anywhere," based on the popular coming-of-age novel by Akiko Abe, who also won the 22nd Japan Booksellers' Award in 2025 for "Cafune" (Kodansha). It has been revealed that Hiyori Ishibashi, Anna Nagase, Shinba Tsuchiya, and Hiroshi Tamaki will be appearing in the film. This will be Tamaki's first time voicing a character in a Japanese anime. It was also announced that Koji Nakamura, who was active in the band "SUPERCAR," will be in charge of the music. This will be Nakamura's first time composing music for an animated film.
The film is a coming-of-age novel that became a hot topic on TikTok with the hashtag "#tears," and tells a moving story that begins with the encounter between Tsukigase Kazuki, a high school boy harboring a secret, and Nanao, a mysterious girl found collapsed on the beach. Ishibashi, who plays the protagonist Tsukigase Kazuki, said, "When I read the original novel, I was blown away by the grand worldview and the fascinating story, and I really wanted to be involved in this work, so when I heard that I had been cast, I was so happy that my heart swelled with emotion." Nagase, who plays the mysterious girl Akishika Nanao, is an avid reader of the original novel and said, "It's a work that I finished reading in one night. I'm really happy to be able to participate as Nanao."
Tsuchiya, who plays Kazuki's classmate Mikiya Ozaki, said he was "strongly drawn to the character drama that touches the depths of the heart." Tamaki, who plays Takatsu, a key character in the story, described his role as "a person who appears cold at first glance but has warmth at his core," and also revealed his special feelings for Oki Island in Shimane Prefecture, which served as the model for the film.
Nakamura, who is in charge of the music, commented, "I aimed to create music that harmonizes the scenery and the emotional story."
A Teaser trailer featuring lines from the four main cast members has also been released on YouTube. The story is set on Saiki Island, a remote island surrounded by beautiful sea and nature, and depicts a summer encounter. A teaser visual has also been released, depicting Nanao lying precariously on the shoreline. The visual is accompanied by the tagline, "That summer, I met a mysterious girl in a cove where people mysteriously disappear."
The anime is directed by Junichi Wada, with a script by Sayaka Kuwamura, character design and chief animation direction by Hechima, and produced by TMS Entertainment.
◇Comment from Hiyori Ishibashi, who plays the role of Kazuki Tsukigase
I'm Ishibashi Hiyori, playing the role of Tsukigase Kazuki. When I read the original work, I was blown away by the grand worldview and the fascinating story, and I really wanted to be involved in this project, so when I heard that I had been cast, I was so happy that my heart swelled with emotion. Kazuki is a sensitive boy who has closed himself off from the world due to past experiences and naturally lives to fit in with those around him. However, as he meets Nanao and spends time with her, he gradually confronts his own feelings and begins to change. I tried to portray his struggles and wavering emotions carefully and thoughtfully. I think this is a work that makes you feel the meaning of feelings that are woven across time and space, and the meaning of meeting people. I would be happy if you could experience this world in the theater, including the story and the beauty of the visuals.
◇Comment from Anna Nagase, who plays the role of Nanao Akishika
I first encountered this work when I was in junior high school, thanks to a friend's recommendation. I still clearly remember the first time I read it; I couldn't stop turning the pages and finished it in one night. Even after finishing it, the feeling lingered for a while, and I kept thinking about the characters. When I learned about the animated film adaptation of this work during the audition, I thought, "I definitely want to participate!" and gave it my all. I was so happy when I heard I had been chosen for the role of Akishika Nanao. The sparkle, sadness, and straightforward feelings of the young people depicted within such a delicate distance—almost touchable, yet so far, as if they would break if you touched them—moved me deeply many times. Playing Nanao, I feel that I myself was able to rediscover the warmth and kindness of this story. Please go see "Dokokimi" in theaters.
◇Comment from Shinya Tsuchiya, who plays the role of Mikiya Ozaki
When I read the audition script for this film, I felt it was a very delicate story depicting character drama that touches the depths of the heart. I was so drawn to its world that I was truly overjoyed when I received the news that I had been cast. I am now very much looking forward to the finished product, as I believe that the expressive power unique to animation will make this story even richer and more unforgettable. I hope this film will remain quietly in everyone's hearts. Please be sure to see it on the big screen.
◇Comment from Hiroshi Tamaki, who plays the role of Takatsu
I've always wanted to be involved in a Japanese animation project, so I was incredibly happy to receive this offer. The character I play, Takatsu, may seem cold at first glance, but I believe he actually has a warm heart, so I focused on how to express that through my voice. Also, Oki Island in Shimane Prefecture, which is the model for the character, is where my grandparents lived, and I've been going there every year since I was a child. It's a wonderful place filled with the original scenery of Japan and lots of nature, and it also has a somewhat mystical feel to it, so I'm very happy that it served as the model for the film. It's a beautiful film that will cleanse your soul. Please be sure to see it on the big screen, including the wonderful scenery that is modeled after Oki Island.
◇Comment from Koji Nakamura, who is in charge of the music
I had the honor of composing the score for the film "To You Who Are in a Place Further Than Anywhere." It was my first time creating music for a feature-length animated film, so I'm very happy about it. The film features many scenes that evoke a sense of nature, such as the blue sea, quiet trees, storms, and gentle breezes. I aimed to create music that would harmonize these backgrounds and landscapes with the emotional aspects of the story. I hope you will experience it in the theater.
