This film adapts the popular coming-of-age light novel series To You in the Beyond (published by Shueisha's Orange Bunko imprint) by Akiko Abe—an author currently in the spotlight after winning the 22nd Japan Booksellers' Award in 2025 for her work Cafuné (カフネ).  The story, which garnered acclaim for its intricate weaving of the wavering emotions and secrets of young people, has now been brought to the big screen!

The film is directed by Junichi Wada (of the *HIGH CARD* series), known for his skill in depicting delicate emotional nuances. The screenplay is penned by Sayaka Kuwamura, who has crafted numerous fresh and vibrant love stories such as STROBE EDGE (ストロボ・エッジ, Sutorobo Ejji, 2015) and JOSEE, THE TIGER AND THE FISH (ジョゼと虎と魚たち, Joze to Tora to Sakanatachi, 2020). Character design and chief animation direction are handled by Hechima, an illustrator active in fields ranging from video games to light novels, and the creator of the buzz-worthy COSMIC PRINCESS KAGUYA! (超かぐや姫!, Chō Kaguya-hime!, 2026).

Additionally, singer-songwriter Tota — who enjoys overwhelming support from her generation thanks to her crystalline voice and relatable lyrics—has written two original songs for the film: an insert song and the theme song.

Animation production is handled by TMS Entertainment, a long-established studio behind many beloved national anime series. Together, they gently and beautifully weave a moving tale that begins with the encounter between Kazuki Tsukigase — a high school boy harboring a secret — and Nanao, a mysterious girl claiming to be from 1974 whom he finds collapsed at the "Cove of Spiriting Away."

Kazuki is voiced by Hiiro Ishibashi, who starred in Japanese language version of Disney/Pixar’s COCO. The role of Nanao is played by Anna Nagase, a rising star making a remarkable impact with works like AKANE-BANASHI ( あかね噺, 2026) and COSMIC PRINCESS KAGUYA! A cast of talented voice actors and veteran performers further enriches the story of Kazuki and Nanao with their compelling performances.

"The Cove of Spirit Abductions," "A Secret," "The Visitor," "1974"—when everything connects as one.

What are the true feelings conveyed across half a century? 

Photo courtesy of Shochiku Co., Ltd. ©Akiko Abe / SHUEISHA · To You In The Beyond Production Production Committee

Story

Photo courtesy of Shochiku Co., Ltd. ©Akiko Abe / SHUEISHA · To You In The Beyond Production Production Committee

Details

Release Date: Friday, October 9, 2026 (Japan)
Release Information: Nationwide Roadshow
Run Time: 116 Minutes 

VOICE CAST
Kazuki Tsukigase: Hiiro Ishibashi
Nanao Aika: Anna Nagase
Mikiya Ozaki: Shimba Tsuchiya
Tamaki Mishima: Sumire Uesaka
Shoji Aiba: Wataru Hatano
Akimitsu Yamui: Nobuhiko Okamoto
Yoshiki Suga: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka
Nishina: Naohito Fujiki (Special Guest Appearance)
Takatsu: Hiroshi Tamaki

STAFF
Director: Junichi Wada
Original Story: To You in the Beyond by Akiko Abe (Published by Shueisha Orange Bunko)
Screenplay: Sayaka Kuwamura
Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Hechima
Art Director: Minoru Onishi
Art Setting: Ryu Sakamoto
Director of Photography: Toshiya Kimura
Color Design: Ritsuko Utagawa
Editor: Kumiko Sakamoto
Sound Director: Shoji Hata
Sound Effects: Noriko Izumo
Sound Production: HALF H・P STUDIO
Music: Koji Nakamura
Theme Song: “Olive” by Tota (RECA Records)
Insert Song: “Balsam” by Tota (RECA Records) 

Animation Production: TMS Entertainment / Studio No. 6
Production Companies: Shochiku, Pony Canyon
Production: To You in the Beyond Production Committee
Distribution: Shochiku (Japan)

Official Sites

Official X：https://x.com/dokokimi_movie
Official TikTok：https://www.tiktok.com/@dokokimi_movie