Suzume's Journey is About to Begin—！
Toho and CoMix Wave are proud to reveal the latest trailer for Makoto Shinkai's upcoming film, “Suzume”, which also reveals for the first time, Nanoka Hara's performance in the lead role of Suzume.
Since the key visual was revealed in April along with the four keywords, “Traveling Young Man”, “White Cat”, “Small Chair” and “The Key to Doors”, the film has gained considerable interest from press around the world. The upcoming film follows his previous two blockbusters, “Your Name” (2016) and “Weathering with You” (2019), which garnered unprecedented international acclaim.
“Suzume” is expected to be hitting movie theaters in Japan on November 11, 2022. Crunchyroll is distributing “Suzume” globally (excluding Japan, South Korea and India) beginning in early 2023. In North America, Crunchyroll is the sole distributor. In Latin America, Australia/New Zealand, the Middle East and portions of Europe, the film will be distributed by Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment. In French- and German-speaking Europe, the film will be co-distributed by Crunchyroll, Sony Pictures and Wild Bunch International.
ABOUT THE NEW TRAILER
The new trailer takes a deeper look into 4 key words revealed along with the initial teaser in April, which now has close to 5 million views. The “Traveling Young Man” who walks past Suzume underneath the clear skies, eventually closing doors together with “The Key to Doors”. Likewise, the “White Cat” whose social media presence seems to be growing day by day, and the “Small Chair” running around as though alive are but the tip of the iceberg to “Suzume”.
Though still surrounded in mystery, Makoto Shinkai states, “I created this with the intention of introducing Suzume” as we witness Suzume's wide range of emotions from her comical reactions to the serious determination of our 17-year-old protagonist.
What are the various encounters and partings that happen along Suzume's journey? What is the meaning behind the vast grassy plains underneath the sunset and starry sky, to which Suzume witnesses on the other side of the door?
For the first time, audiences will get to hear the song titled “Suzume”, which was composed specifically for this film. Suzume ends the trailer with the mysterious words,
“I wandered beyond a space
Where it seemed all time had melted together
in the sky.”
When recording her voice to match Suzume's on-screen performance, actress Nanoka Hara stated, “I was so nervous. Since I could only use my voice to act out the characters' emotions, I had to be mindful of every phrase and the meaning it was intended to carry. There was so much I didn't know.” She continues, “Seeing the picture and voice together, it finally dawned on me that it was up to me to bring this character to life, which made me so nervous, I could barely move. Nonetheless Director Shinkai would praise my acting and guide me to just the right performance each time. Recording this trailer definitely increased my confidence!”
STORY
17-year-old Suzume's journey begins in a quiet town in Kyushu when she encounters a young man who tells her, “I'm looking for a door.” What Suzume finds is a single weathered door standing upright in the midst of ruins as though it was shielded from whatever catastrophe struck. Seemingly drawn by its power, Suzume reaches for the knob…
Doors begin to open one after another all across Japan, unleashing destruction upon any who are near. Suzume must close these portals to prevent further disaster.
The stars
The sunset
The morning sky
Within that realm, it was as though all time had melted together in the sky—
Guided by these mysterious doors, Suzume's journey to close doors is about to begin.
ABOUT MAKOTO SHINKAI
One of the most celebrated animation directors of our generation: Makoto Shinkai.
The beautiful stories about adolescent boys and girls he tells through music and the stunning worlds he creates are in a class of their own, transcending cultures, borders, and generations, praised around the world.
The mega-hit “Your Name” followed by “Weathering with You” showed the world what Japanese animation is capable of achieving. His latest film, “Suzume”, is a coming-of-age story for the protagonist, Suzume, set in various disaster-stricken locations across Japan, where she must close the doors causing devastation. Never-before-seen scenery, encounters and farewells… A myriad of challenges await her on her journey.
Despite all the obstacles in her way, Suzume's adventure shines a ray of hope upon our own struggles against the toughest roads of anxiety and constraints that make up everyday life. This story of closing doors that connect our past to the present and future will leave a lasting impression upon all of our hearts.
ABOUT COMIX WAVE FILMS
CoMix Wave Films (CWF), a Japanese animation studio and the production company for all of the Makoto Shinkai films. CWF began in creative contracting and currently engages in animated movie production, distribution and package sales as well as overseas sales. The company staffs each position with a small number of highly skilled people, hoping to create works that both fully display its creators' abilities and stand the test of time – its mission: to work with imaginative artists and deliver heartfelt works to the world.
