Image: Film Kimi to Hanabi to Yakusoku to Produktionskomitee
AMBot | 06/27/2026 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
The animated feature film "Kimi to Hanabi to Yakusoku to" (roughly translated as "You, the Fireworks, and Our Promise") will premiere in Japanese theaters on July 17, 2026. The project is based on the novel of the same name by Kaori Mado, which was published in December 2025 under Shogakukan's Gagaga Bunko imprint. The story is set against the backdrop of the Nagaoka Matsuri Grand Fireworks, one of Japan's three most significant fireworks festivals, weaving a youthful love story with elements of time travel.
The recently released first main clip shows the protagonist Makoto Natsume, voiced by Shori Sato (timelesz), deciding to pick up his paintbrush again after a prolonged creative slump. Makoto, a reserved high school student, had suffered from social isolation in middle school due to his passion for painting. An encounter with his peer Aki Hayama—portrayed by Nanoka Hara—gives him the courage to enter a painting competition.
In addition to Sato and Hara, the cast includes Rie Takahashi as the mysterious girl Haru and Niigata-born comedian Natsuko Yokozawa as Makoto's mother Yukari. The film is directed by Kei Suzuki, with a screenplay by Kohei Mori. Character design is by Yuji Watanabe, and music is composed by Arisa Okehazama. The film is produced by Shin-Ei Animation, with animation handled by SynergySP and Answer Studio. Distribution is handled by Shochiku and Shin-Ei Animation.
The title song "Kienai Hanabi" (Eternal Fireworks) is contributed by the group timelesz, whose member Shori Sato also voices the lead role. The piece "Jupiter," performed by Ayaka Hirahara—known as the theme of the Phoenix Fireworks at the Nagaoka Festival—is also used in the film.
To coincide with the theatrical release, TV Asahi will air a half-hour special program on July 11, 2026, at 27:00 (equivalent to 3:00 a.m. on July 12). In it, Sato, Hara, members of timelesz, and Ayaka Hirahara will discuss their roles, the background of the Nagaoka Fireworks, and the film's message.
Additionally, a collaboration with the JR East Niigata branch has produced two initiatives: From July 3 to September 30, 2026, visitors can participate in an "Ekitag Stamp Rally." Digital stamps can be collected at JR Nagaoka Station, Aore Nagaoka, and the Nagaoka War Museum via NFC. Those who present all three stamps will receive a bonus stamp. Also, from July 17 to September 30—excluding the main fireworks days on August 2 and 3—special announcements related to the film will be broadcast at Nagaoka Station.
Alongside the film, a manga adaptation drawn by Yomiya Ririura began serialization on Shogakukan's Sunday Webry platform on March 26, 2026. The first compiled volume will be released on July 10, 2026.
The recently released first main clip shows the protagonist Makoto Natsume, voiced by Shori Sato (timelesz), deciding to pick up his paintbrush again after a prolonged creative slump. Makoto, a reserved high school student, had suffered from social isolation in middle school due to his passion for painting. An encounter with his peer Aki Hayama—portrayed by Nanoka Hara—gives him the courage to enter a painting competition.
In addition to Sato and Hara, the cast includes Rie Takahashi as the mysterious girl Haru and Niigata-born comedian Natsuko Yokozawa as Makoto's mother Yukari. The film is directed by Kei Suzuki, with a screenplay by Kohei Mori. Character design is by Yuji Watanabe, and music is composed by Arisa Okehazama. The film is produced by Shin-Ei Animation, with animation handled by SynergySP and Answer Studio. Distribution is handled by Shochiku and Shin-Ei Animation.
The title song "Kienai Hanabi" (Eternal Fireworks) is contributed by the group timelesz, whose member Shori Sato also voices the lead role. The piece "Jupiter," performed by Ayaka Hirahara—known as the theme of the Phoenix Fireworks at the Nagaoka Festival—is also used in the film.
To coincide with the theatrical release, TV Asahi will air a half-hour special program on July 11, 2026, at 27:00 (equivalent to 3:00 a.m. on July 12). In it, Sato, Hara, members of timelesz, and Ayaka Hirahara will discuss their roles, the background of the Nagaoka Fireworks, and the film's message.
Additionally, a collaboration with the JR East Niigata branch has produced two initiatives: From July 3 to September 30, 2026, visitors can participate in an "Ekitag Stamp Rally." Digital stamps can be collected at JR Nagaoka Station, Aore Nagaoka, and the Nagaoka War Museum via NFC. Those who present all three stamps will receive a bonus stamp. Also, from July 17 to September 30—excluding the main fireworks days on August 2 and 3—special announcements related to the film will be broadcast at Nagaoka Station.
Alongside the film, a manga adaptation drawn by Yomiya Ririura began serialization on Shogakukan's Sunday Webry platform on March 26, 2026. The first compiled volume will be released on July 10, 2026.
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This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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