Live-Action '5 Centimeters Per Second', Attention on Director Okuyama Yoshiyuki, MV Director of Kenshi Yonezu!

The live-action film 〈5 Centimeters Per Second〉, based on the legendary animation by director Makoto Shinkai, is set to be released domestically on February 25, drawing attention to the unique artistic journey of director Okuyama Yoshiyuki.

The film 〈5 Centimeters Per Second〉 depicts the love and longing experienced by the two protagonists, Takaki and Akari, who share childhood memories and grow at different paces. In this live-action version, actors Matsumura Hokuto and Takahata Mitsuki take the lead roles, portraying delicate emotional lines, while the prominent figure in the Japanese music scene, Kenshi Yonezu, contributes to the OST, enhancing the auditory immersion.

From Photographer to Director... Japan's 'Young Creator' Okuyama Yoshiyuki

The heightened anticipation for this work stems from the sensibility of director Okuyama Yoshiyuki. Born in 1991, he made a dazzling debut as a versatile creator by winning an excellence award at the Canon New Century Photography Contest in 2011. He has built a unique refreshing and poignant visual language through directing the highly talked-about Pocari Sweat advertisement and his photo books.

Having reached the pinnacle as a photographer, he showcased visual beauty by directing music videos for top musicians like Kenshi Yonezu and Gen Hoshino. He successfully entered the film industry with his feature film 〈At the Bench〉, and his second feature film 〈5 Centimeters Per Second〉 has been praised for perfectly translating the fleeting emotions he developed during his photography career onto the screen.

Original Creator Makoto Shinkai's Tears... "I’m Glad It Was Made"

The reaction of original creator Makoto Shinkai serves as a crucial indicator of the film's credibility. After watching the live-action adaptation, director Shinkai expressed dramatic sentiments, stating, "I was watching it with tears flowing in surprise. I truly felt grateful that 〈5 Centimeters Per Second〉 was made," revealing deep satisfaction with Okuyama Yoshiyuki's directorial skills.

Okuyama Yoshiyuki's talent in drawing out deep resonance from ordinary moments in daily life is expected to provide a new emotional experience as it meets the signature scenes of the original animation. The film 〈5 Centimeters Per Second〉, where the emotions of Makoto Shinkai and the sensibility of Okuyama Yoshiyuki intersect, will be available in theaters nationwide on February 25.