Do you like Japanese animated films? Were you excited about Your Name or Weathering with You? Then you can't miss the latest work of Makoto Shinkai, the acclaimed director and screenwriter who has captivated audiences worldwide with his stories of love, destiny, and visual beauty.
Suzume no Tojimari (Suzume's Door-Locking) is the working title of Shinkai's new film, which premiered in Japanese cinemas on November 11, 2022 and that It is now available on Crunchyroll in some countries as of May 1, 2023.
In this article we're going to tell you everything we know about this movie, which promises to be a fantastic and exciting adventure about a young woman's journey to close some mysterious doors that connect the past, present, and future.
What is Suzume no Tojimari about?
Suzume no Tojimari tells the story of Suzume, a 17-year-old girl who lives in a quiet town in Kyushu, in the southwest region of Japan. One day she encounters a young traveler who tells her, “I’m looking for a door.” She follows him and discovers a weathered door in the mountain ruins, as if it were the only thing left standing after a collapse. As if drawn by something, Suzume approaches the door and opens it..
Soon, the doors begin opening one after another in various parts of Japan, causing disasters in the surrounding areas. Now Suzume must close these doors to prevent further catastrophes.
Landscapes never seen before, encounters and farewells…a myriad of challenges await the young woman on her journey. Despite the obstacles and setbacks she encounters, Suzume's adventure offers a ray of hope for our own journeys to overcome the anxieties and limitations that shape our daily lives.
This story of closing doors that connect our past with the present and future will leave a lasting mark on our hearts. Suzume's journey, drawn by these mysterious doors, is about to begin.
Who are the people responsible for the film?
Suzume no Tojimari is Makoto Shinkai's 13th film as director, following the release of Weathering with You in 2019, a film that won the "Best Animation of the Year" award.“ at the Japan Academy Film Prize and grossed over $190 million worldwide.
Shinkai is known for his dazzling visual style, his use of color and light, his attention to detail, and his ability to create emotional and universal stories about love, destiny, and the connection between characters.


Among his most outstanding works are:
- Voices of a Distant Star (2002): A short film about two friends separated by interstellar war and their communication through messages.
- The Place We Promised Ourselves (2004): A film about three friends who reunite after a war between Japan and the United States.
- 5 centimeters per second (2007): A film divided into three parts about a boy and a girl who fall in love in childhood, but drift apart as time goes by.
- Via Journey to Agartha (2011): The film is about a boy who travels to the underground world of Agartha to revive his deceased sister.
- The Garden of Words (2013): A film about a student and an older woman who meet in a park when it's raining.
- Your Name (2016): A film about two teenagers who swap bodies and lives across time and space.
- Weathering with You (2019): A feature film about a boy who runs away to Tokyo and meets a girl who can control the weather.
For Suzume no Tojimari, Shinkai has assembled a team of professionals who have worked with him on previous projects. This includes Masayoshi Tanaka as character designer, Kenichi Tsuchiya as animation director, and Takumi Tanji as art director. The film is being produced by CoMix Wave Films, the studio responsible for all of Shinkai's films.
The film's soundtrack is composed by RADWIMPS, the popular Japanese rock band who previously collaborated with Shinkai on Your Name and Weathering with You. The film's main theme is titled "Hikari no Michi" (The Path of Light) and is an emotional and epic song that perfectly complements the film's visuals.
What can we expect?
Suzume no Tojimari is a film that invites us to reflect on time, destiny, and maturity.. Through Suzume's journey, we can see how the protagonist grows and changes her way of seeing the world and herself.
The film also showcases the beauty and diversity of Japan, with settings ranging from the countryside to the city, passing through the mountains and the sea. Each place has its own story and its own door that Suzume must close.
Besides, Anime offers us an impressive visual and auditory experience, with detailed and fluid animation., a use of color and light that creates unique atmospheres and music that conveys emotions and feelings.
Suzume no Tojimari is a film that will leave a lasting impression, making you laugh, cry, and dream. If you enjoy Makoto Shinkai's films or simply want to experience a compelling fantasy story with a touch of maturity, this is a must-see. It has been a critical and commercial success, receiving praise for its animation, soundtrack, and story.
If you want to see this masterpiece of Japanese cinema, we recommend watching it in the best possible quality. We guarantee you'll love it!
Image: YouTube





