If you are someone who frequently follows news about anime and Japan, you have undoubtedly heard the name “Your Name” or “Kimi no Na wa” at least once since its release in 2016. This anime film has become a phenomenal success in Japan, topping the box office for several consecutive weeks and surpassing many other works, including those from Studio Ghibli.
Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) – trailer –
As of now, “Your Name” has entered the history books as the only anime film that is not produced by Studio Ghibli to gross over $126 million. However, if you haven’t thought about watching this anime yet, here are some reasons why you should reconsider your decision.
1. More than just a psychological fantasy film
“Your Name” primarily revolves around two high school students who mysteriously swap bodies, based on a novel of the same name by Japanese author Makoto Shinkai, who also directed and co-wrote the anime film. The audience follows Mitsuha, a high school girl living in a rural area, and Taki, a high school boy from Tokyo. While Mitsuha dreams of being a boy, Taki experiences life as a girl in the countryside.
While many psychological anime focus on two people having a chance encounter, Shinkai’s film uniquely approaches this connection through body-swapping in their dreams. Not only does this concept evoke genuine and profound emotions, but it also introduces humorous situations, especially when Mitsuha tries to navigate daily life while inhabiting a boy’s body.
Additionally, the film explores themes of growing up and the struggles of identity faced by individuals in a rapidly changing world.
2. Stunning visuals and artistic quality
While the story of “Your Name” is entirely fictional, some locations in the film are designed based on real-life landscapes, such as Suga Shrine in Tokyo featured in the final scenes. Throughout the film, the audience feels as if they are traveling through breathtaking scenery, highlighted by Japan’s rich culture.
3. “The Next Miyazaki”
There is a reason why filmmakers in the anime industry may dislike the label “The Next Miyazaki,” a title given to the legendary director who has been absent since 2013. First, this label creates a standard against which all films or series can be compared, often unfairly. Second, Miyazaki’s films have consistently high box office revenues in Japan and have cultivated a dedicated fan base.
While “Your Name” has the potential to earn Shinkai the title of Miyazaki’s successor, the director has his own unique style. Although he may not be as widely recognized as Miyazaki, many anime fans have previously engaged with his works such as “Voices of a Distant Star,” “5 Centimeters Per Second,” and “The Garden of Words.”
4. Reflection of Japanese sentiment
Many people were still grieving after the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in 2011, resulting in the loss of 16,000 lives. While the main theme of the film is about body-swapping and the experiences of the characters, it closely connects to natural disasters and their aftermath. Makoto Shinkai has used “Your Name” to reflect the sentiments and emotions of many Japanese people, including his own, revealing how trauma can linger indefinitely.
Source: Moviepilot
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