Kin’yoo Roadshow Declares November “Mamoru Hosoda Month”! Four Consecutive Weeks of Films Including 『Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo』 & Works Co-Written by Okudera Satoko, Screenwriter of 『Kokuhoo』
To celebrate the upcoming release of director Hosoda Mamoru’s latest cinematic masterpiece, 『Hateshinaki Scarlet』 (set to hit theaters on November 21, 2025), Kin’yoo Roadshow is dedicating the entire month of November to his iconic works, declaring it “Mamoru Hosoda Month.” Beginning November 7, viewers can look forward to four consecutive weeks of acclaimed films directed by Hosoda Mamoru, kicking off with the beloved classic, 『Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo』.
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The captivating month begins on November 7 with 『Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki』 (also known as Wolf Children), a deeply moving film that marks the inaugural production of director Hosoda’s own animation studio, Studio Chizu. Following this, on November 14, audiences will be treated to the phenomenal blockbuster 『Bakemono no Ko』 (also known as The Boy and the Beast), which became his first movie to smash the 5 billion yen mark at the box office. Then, on November 21, coinciding with the premiere of his new film, Kin’yoo Roadshow will air 『Ryuu to Sobakasu no Hime』 (also known as Belle), Hosoda’s most successful film to date. Capping off this special month on November 28, viewers can rediscover 『Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo』 (also known as The Girl Who Leapt Through Time), considered a foundational work in director Hosoda Mamoru’s oeuvre and his very first directorial project after becoming an independent filmmaker. This incredible lineup promises a truly memorable cinematic journey for fans!
Adding to the excitement, each of these four special broadcasts will unveil exclusive footage and insider details about 『Hateshinaki Scarlet』. This includes fascinating information about commemorative events planned for its release, giving fans even more to eagerly anticipate throughout the month!
November 7 (Friday) Broadcast: 『Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki』
This marks the second original feature-length animation from director Hosoda Mamoru following his transition to independent filmmaking. It holds a special place as the very first production to emerge from Studio Chizu, the animation film studio founded by director Hosoda himself.
The film weaves a profoundly touching tale of a mother and her extraordinary children. It follows the journey of Hana, a young woman who falls in love with a mysterious “wolf man.” The story beautifully portrays her growth through the joys and challenges of romance, marriage, childbirth, and the demanding yet fulfilling experience of raising her two “wolf children,” Ame and Yuki. We witness the siblings’ struggles and heartaches stemming from their unique heritage, yet ultimately, their inspiring quest to discover their own identities and achieve independence.
The emotionally rich screenplay was a collaborative effort between Hosoda Mamoru and Okudera Satoko, an acclaimed writer who famously won the Japan Academy Prize for Best Screenplay for 『Yookame no Semi』 and is also responsible for this year’s highly anticipated film, 『Kokuhoo』. The distinctive character designs were brought to life by Sadamoto Yoshiyuki, renowned for his work on the 『Evangelion Shin Gekijoo-ban』 (Rebuild of Evangelion) series.
Voice Cast
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Hana | Miyazaki Aoi |
| Wolf Man | Oosawa Takao |
| Yuki (young) | Kuroki Haru |
| Tanabe-sensei | Someya Shouta |
| Nirasaki | Sugawara Bunta |
November 14 (Friday) Broadcast: 『Bakemono no Ko』
Released just three years after the acclaimed 『Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki』, this film made history by being director Hosoda’s first to shatter the 5 billion yen box office barrier. It became the undisputed No. 1 hit among all Japanese films released in 2015, solidifying his status as a leading animation director.
This film delivers a thrilling adventure saga designed for all ages, from children to adults. It centers around the unusual master-disciple bond forged between a formidable bakemono and a solitary young boy. Audiences are plunged into a fantastical otherworld, home to diverse bakemono, where the pair undergoes rigorous training and embarks on breathtaking adventures. The narrative seamlessly blends grand action sequences set against the familiar, vibrant backdrop of Shibuya with poignant explorations of familial ties and a tender, developing romance with the film’s heroine.
The voice cast includes Miyazaki Aoi, who also voiced Hana in the previous film 『Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki』, as the young protagonist Kyuuta, with Someya Shouta taking on the role of the adult Kyuuta. The powerful voice of Kumateetsu, the formidable bakemono who becomes Kyuuta’s master, is brought to life by Yakusho Kooji, a leading Japanese actor who also appears as Scarlet’s father, the King, in the latest film 『Hateshinaki Scarlet』.
Voice Cast
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Kyuuta (young) | Miyazaki Aoi |
| Kyuuta (adult) | Someya Shouta |
| Kumateetsu | Yakusho Kooji |
| Kaede | Hirose Suzu |
| Tatara | Ooizumi Yoo |
| Hyakushuboo | Lily Franky |
| Soushi | Tsugawa Masahiko |
| Ioouzen | Yamaji Kazuhiro |
| Ichiroohiko (young) | Kuroki Haru |
| Ichiroohiko (adult) | Miyano Mamoru |
November 21 (Friday) Broadcast: 『Ryuu to Sobakasu no Hime』
This is a profound narrative of courage and unwavering hope, following the journey of a high school girl protagonist who carries a deep emotional scar from her mother’s passing. In the sprawling virtual internet world known as ““, a “second reality” bustling with 5 billion users, she unexpectedly discovers a precious connection. Despite wrestling with her inner turmoil and conflicts, she bravely endeavors to step forward into the future, making this a truly inspiring tale.
Remarkably, despite premiering in 2021 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the film soared to an astounding 6.6 billion yen at the box office, securing its place as Hosoda Mamoru’s highest-grossing work to date.
