'To You in the Beyond' Set for Theatrical Release in Japan on October 9, 2026

“To You in the Beyond” Set for Theatrical Release in Japan on October 9, 2026
Based on the novel by Akiko Abe, winner of the 22nd Honya Taisho Award Featuring the insert song “Balsam” by Tota
First teaser trailer now released!

To You in the Beyond

The highly anticipated animated feature film “To You in the Beyond”, based on the novel by Akiko Abe, winner of the 22nd Honya Taisho Award, will premiere in Japanese theaters on October 9, 2026. The coming-of-age story, which explores the complex emotions and secrets of boys and girls, has gained widespread attention—especially on TikTok—and is now being brought to the big screen.

Directed by Junichi Wada (“HIGH CARD” series) and written by Sayaka Kuwamura (“Strobe Edge”, “Josee, the Tiger and the Fish”), the film features character design and chief animation direction by Hechima (“Cosmic Princess Kaguya!”). Animation production is handled by acclaimed studio TMS ENTERTAINMENT.

The film also features the insert song “Balsam” by next-generation singer-songwriter Tota, whose hit single “Tsumugu” has surpassed 140 million streams and topped the Billboard Japan Heatseekers Songs chart for five consecutive weeks, earning overwhelming support from Gen Z audiences.

The first teaser trailer showcases Kazuki Tsukigase, a high school boy with a hidden secret, and Nanao, a mysterious girl found collapsed on a beach, alongside the serene landscapes of Tokishima Island. Scenes of everyday school life and their fateful encounter are interwoven with Tota's clear, ethereal vocals, heightening anticipation for the story's beginning.

A hidden cove. A secret. A visitor from beyond. 1974. When everything comes together, what feelings will reach you? Experience the sparkle and bittersweetness of youth in theaters in Japan on October 9, 2026.

Comments
Akiko Abe (Original Author)
I wrote this story in the summer of 2017. The novel, affectionately nicknamed “Dokokimi” by my editor, has always held a special place in my heart. Nine years later, I am honored to see it adapted into an animated feature film. It feels as if characters who left long ago have come back to visit, saying, “Hello, how have you been?”

The film is not an exact copy of the novel, and I am genuinely grateful that the adaptation does not simply follow the story verbatim. There are things I could not have written nine years ago, and things that can only be expressed through animation. I am deeply thankful that these have been brought to life with such beautiful visuals, music, and voices.

I hope that everyone—whether discovering this story for the first time in theaters or returning as a fan of the novel—will enjoy the animated film “To You in the Beyond.”

Junichi Wada (Director)
When I finished reading Akiko Abe's original novel, I felt a quiet sadness, yet also a comforting warmth. I cried alone in bed that night. Each character carries their own loneliness and pain, yet they love someone deeply and are loved in return. The moments when hearts reach across distance and time—full of both longing and warmth—are at the heart of what I wanted to bring to the film.

From the bright summer light on the beach, to the scent of rice fields, to the roaring sound of storms, the emotions of the characters shift and sway within these landscapes. We are working hard to translate the novel's brilliance into animation and to touch the deepest parts of the audience's hearts with 'To You in the Beyond.'

Sayaka Kuwamura (Screenplay)
When I first read the original novel, I was thrilled as a reader, imagining how such a story—filled with captivating characters, a blend of fantasy and harsh reality, yet brimming with hope—could be brought to life in animation. Being able to contribute as the screenwriter is an incredible joy.

I hope this film reaches everyone who has ever felt the desire to escape, who has faced hardship, sadness, or felt misunderstood, who has wondered why the world can be so unkind, or why they themselves feel so fragile. I also hope it reaches those who have been touched by someone else's kindness, who have devoted themselves to loved ones, or who have been moved to tears by something beautiful. Above all, I hope viewers will receive the story's message, as beautiful and fleeting as a rainbow in the sunset.

Hechima (Character Designer & Chief Animation Director)
I am honored to serve as the character designer and chief animation director for “To You in the Beyond.” When I was first asked to join the project, I immediately read the original novel—and it resonated with me so deeply that I enthusiastically said, 'Please let me be a part of this!'

We are working with all our hearts to create a film that will leave a lasting impression on viewers. I hope everyone will look forward to it!

Tota (Insert Song)
I had the honor of creating the insert song “Balsam” for the film. I composed it while imagining the landscapes of Tokishima Island, where Kazuki and the others live—the sound of the wind, the scent of the sea, the vivid colors of the sky—and tried to capture everything from Kazuki's perspective in the music. While working on it, I felt as if Kazuki, who should be far away, and I were breathing the same air. It drew me into this story in a mysterious way.

Since this is a song for a film, my approach was different from usual. I repeatedly collaborated with the director, balancing visuals-driven sound and sound-driven visuals, and I believe we've created a song that truly evokes the feeling of the wind on Tokishima Island. I'm also thrilled to imagine hearing my song played through cinema speakers for the very first time. I hope viewers will pay close attention to ‘Balsam’ and enjoy it as part of the film experience.

First Teaser Trailer (YouTube): https://youtu.be/f4IwK9EtKeU

“To You in the Beyond”

In theaters in Japan on October 6, 2026.
International release details to be announced.

STAFF
Original Work: Akiko Abe, “To You in the Beyond” (Doko Yori mo Toi Basho ni iru Kimi he), Shueisha Orange Bunko
Director: Junichi Wada
Screenplay: Sayaka Kuwamura
Character Designer & Chief Animation Director: Hechima
Production: TMS ENTERTAINMENT
Insert Song: Tota "Balsam" (RECA Records)
Distribution: SHOCHIKU
Produced by: SHOCHIKU & PONY CANYON

Official Media (Japanese)
Website: https://sh-anime.Shochiku.co.jp/dokokimi-movie/
X (@dokokimi_movie): https://x.com/dokokimi_movie
TitTok (@dokokimi_movie): https://www.TikTok.com/@dokokimi_movie