Suzume (2022)

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Suzume (2022)

A Journey of Healing, Loss, and Closing the Doors of the Past

Suzume is a breathtaking modern fantasy drama directed by Makoto Shinkai, blending supernatural mystery with emotional storytelling. Set across real locations in Japan, the film follows a girl who must seal dangerous “Doors” that open to disasters—while confronting her own buried trauma.
It’s visually stunning, emotionally resonant, and deeply symbolic—another masterpiece from the creator of Your Name and Weathering With You.



Movie Overview

Title: Suzume
Japanese Title: すずめの戸締まり (Suzume no Tojimari)
Runtime: 121 minutes
Release Date: November 11, 2022 (Japan)
Director: Makoto Shinkai
Studio: CoMix Wave Films
Original Novel: Written by Makoto Shinkai (released alongside the film)
Genres: Fantasy, Drama, Romance, Adventure
Streaming Platforms: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime, Netflix (regional), DVD/Blu-ray


Story Summary

Suzume Iwato, a high school girl living on Kyushu, encounters a mysterious young man named Souta, who is searching for abandoned places that hide magical “Doors.”
When Suzume accidentally releases a supernatural force known as the Worm, which threatens to trigger earthquakes across Japan, she joins Souta in a cross-country journey to seal the Doors and prevent disaster.

But as Souta becomes trapped in the form of a chair—and Suzume faces her trauma linked to the 2011 Tōhoku disaster—the journey becomes more than a mission. It becomes a path toward healing, courage, and understanding the meaning of loss.


Major Narrative Elements

  • The Doors of Disaster – Mysterious portals that appear in abandoned locations; each hides the Worm, a force that causes earthquakes.
  • Souta’s Duty as a Closer – A magical responsibility passed through his family to seal these dangerous Doors.
  • Suzume’s Past – The emotional core of the film — her childhood loss, fear, and memories hidden behind one final Door.
  • Daijin, the Cat-like Entity – A mischievous, divine being tied to the balance between worlds, who complicates Suzume’s mission.
  • The Journey Across Japan – Suzume and Souta travel through the ruins and forgotten towns of Japan, each representing memories, time, and recovery.


Main Characters

  • Suzume Iwato – A brave but emotionally wounded girl discovering strength through her journey.
  • Souta Munakata – A calm, dedicated Closer whose fate becomes intertwined with Suzume, both literally and emotionally.
  • Daijin – A cat-like god whose actions guide and challenge Suzume’s path.
  • Tamaki Iwato – Suzume’s aunt — caring, stressed, human, and complex.
  • Serizawa – Souta’s friend who supports their mission in the real world.


Themes & Symbolism

  • Healing from Trauma – Inspired by real Japanese disaster experiences, the movie explores how people heal and move forward.
  • The Weight of Loss – Suzume’s memories of childhood tragedy shape her decisions and courage.
  • Human Connection – Along her journey, Suzume meets strangers who offer help, grounding the story in kindness.
  • Time & Memory – The abandoned locations reflect fading memories and the passage of time.
  • Responsibility & Sacrifice – Souta and Suzume’s mission shows how personal duty can shape destiny.


Animation & Music

Created by CoMix Wave Films, Suzume features:

  • Stunning landscapes based on real Japanese locations

  • Dynamic supernatural sequences and emotional close-ups

  • Beautiful color transitions representing hope and fear

Music by RADWIMPS & Kazuma Jinnouchi

The soundtrack blends orchestral emotion with RADWIMPS’ signature energy. The theme songs "Suzume" and "Kanata Haruka" enhance the film’s emotional intensity.


Where to Watch Suzume

You can watch or purchase Suzume on:


Popularity & Reception

Suzume became one of Japan’s highest-grossing films of 2022, earning global acclaim for its:

  • Emotional depth

  • Visual storytelling

  • Real-world disaster themes

  • Strong character development

It is praised as one of Makoto Shinkai’s finest works, sitting alongside Your Name and Weathering With You.


Similar Anime Recommendations

If you loved Suzume, try these emotionally rich, supernatural-themed works:


Final Thoughts

Suzume is a moving, visually spectacular exploration of grief, healing, and connection.
It blends the fantastical with the deeply human, creating a story that resonates long after the credits roll.

Makoto Shinkai masterfully turns a tale of disasters and doors into a beautiful message:
To move forward, we must face the doors of our past — and choose to close them with courage.


Location: Tokyo, Japan

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