Drawing inspiration from “Beauty and the Beast,” this film masterfully demonstrates director Hosoda Mamoru’s signature narrative style, where two distinct worlds – the tangible reality and the expansive virtual internet realm – intricately intertwine, a concept he famously explored in 『Summer Wars』. What truly captivates audiences are the uniquely Hosoda-esque elements: the breathtakingly beautiful visuals that vividly portray Koochi Prefecture’s Niyodo River basin, a virtual internet world depicted on an unprecedented scale, and music that deeply resonates with the soul, leaving viewers utterly spellbound.
For the voice cast, the protagonist, high school girl Suzu, is voiced by singer-songwriter Nakamura Kaho, making her debut as a voice actress in this film. Since “the power of song” was a crucial factor beyond just dialogue in this work, she was chosen by director Hosoda, who highly praised her, saying, “She cherishes songs and is loved by songs. Her connection to singing is close. In that sense, she is truly unique.” Suzu’s childhood companion, the girls’ idol “Shinobu-kun,” is voiced by actor Narita Ryoo, who also lent his voice to director Shinkai Makoto’s 『Kimi no Na wa』. The hot-blooded boy “Kamishin” is played by Someya Shouta, a familiar face in Hosoda’s works since 『Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki』. The popular “Ruka-chan” is voiced by model and actress Tamashiro Tina. Suzu’s best friend “Hiro-chan” is voiced by Ikuta Rira, also known as ikura from the music unit “YOASOBI,” in her voice acting debut. Suzu’s father is voiced by the renowned actor Yakusho Kooji, making his third consecutive appearance in a Hosoda film since 『Bakemono no Ko』. And the detested “Ryuu” (Dragon) whom Suzu’s avatar “Bell” encounters in the internet world is played by actor Satoo Takeru.
Voice Cast
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Suzu | Nakamura Kaho |
| Shinobu-kun | Narita Ryoo |
| Kamishin | Someya Shouta |
| Ruka-chan | Tamashiro Tina |
| Hiro-chan | Ikuta Rira (ikura of YOASOBI) |
| Suzu’s Father | Yakusho Kooji |
| Ryuu (Dragon) | Satoo Takeru |
Furthermore, the “Gasshootai” (Chorus Team), a delightful group who often look out for Suzu, boasts a truly star-studded and extravagant lineup of talents, including Moriyama Ryooko, Shimizu Michiko, Sakamoto Fuyumi, Iwasaki Yoshimi, and Nakao Yukiyo, further enriching the film’s auditory landscape.
Adding an international touch, the CG character design was helmed by the immensely talented animator Jin Kim, a veteran from Walt Disney Animation Studios, known for his work on beloved films like 『Toou no Ue no Rapunzel』 (Tangled), 『Baymax』 (Big Hero 6), and 『Anna to Yuki no Joo』 (Frozen). The film’s compelling main theme was crafted by MILLENNIUMPARADE, the innovative musical unit led by Tsuneta Daiki of King Gnu.
November 28 (Friday) Broadcast: 『Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo』
This cinematic gem holds a special place as director Hosoda Mamoru’s inaugural feature-length film after venturing out as an independent artist. It’s based on the iconic science fiction novel, also titled 『Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo』, penned by Tsutsui Yasutaka in 1965, which has inspired numerous adaptations over the decades. Notably, the 1983 live-action film starring Harada Tomoyo and directed by Oobayashi Nobuhiko achieved tremendous success and remains highly revered as a “monumental work of youth cinema” to this day.
Hosoda’s film, however, presents a fresh narrative set in 2006, roughly two decades after Oobayashi’s rendition. It introduces a new protagonist, Konno Makoto, who happens to be the niece of Yoshiyama Kazuko, the original novel’s heroine.
The film’s journey began modestly, with an initial release scale akin to a mini-theater, starting with only 13 prints across a mere six cinemas in its opening week. Yet, fueled by an organic surge of online word-of-mouth, its popularity exploded, leading to daily standing-room-only crowds. This groundswell of support prompted theaters to continuously extend its run, eventually expanding to over 100 venues nationwide. It achieved an extraordinary 40-week theatrical run, a testament to its enduring appeal and impact.
Beyond its box office success, the film’s artistic merit was universally lauded, earning a plethora of prestigious film awards both in Japan and globally, including the coveted Japan Academy Prize for Best Animation Film.
The lead role of Konno Makoto is voiced by Nakari Riisa, who had just made her acting debut and was 16 years old at the time of the film’s release. Her remarkable performance in this film brought her immediate recognition. The voice of transfer student Mamiya Chiaki is by actor Ishida Takuya, who also debuted just the year before. The voice of Yoshiyama Kazuko, the protagonist of the original novel and Makoto’s aunt, is played by actress Hara Sachie.
Voice Cast
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Konno Makoto | Nakari Riisa |
| Mamiya Chiaki | Ishida Takuya |
| Yoshiyama Kazuko | Hara Sachie |
The poignant screenplay was penned by Okudera Satoko (known for 『Yookame no Semi』 and 『Kokuhoo』), marking the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with director Hosoda Mamoru that would span three consecutive films after this groundbreaking work.
Upcoming Broadcast Lineup
November 7, 9 PM: 『Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki』 *Full feature, uncut
November 14, 9 PM: 『Bakemono no Ko』 *Full feature, uncut
November 21, 9 PM: 『Ryuu to Sobakasu no Hime』 *Full feature, uncut
November 28, 9 PM: 『Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo』 *Full feature, uncut
『Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki』 (C)2012 W.C.F.P
『Bakemono no Ko』 (C)2015 B.B.F.P
『Ryuu to Sobakasu no Hime』 (C)2021 CHIZU
『Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo』 (C)2006 TK/FP
By animeanime
