The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes Anime Film to Hit Theaters Fall 2023, Presented by HIDIVE

(Photo: © M.H,S/TFP)

HIDIVE recently thrilled fans with the news of The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes anime film's theatrical screening, scheduled for Fall 2023. Alongside the announcement, the company treated fans to an English-subtitled trailer, adding to the excitement surrounding the film's release.

The anticipation began last year when HIDIVE first confirmed its plans to screen The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes in 2023. In July 2023, the film had an exclusive North American premiere at Otakon 2023, further building excitement among anime enthusiasts. Additionally, HIDIVE shared that an English dub for the film is in the works, and ticketing details for the screenings will be disclosed at a later date, ensuring fans don't miss this extraordinary cinematic experience.

  

The talented voice cast for The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes anime film includes Ouji Suzuka as Kaoru Tono, Marie Iitoyo as Anzu Hanashiro, Tasuku Hatanaka as Shouhei Kaga, Arisa Komiya as Koharu Kawasaki, Haruka Terui as Hamamoto, Rikiya Koyama as Kaoru’s father, and Seiran Kobayashi as Karen Tono.

Furthermore, Tomohisa Taguchi, known for directing "Akudama Drive" and the "Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War Arc," takes on the dual role of director and writer for the film, infusing his creative vision into the project. Joining the team is Tomomi Yabuki, the co-sub character designer of "Pompo: The Cinephile," who serves as the character designer and chief animation director, ensuring captivating character portrayals. Saori Gouda, who contributed to "Princess Connect! Re:Dive Season 2," brings her talent as the color designer, adding vividness to the film's aesthetics. Yuuki Hatakeyama, co-art director of "Summer Time Render," and Daiki Kuribayashi, associated with "Toilet-bound Hanako-kun," take on the role of art directors, crafting the film's visually captivating world.

Additionally, Kou Hoshina, the co-photography director of "Pompo the Cinephile," showcases their expertise as the photography director, capturing striking scenes. Lastly, the music composer, Harumi Fuuki, known for "The Deer King," adds an enchanting score to complement the film's narrative.

Assisting in the film's creation is Kanji Miyake, the assistant director of "Pompo: The Cinéphile," who serves as the unit director, ensuring seamless coordination among the team members. Seiji Tachikawa, credited for "Idolish Seven Third Beat!," Tomomi Yabuki, who has worked on the "Mado wo Akete" music video, Michio Hasegawa, associated with "Shadows House," and Yasuhisa Katou, part of the team behind "Pompo the Cinephile," work as animation directors, bringing their expertise to enhance the film's animation quality. The animation production is entrusted to CLAP, a renowned studio known for delivering exceptional animation work.

The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes originates from a captivating light novel written by Mei Hachimoku, featuring enchanting illustrations by Kukka. This mesmerizing tale was first published by Shogakukan under the Gagaga Bunko label on July 18, 2019. The light novel received notable recognition, earning the prestigious Gagaga Award and the Special Judges Award at the 13th Shogakukan Light Novel Awards.

The novel's popularity led to a compelling manga adaptation titled The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes: Ultramarine, created by Koudon. Serialized in Monthly Sunday Gene-X and the MangaONE app from July 18, 2020, to November 19, 2021, the manga spanned four tankoubon volumes, captivating readers with its artful storytelling. English-speaking audiences can also enjoy the captivating narrative, as Seven Seas Entertainment releases both the light novel and manga series in English, ensuring a wider reach for this extraordinary tale.

According to HIDIVE, the film's synopsis is described as: "Urashima Tunnel – Once you enter that tunnel, you can get whatever you want, but at a price. Kaoru Tono, who seems to have an elusive personality and traumatic past, and Anzu Hanashiro, who is struggling to reconcile her ideal image and true-to-heart attitude, team -up to investigate the Urashima Tunnel and get what they want. This is an unforgettable summer story of nostalgia and sprinting in a remote countryside."