Back in April of 2022, we wrote about the trailer and release date of Suzume no Tojimari, translated to Suzume’s Door-Locking in English, an anime by Makoto Shinkai produced by CoMix Wave Films and distributed by Toho. The anime is set to be released in Japan on November 11, 2022, but will we have a U.S. release? We’ve got some details for you.
Suzume no Tojimari will be released in the United States on Crunchyroll in Early 2023
According to Screen Daily, global distribution and marketing rights of Suzume no Tojimari have been bought by Crunchyroll (excluding Asia, where Crunchyroll will partner with Sony). Distribution of the anime will begin in all other major territories in the early years of 2023. Crunchyroll also has confirmed that the film will be distributed in French and German-speaking Europe by its network, Sony Pictures, and Wild Bunch International.
Makoto Shinkai took to Twitter to announce that the movie was finally completed. The tweet was made on October 21st, 2022 and fans seemed really happy to hear the news.
“Suzume no Tojimari has been completed! Thank you very much to everyone who did their best and supported us. It should be a movie that you will surely enjoy. I hope you can watch a lot!”
『すずめの戸締まり』、完成いたしました！ 力を尽くしてくださった皆さま、応援してくれていた方々、本当にありがとうございました。きっと楽しんでいただける映画になっているはずです。たくさん観ていただけますように！ pic.twitter.com/2XE0SLkrMq
— 新海誠 (@shinkaimakoto) October 21, 2022
What is Suzume no Tojimari about?
The story is about Suzume, a 17-year-old girl from Japan’s southwestern region, who is the protagonist of this tale. Somebody who needs a “door” runs into her, and, on their travels together, they come across an old door in a derelict mansion, and she is drawn inside.
Around Japan, “Doors of Disaster” start to open, unleashing a cascade of catastrophes. The plot sounds intriguing, and Shinkai’s prior works suggest that this one won’t disappoint either.
The full synopsis, according to Crunchyroll, goes:
On the other side of the door, was time in its entirety—
“Suzume no Tojimari” is a coming-of-age story for the 17-year-old protagonist, Suzume, set in various disaster-stricken locations across Japan, where she must close the doors causing devastation.
Suzume’s journey begins in a quiet town in Kyushu (located in southwestern Japan) when she encounters a young man who tells her, “I’m looking for a door.” What Suzume finds is a single weathered door standing upright in the midst of ruins as though it was shielded from whatever catastrophe struck. Seemingly drawn by its power, Suzume reaches for the knob… Doors begin to open one after another all across Japan, unleashing destruction upon any who are near. Suzume must close these portals to prevent further disaster.
—The stars, then sunset, and the morning sky.
Within that realm, it was as though all time had melted together in the sky…
Never-before-seen scenery, encounters and farewells… A myriad of challenges await her on her journey. Despite all the obstacles in her way, Suzume’s adventure shines a ray of hope upon our own struggles against the toughest roads of anxiety and constraints that make up everyday life. This story of closing doors that connect our past to the present and future will leave a lasting impression upon all of our hearts.
Drawn in by these mysterious doors, Suzume’s journey is about to begin.
About the Voice Cast & Manga
Film’s heroine Suzume Iwato is voiced by Nanoka Hara. This is Hara’s first voice acting role in anime, and she beat out more than 1,700 other applicants for the part. Anime News Network said that SixTONES member Hokuto Matsumura (Tru in the live-action Liar Liar film, Shizuka Doumeki in the live-action xxxHOLiC film) makes his voice acting debut in the film as Sta Munakata, a young guy who sets off on a voyage with Suzume as the “Door-Closing Master.”
More recently, it was announced that a manga adaptation of the movie was released. The manga, drawn by Denki Amashima, made its debut in the December issue of the Afternoon magazine on October 25.
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