A Whisker Away (2020)

Finding Yourself Between Love, Loneliness, and Whiskers

A Whisker Away is a 2020 Japanese animated fantasy romance film that explores the fragile emotions of adolescence through magical realism. Directed by Junichi Satō and Tomotaka Shibayama, and produced by Studio Colorido, the film blends heartfelt coming-of-age drama with whimsical fantasy elements centered around transformation, identity, and unconditional love.

Unlike traditional romance anime, A Whisker Away presents love not as a perfect dream, but as a confusing, sometimes painful journey of self-discovery. Through the metaphor of becoming a cat, the film questions what it means to truly be seen and accepted — not for who you pretend to be, but for who you really are.

Movie Overview

Title: A Whisker Away
Japanese Title: 泣きたい私は猫をかぶる (Nakitai Watashi wa Neko wo Kaburu)
Runtime: 104 minutes
Release Date: June 18, 2020
Studio: Studio Colorido
Directors: Junichi Satō, Tomotaka Shibayama
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Slice of Life, Supernatural
Streaming Platforms: Netflix
Opening: “Hana ni Bourei” by Yorushika
Ending: “Usotsuki” by Yorushika

Story Summary

Miyo Sasaki is an energetic and emotionally complicated middle school girl who struggles to express her true feelings. Nicknamed “Muge” — short for Mysterious Girl — she hides her loneliness and insecurity behind forced cheerfulness and impulsive behavior.

Miyo is deeply in love with her classmate Kento Hinode, but her feelings are unrequited. At school, her advances are awkward and overwhelming, pushing Kento further away. At home, Miyo feels disconnected from her family, unable to communicate her pain after her mother’s death and her father’s remarriage.

One evening, Miyo encounters a mysterious mask seller who offers her a strange gift — a cat mask that allows her to transform into a white cat.

As a cat, Miyo finally experiences peace. Kento shows her kindness, warmth, and affection — something he never offers her human self. Slowly, Miyo begins to prefer life as a cat, escaping the emotional burdens of being human.

But this escape comes at a cost. The more time she spends as a cat, the more she risks losing her human identity forever.

Major Story Arcs

• Unrequited Love Arc — Miyo struggles with her feelings for Kento and her inability to communicate honestly.

• The Mask Seller Arc — The introduction of the supernatural masks and the rules behind transformation.

• Life as a Cat Arc — Miyo’s growing comfort in her feline form and emotional distance from humanity.

• Identity Loss Arc — Miyo risks losing her humanity as she attempts to escape emotional pain.

• Acceptance and Return Arc — Facing her fears, Miyo learns the importance of embracing her true self.

Main Characters

• Miyo Sasaki (Muge) — A deeply emotional girl who masks her pain with hyperactivity and avoidance.

• Kento Hinode — A reserved boy struggling with grief and emotional expression.

• Kinako — The real cat whose life becomes intertwined with Miyo’s transformation.

• The Mask Seller — A mysterious being who feeds on human despair and lost identities.

• Miyo’s Family — Represents the silent emotional gaps between parents and children.

Themes and Style

• Identity and Self-Acceptance — The central theme of the film revolves around accepting oneself without hiding behind masks — literal or emotional.

• Escapism vs. Reality — Miyo’s transformation represents the desire to escape pain instead of confronting it.

• Love and Vulnerability — True connection requires emotional honesty, even when it’s painful.

• Loneliness and Grief — Both Miyo and Kento struggle with loss and emotional isolation.

• Adolescence and Growth — The confusion of growing up is portrayed with sincerity and warmth. Stylistically, the film balances soft slice-of-life moments with whimsical fantasy, allowing emotional depth to coexist with playful visuals.

Animation & Visuals

Produced by Studio Colorido, A Whisker Away features vibrant, expressive animation that emphasizes emotional nuance over spectacle.

• Soft pastel color palettes

• Fluid character expressions

• Playful yet atmospheric fantasy sequences

• Distinct contrast between human and cat worlds

The transformation scenes are handled with surreal beauty, highlighting the emotional weight behind Miyo’s escape rather than focusing on shock value.

Music & Sound Design

The film’s soundtrack is composed by Taku Kishimoto, delivering a gentle, emotional score that perfectly complements the story’s tone.

• Light piano melodies for introspection

• Playful themes for cat sequences

• Emotional crescendos during turning points

Theme Songs:

• Opening: “Hana ni Bourei” by Yorushika

• Ending: “Usotsuki” by Yorushika

Yorushika’s music enhances the emotional vulnerability of the film, making the story linger long after the credits roll.

Symbolism Explained

• The Cat Mask — Represents emotional avoidance and the desire to be loved without judgment.

• Becoming a Cat — Symbolizes comfort in being needed without expectations.

• The Mask Seller — A metaphor for despair feeding on unresolved emotional pain.

• Losing One’s Face — Represents losing identity by running from reality.

Where to Watch

You can watch A Whisker Away (2020) on:

• Netflix

Popularity & Reception

Upon release, A Whisker Away received positive reviews for its emotional storytelling and relatable themes. While comparisons to Studio Ghibli films were inevitable, the movie carved its own identity through its modern take on adolescence and emotional vulnerability.

Audiences praised its honesty in portraying young love and emotional confusion, especially its message about self-worth and acceptance.

Similar Anime Recommendations

If you enjoyed A Whisker Away, you may also like:

• The Cat Returns – A whimsical journey into a feline world

• Your Name – Emotional connection and identity

• The Girl Who Leapt Through Time – Adolescence and consequences

• Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop – Young love and communication

• Whisper of the Heart – Self-discovery and emotional growth

Final Thoughts

A Whisker Away is a gentle yet powerful reminder that love begins with self-acceptance. Through its magical premise and emotionally grounded storytelling, the film speaks to anyone who has ever felt unseen or misunderstood.

Rather than escaping pain, the film encourages embracing vulnerability — because only by being ourselves can we truly connect with others.

A charming, emotional, and meaningful anime film, A Whisker Away is a beautiful exploration of growing up, loving honestly, and learning to face reality without hiding behind a mask.