The upcoming anime feature film To You in the Beyond has received its official main trailer, a new key visual, and four additional cast announcements ahead of its theatrical debut in Japan on October 9, 2026. Produced by TMS ENTERTAINMENT and distributed by Shochiku, the film adapts Akiko Abe’s acclaimed coming-of-age novel Doko Yori mo Toi Basho ni iru Kimi he, published under Shueisha Orange Bunko.
The original novel gained widespread popularity among young readers through TikTok and other social media platforms, while Abe further established herself as one of Japan’s leading contemporary authors after winning the 22nd Honya Taisho (Japan Booksellers’ Award) in 2025 for Cafuné. Blending romance, mystery, fantasy, and time travel, To You in the Beyond tells the story of two teenagers connected by hidden secrets that span generations.
Alongside the trailer, Pony Canyon has also introduced new cast members and offered a closer look at the film’s emotional atmosphere through an original key visual illustrated by character designer Hechima.
Main trailer previews an emotional story of love, mystery, and time travel
The newly released trailer opens with protagonist Kazuki Tsukigase, voiced by Hiiro Ishibashi, reflecting on the summer that changed his life.
“The summer I was fifteen, I met a mysterious girl.”
After leaving the city because of personal circumstances, Kazuki begins a new life on the remote island of Tokishima, where he discovers an unconscious girl named Nanao Aika, voiced by Anna Nagase. The mystery deepens when she tells him:
“This isn’t the Tokishima I know.”
Nanao claims she has traveled from 1974, setting the stage for a story where the island’s mysterious “Spirited Away Cove” becomes the link between the past and present. The trailer captures the pair enjoying a peaceful summer together as they stroll along the seawall, eat ice cream, and slowly build a bond.
However, the mood shifts dramatically as darker secrets begin to surface. Phrases including “An Untold Past,” “Scars That Never Fade,” and “The Hidden Truth” tease the emotional conflicts awaiting the characters. Kazuki is shown struggling with painful memories at a piano while Nanao races through heavy rain toward an uncertain future.
The trailer reaches its emotional peak when Kazuki desperately cries:
“Stay with me! Smile beside me… just 100 more times!”
The heartbreaking moment, combined with Nanao’s tearful expression and a rainbow stretching across the sky, hints at the emotional choices and sacrifices that define the film’s central story.
New key visual highlights the film’s emotional atmosphere
Pony Canyon also revealed the film’s official main visual, illustrated by Hechima, who serves as both character designer and chief animation director.
The artwork places Kazuki at a grand piano positioned beside the crystal-blue sea on Tokishima while Nanao quietly stands nearby in a flowing white dress. Bathed in the warm glow of sunset, the visual reflects the emotional distance between the two protagonists while symbolizing the connection between Nanao’s secret from another era and Kazuki’s loneliness in the present.
The visual reinforces the film’s blend of youthful romance and bittersweet mystery while showcasing the beautiful island setting that plays a central role throughout the story.
Four additional voice actors join the cast
The production has also announced four new voice cast members joining the previously revealed leads.
Sumire Uesaka will voice Tamaki Mishima, a popular honor student and classmate of Kazuki and Nanao. Wataru Hatano joins as Shuji Aiba, an easygoing island resident, while Nobuhiko Okamoto voices Kazuki’s energetic friend Akimitsu Yano. Completing the newly announced cast is Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, who plays Yoshiki Suka, a classmate openly hostile toward Kazuki.
They join previously announced cast members Hiiro Ishibashi, Anna Nagase, and Shimba Tsuchiya, along with special appearances by Naohito Fujiki and Hiroshi Tamaki.
Experienced creative team brings Akiko Abe’s novel to life
The film is directed by Junichi Wada, known for HIGH CARD, while Sayaka Kuwamura, whose previous screenplay credits include Strobe Edge and Josee, the Tiger and the Fish, handles the script.
Music is composed by Koji Nakamura, with singer-songwriter Tota contributing both the theme song “Olive” and the insert song “Balsam.” Known for emotionally expressive vocals and heartfelt lyrics, Tota’s music plays a prominent role throughout the newly released trailer.
Animation is produced by TMS ENTERTAINMENT, one of Japan’s longest-running animation studios, with Shochiku and Pony Canyon producing the feature.
To You in the Beyond opens in Japanese theaters on October 9, 2026, while international release plans have yet to be announced.
