GKIDS is preparing to release another visually and narratively captivating Japanese animated feature in North America, coming aboard 100 Meters (Hyakuemu) as a producing partner and distributor. The footrace drama is helmed by Kenji Iwaisawa, who gained international acclaim with his animated indie rock film On-Gaku: Our Sound.
100 Meters is set to debut across NorAm in October in both the original Japanese and a newly created English-language version, following its premiere on September 19 in Japan. The project was showcased at the 2024 Annecy International Animation Film Festival as part of the Work-in-Progress segment.
Synopsis: 100 Meters tells the story of Togashi, a talented track star. In sixth grade, he encounters Komiya, a transfer student brimming with determination yet lacking in technique. As he mentors Komiya, Togashi imparts a new goal: to win at all costs. Time progresses, and Togashi and Komiya clash again as rivals on the track, uncovering their true identities.
Adapted from the original manga by Uoto (Orb: On the Movements of the Earth), 100 Meters is currently in production at Rock’n Roll Mountain studio, with production by Pony Canyon, Tokyo Broadcasting System, and Asmik Ace, in collaboration with GKIDS.
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Iwaisawa directs from a script penned by Yasuyuki Muto (Tokyo Revengers, Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway). The creative team features character designer and executive animation director Keisuke Kojima, art director Keikankun Yamaguchi, and composer Hiroaki Tsutsumi. Producers involved include Yūsuke Terada, Yūki Katayama, and Akane Taketsugu.
Just prior to the GKIDS announcement, the official website for the 100 Meters manga released a teaser trailer, which unveiled the composer, the two leading Japanese voice actors, and the release date in Japan.
Tori Matsuzaka, known primarily for his work in live-action projects such as the TV adaptation of In This Corner of the World and the 2022 film Whisper of the Heart, will provide the voice for Togashi. Matsuzaka has also lent his voice to animated films including Hello World and New Dimension! Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Battle of Supernatural Powers ~Flying Sushi~.
Shōta Sometani will take on the role of Komiya. He is renowned for his leading performances in live-action films such as Himizu and Parasyte, and he has voiced characters in critically acclaimed animated features including Mamoru Hosoda’s Wolf Children, The Boy and the Beast, and Belle, as well as Makoto Shinkai’s Suzume.
[Sources: Variety / Anime News Network]