5 Centimeters per Second

Synopsis

Takaki Toono and Akari Shinohara are bound by a profound childhood bond, yet circumstances beyond their control tear them apart. Despite promising to stay connected, the widening gap between them, spanning both physical distance and emotional drift, slowly drives them apart, even as their shared recollections remain crystal clear. This poignant tale of love delves into the struggle of maintaining a relationship across great distances. Trapped in their own histories and unable to progress, Takaki and Akari cling to the hope of reuniting, existing with only fragments of their hearts truly engaged. This state inflicts suffering not just upon themselves, but also on those surrounding them.

Background

Byousoku 5 Centimeter was completed on January 22, 2007. The first of three parts was available for streaming on Yahoo! Japan exclusively for its premium users between February 16 and 19. The complete film was released on March 3, 2007. The film won the 2007 Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Animated Feature Film.