"Gekijōban Meiji Tokyo Renka: Yumihari no Serenade" is a feature-length anime film based on the otome game "Meiji Tokyo Renka." The story centers on Mei Ayazuki, a high school girl who is mysteriously transported back in time to the Meiji era in Tokyo. This unexpected journey occurs during a full moon, a phenomenon tied to the supernatural abilities of Charlie, a magician who claims to have brought her to the past. Mei finds herself in a version of Tokyo that blends historical elements with fantastical twists, where she encounters a group of young men, each with unique personalities and abilities tied to the supernatural.
Among these men is Ougai Mori, a stoic and intellectual military doctor; Syunso Hishida, a cheerful and artistic painter; Kyoka Izumi, a passionate and hot-tempered writer; Tōsuke Iwasaki, a kind-hearted and protective engineer; Gorō Fujita, a reserved and skilled swordsman; and Kōyō Ozaki, a charismatic and enigmatic poet. Each character has a connection to the supernatural world, and their interactions with Mei reveal their individual struggles and aspirations. As Mei navigates this unfamiliar world, she learns that her presence is not accidental—she possesses a rare ability to see "ayakashi," supernatural beings that are invisible to most people.
The plot unfolds as Mei becomes entangled in the lives of these men and the mysteries of the Meiji era. Tensions arise when it is revealed that Mei’s ability to see ayakashi makes her a target for those who seek to exploit her powers. The central conflict revolves around Mei’s efforts to understand her role in this world while grappling with the possibility of returning to her own time. Her relationships with the men deepen, and she must confront the emotional weight of potentially leaving them behind.
The narrative explores themes of love, identity, and the clash between the modern and historical worlds. The film balances moments of lighthearted interaction with dramatic tension, culminating in a climactic sequence where Mei must make a pivotal decision about her future. The story concludes with a resolution that ties together the emotional arcs of the characters while leaving room for contemplation about the nature of time and connection.