Novel by Akiko Abe gets anime adaptation for the big screen

The youth novel "Doko Yori mo Tooi Basho ni Iru Kimi e" (international title: To You in the Beyond) by award-winning author Akiko Abe is being adapted into an animated film. The work, published in 2017 by Shueisha Orange Bunko, gained significant attention, particularly through recommendations on social media.

The narrative follows high school student Kazuki Tsukigase, who moves to a remote island to escape his past. On a coastal stretch considered in local legends to be a place of disappearances, he discovers an unconscious girl in early summer. The identity of the sixteen-year-old named Nanao initially remains mysterious; only the whispered mention of the year 1974 gives cause for speculation.

The film production has been entrusted to Studio TMS Entertainment, Division 6. Directing is Junichi Wada, whose previous works include the series "Shūmatsu Nani Shitemasu ka? Isogashii desu ka? Sukutte Moratte Ii desu ka?". The screenplay is written by Sayaka Kuwamura. Character design and the position of chief animation director are handled by the illustrator Hechima, known for his involvement in "Gakuen Idolmaster".

Simultaneously with the film announcement, the adaptation into a manga series was revealed. The artistic adaptation is by Haruka Chino. It will be published digitally via the Tonari no Young Jump portal. The first compiled volume will be released in mid-February 2026.

Singer-songwriter Totano is contributing a new song titled "Hōsenka" (English: Touch-me-not) for the film. The piece is intended as an insert song.

The Japanese theatrical premiere is scheduled for October 9, 2026. A first promotional trailer, offering insights into the visual design and island landscape, has been made available to the public. Involved creatives have issued written statements regarding the project's development process.