On April 21, 2025, the anticipated Hyakuemu anime film officially announced its North American release timeline, scheduled for October 2025. This announcement came just a day after the film’s release details were shared for its home market in Japan. GKIDS has secured the rights to distribute the film across North American theaters, with expectations that it will be available in both the United States and Canada, although this has yet to be confirmed.
Upcoming Hyakuemu Anime Film Secures October 2025 Release in North America
In conjunction with this announcement, GKIDS has launched an English-subtitled trailer on its official YouTube channel, coinciding with the news regarding its Japanese release date. The Hyakuemu film will be the direct anime adaptation of the original manga series penned by Uoto, sharing the same title.
As it stands, further details regarding the North American release of Hyakuemu remain sparse. However, fans can anticipate a more definitive release date in the coming weeks. The film’s confirmed Japanese debut is set for September 19, 2025, and additional information, including cast announcements beyond the two main characters, is likely on the way.
The film features Tori Matsuzaka as Togashi, a talented runner, and Shota Sometani as Komiya, who is characterized as a dedicated individual with a passion for running that ignited upon meeting Togashi. A sneak peek of the film was showcased at the Annecy International Film Festival in June 2024 as part of its Work in Progress segment, and the festival’s synopsis of the story is as follows:
“Togashi is born to run. As a kid, he is naturally gifted and wins every 100-meter race without effort. But in sixth grade, he meets Komiya, a transfer student who is full of determination but lacks technique. In teaching him, Togashi gives Komiya a new purpose: to win no matter what. Years pass by, Togashi and Komiya meet again as rivals on the track and reveal their true selves.”
Kenji Iwaisawa is directing the film, produced by Rock ‘n’ Roll Mountain studios. The production team comprises Pony Canyon, TBS TV, and Asmik Ace. The script is written by Yasuyuki Muto, while Keisuke Kojima is responsible for character design and chief animation direction. The film’s art direction is led by Keikankun Yamaguchi, with Yusuke Terada, Yuki Katayama, and Akane Taketsugu taking on producer roles. Hiroaki Tsutsumi is composing the film’s score.
As previously mentioned, the Hyakuemu anime film serves as the adaptation of Uoto’s illustrious manga series, which was serialized on Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket digital platform from November 2018 until August 2019. This series was compiled into five volumes, none of which are currently available in English. Uoto is also recognized for the popular title, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth.