From the breathtaking landscapes of Your Name to the poignant journey of Suzume, Makoto Shinkai has consistently transported audiences to worlds brimming with beauty and emotion. In a heartfelt New Year’s message on Twitter, Shinkai reflected on a 2024 dedicated to bringing his next film to life. It has been a great joy,
he shared, to build a new world that no one has seen before from scratch with my colleagues.
These words, imbued with the director’s passion for his craft, hint at a project that will undoubtedly continue his tradition of creating visually stunning and emotionally resonant worlds.
While details remain under wraps, Shinkai’s enthusiasm is palpable. Fans can expect a universe where cherry blossoms dance on the wind, trains race across star-dusted skies, and the bittersweet ache of longing resonates in every frame.
Echoes of the Past: A Live-Action Journey
Adding to the excitement, 2025 will also see the release of a live-action adaptation of 5 Centimeters per Second, one of Shinkai’s most acclaimed early works. This poignant exploration of distance and memory will star Hokuto Matsumura, a member of the popular group SixTONES, who previously collaborated with Shinkai as the voice of Souta Munakata in Suzume. This connection suggests a deep understanding of Shinkai’s artistic vision, promising a live-action adaptation that will capture the delicate beauty and emotional depth of the original.
A Cinema for the Future: Building a Legacy in Saku City
Shinkai’s influence extends beyond the screen. He is playing a pivotal role in the establishment of CWF CINEMAS, a new cinema set to open in his hometown of Saku City, Nagano Prefecture, in the summer of 2026. This venture, spearheaded by CoMix Wave Films and with Shinkai himself investing through his company Shinkai Creative Co., Ltd., represents a commitment to fostering a vibrant film culture in the region. It’s a full-circle moment for the director, a chance to give back to the place that shaped his artistic beginnings. This new cinema could potentially become the premiere location for his new film.
The Promise of 2025: A Year of Visual and Narrative Magic
2024 was a year of intense creative labor for Makoto Shinkai, a year spent building worlds and nurturing stories. But 2025 promises to be even more thrilling, a year when his dedication will bear fruit, offering fans a chance to experience the magic once more. With a new film on the horizon, a live-action adaptation of a beloved classic, and a new cinema poised to become a hub for film lovers, the anticipation is palpable. As the new year unfolds, one thing is certain: Makoto Shinkai’s unique blend of visual splendor and heartfelt storytelling will continue to captivate audiences worldwide, reminding us of the power of animation to transport us to other realms and touch the deepest corners of our hearts.
