5 Centimeters per Second (2007)
A Quiet Story of Distance, Love, and Time
Makoto Shinkai’s 5 Centimeters per Second is a breathtaking, emotional journey that explores how love changes as people grow apart. Told in three interconnected chapters, the film captures the beauty and pain of long-distance relationships, unspoken words, and the slow drift between hearts. With stunning visuals and poetic storytelling, it remains one of the most influential romance dramas in anime.
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Movie Overview
Title: 5 Centimeters per Second
Japanese Title: 秒速5センチメートル (Byōsoku Go Senchimētoru)
Studio: CoMix Wave Films
Original Manga: No manga — this is an original anime film written and directed by Makoto Shinkai.
Genres: Romance, Drama, Slice of Life
Runtime: 63 minutes
Release Date: March 3, 2007
Streaming Platforms: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Amazon Prime (regions vary), DVD/Blu-ray
Story Summary
The film follows the life of Takaki Tōno and his childhood friend Akari Shinohara. After forming a deep bond in elementary school, circumstances force them apart when Akari moves away. As they grow older, distance increases — not only physically, but emotionally.
Told across three chapters — Cherry Blossom, Cosmonaut, and 5 Centimeters per Second — the movie reflects how memories linger, how love fades slowly, and how life continues even when hearts remain tied to the past.
Shinkai captures the quiet ache of missed connections with masterful animation and deeply human storytelling.
Major Arcs Covered
- Cherry Blossom: Takaki travels through a winter storm to see Akari one last time.
- Cosmonaut: Years later, Takaki drifts through life while Kanae struggles with her unrequited love for him.
- 5 Centimeters per Second: Adult Takaki confronts the weight of nostalgia and the reality of moving on.
Main Characters
- Takaki Tōno: Sensitive and thoughtful, burdened by his lingering attachment to the past.
- Akari Shinohara: Kind and gentle, yet separated by time and circumstance.
- Kanae Sumida: A girl who secretly loves Takaki, representing paths not chosen.
Themes & Style
- Distance & Time: How relationships stretch and fade.
- Unspoken Emotion: Feelings left unsaid, moments left behind.
- Nostalgia & Loss: The beauty of remembering, the pain of letting go.
- Realism in Love: Not every story ends with a reunion — and that’s okay.
Animation & Music
Produced by CoMix Wave Films, the movie features Shinkai’s signature breathtaking skies, soft lighting, and emotional visual metaphors. Every frame is crafted like a painting, using color and silence to convey heartbreak.
The soundtrack by Tenmon enhances the melancholy tone, especially the ending song “One More Time, One More Chance” by Masayoshi Yamazaki — a beloved classic that perfectly captures the film’s emotional final scene.
Where to Watch
You can watch 5 Centimeters per Second on:
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DVD/Blu-ray Release (CoMix Wave Films, international editions available)
Popularity & Reception
5 Centimeters per Second is regarded as one of Makoto Shinkai’s early masterpieces. Its realistic portrayal of heartbreak and its poetic storytelling earned global praise. The film has influenced countless creators and remains a cultural touchstone in romance anime.
Similar Anime Recommendations
If you enjoyed 5 Centimeters per Second, you may also like:
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The Garden of Words (2013) – Another Shinkai film exploring longing and emotional distance.
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I Want to Eat Your Pancreas (2018) – A touching story of connection and loss.
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Your Lie in April – A heartfelt drama about love, music, and moving forward.
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Orange – A blend of romance and regret centered around changing the future.
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March Comes in Like a Lion – Emotional introspection and healing through connection.
Final Thoughts
5 Centimeters per Second is not just a romance — it’s a reflection of growing up, drifting apart, and learning to let go. With beautiful visuals and honest storytelling, it remains one of the most emotionally powerful anime films ever created.
A quiet masterpiece that lingers long after the credits roll.
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