Fans of heartwarming mysteries and poignant tales, rejoice! Akiko Abe’s cherished coming-of-age novel, ‘To You in the Beyond,’ is officially making its cinematic debut as an anime film. Mark your calendars: this highly anticipated adaptation is set to grace Japanese theaters starting October 9, 2026.
The excitement surrounding the film has been building, and now we have a wealth of new details to share. The announcement arrived with a thrilling teaser trailer, breathtaking teaser art, and a special celebratory artwork created by the film’s character designer and chief animation director, Hechima. While details for its international release are still pending, the buzz in Japan is already immense.
Bringing this beloved story to the big screen is a talented team. Junichi Wada, known for his work on ‘HIGH CARD,’ directs the film at the renowned TMS ENTERTAINMENT studio. The compelling screenplay is penned by Sayaka Kuwamura, recognized for ‘Josee, the Tiger and the Fish.’ Overseeing the visual style are Hechima, celebrated for ‘Cosmic Princess Kaguya!,’ who handles both character designs and serves as chief animation director. Further adding to the film’s emotional depth, Tota performs the insert song, a beautiful piece titled ‘Balsam.’ Shochiku will be handling the film’s distribution across Japan.
‘To You in the Beyond’ promises a tender and captivating narrative. The story unfolds with a fated encounter between Kazuki Tsukigase, a high school boy harboring a profound secret, and Nanao, a mysterious girl discovered unconscious on a tranquil beach. What begins as a chance meeting blossoms into a gentle yet beautiful tale of connection and discovery. Set against the backdrop of 1974, the film delves into themes of a hidden cove, unspoken secrets, and a visitor from an unknown realm. As these elements intertwine, viewers will be drawn into a world where every connection holds a deeper meaning and profound emotions are destined to reach beyond.