‘Doko yori mo Tooi Basho ni Iru Kimi e’ Cast Share ‘Dowa’, ‘Juwa’, and ‘Suu’ Tears at Completion Screening

On September 16, 2026, the anime film *Doko yori mo Tooi Basho ni Iru Kimi e* held its completion screening with stage greetings at Shinjuku Piccadilly. The stage welcomed voice actors Ishibashi Hiyori, Nagase Anna, Tsuchiya Jinba, Tamaki Hiroshi, singer-songwriter Tota, and director Wada Junichi. The group spoke passionately about the finished film, the story’s roots in the Oki Islands, and the creation of the theme song “Olive.”

The film is based on the popular youth novel by Abe Akiko, who won the 22nd Booksellers Prize in 2025 for *Kafune*. Directed by Wada Junichi, known for the *HIGH CARD* series, and scripted by Kuwamura Sayaka, the movie features character designs by Hechima and music by Nakamura Koji. Tota wrote both the theme song “Olive” and the insert song “Housenka.” Animation production is handled by TMS Entertainment’s 6th Studio, with distribution by Shochiku.

The cast includes Ishibashi as Tsukigase Kazuki, Nagase as the mysterious girl Akika Nanao, Tsuchiya as Kazuki’s classmate Ozaki Mikiya, and Tamaki as Takatsu, a key figure in the story. Additional cast members include Uesaka Sumire, Hatano Wataru, Okamoto Nobuhiko, Matsuoka Yoshitsugu, and Fujiki Naohito in a special appearance.

During the talk, the first topic was their impressions of the completed film. Ishibashi immediately exclaimed, “Dowa! Seriously, dowa. Tears…” and admitted he cried when he saw the ending, despite having read the story multiple times. Director Wada, seated next to him, revealed, “He was shaking so much, and when I looked over, he was in tears, so I started crying too (laughs).”

Nagase, who had read the original novel as a middle school student, also shed tears. “I cried during the screening just like the others. I was so moved that this beloved story became an anime film, and as a fan, I’m glad it turned out so wonderful,” she said with a smile. The male cast members offered their own distinctive onomatopoeic descriptions: Tsuchiya said, “Tears just welled up—juwa,” while Tamaki countered, “Mine weren’t juwa, but they came out suu.” He added, “The visuals, the music, everything combined to wash away the grime we’ve gathered as adults.”

Tota, taking on her first film theme song and insert song, expressed her joy: “I’m so happy to be part of this wonderful film that my self-esteem shot up (laughs).” Director Wada talked about his approach: “When I read the novel, I cried a lot. I wanted to depict the characters straightforwardly without overdoing it, preserving the atmosphere of the original.”

Turning to their characters, Ishibashi described Kazuki’s appeal as his subtle changes in expression as he meets Nanao. “I focused on conveying the emotions he keeps hidden inside through my performance,” he recalled. Nagase said of Nanao, “The way she changes through her time with Kazuki on the island is wonderful,” and added, “I tried to match the breathing and warmth of Ishibashi’s Kazuki.”

Tsuchiya, voicing Mikiya, joked that everything about the character is a spoiler, but he confessed a personal connection: “I’ve been a huge fan of Ozaki Yutaka for a long time. Since the novel features Ozaki and Mikiya’s surname is also Ozaki, that’s the only hint I can give here (laughs).” Tamaki, who plays Takatsu, said he aimed to maintain a good distance, observing the two leads without appearing too cold.

Discussing the voice recording sessions, Tsuchiya said that when recording with Ishibashi and Nagase, “They both carried the atmosphere of their roles. My character is energetic, so I felt the temperature difference (laughs).” Nagase added, “It felt like being in school in a good way—the subtle distance and mutual probing during recording.” Ishibashi and Nagase, who had never worked together before, revealed they initially kept their distance, but since they are the same age, they gradually became comfortable. “As the story progressed, our distance also closed in, which felt similar to the characters,” Ishibashi said.

Tamaki, who often records solo, praised the duo: “From the very first line, the world came together the moment they spoke. I was so drawn in by their voices that I forgot I was working.” Nagase reciprocated, “When we recorded together with Tamaki, my performance changed completely.” Tamaki noted, “I realized that collaborative recording creates a real exchange—it was a great experience.”

The conversation shifted to the Oki Islands in Shimane Prefecture, which serve as a model for the story’s setting. Tamaki, whose grandparents and father are from Oki, shared, “The place hasn’t changed much since I was young. It’s a place where I feel at peace—a reminder of contentment.” Ishibashi, who recently visited Oki for the first time, was struck by the nature: “The air was so fresh, and the sea glittered. I had to share it with Nagase, so I sent her videos.” He added, “The ‘cove of the gods’ was so vast that it felt like it couldn’t be Japan.” The topic of starry skies brought back memories for Tamaki, who said, “It felt like being pulled into the sky—truly beautiful.”

Next, Tota discussed writing the theme song “Olive.” She revealed that Director Wada requested it to begin with a piano sound connecting to the final scene. Since Tota’s first instrument was also the piano, she thought, “Maybe Kazuki felt the same way—that the piano opened a path.” She explained, “As I composed, I imagined the sounds you feel from natural scenery, and gradually I felt a sense of syncing with Kazuki.” Nagase praised the song: “I might have experienced crying from a song for the first time. Tota’s voice, lyrics, and music all sound like a prayer. I truly love it.”

In the latter part of the event, each participant answered where they would like to travel to right now, inspired by the title “To You in the Farthest Place.” Ishibashi said, “I want to go to the Moon and see the Earth from there,” while Nagase chose, “I want to go to the fifth dimension and see the past.” Tsuchiya said he would like to visit Oki, and jokingly complained, “I’m close with Ishibashi, but he never sent me the videos he sent Nagase.” Ishibashi promptly invited him, “Let’s go together!” Tamaki chose Madagascar, and Tota also picked Oki, but she recounted a failed trip during music production: “My flight was canceled, and the ferry was suspended due to heavy snow, so I ended up just drinking local sake at home. I really want to go next time.” Ishibashi teased her, “You’re not just a rain woman, are you?” drawing laughter.

As the event wrapped up, Ishibashi addressed the audience: “Everyone, did you bring a handkerchief or tissues? This is a moving work that you can’t watch without crying. It’s an amazing film, so I hope you enjoy it all the way to the end.” The completion screening event closed to warm applause.

The film *Doko yori mo Tooi Basho ni Iru Kimi e* opens nationwide on October 9, 2026.

Film Information

(C) Abe Akiko/Shueisha・‘Doko yori mo Tooi Basho ni Iru Kimi e’ Production Committee