The highly anticipated anime film 100 Meters (also known as Hyakuemu), based on Uoto’s sports manga, is set for a limited North American theatrical release this October, with a special premiere in Los Angeles on October 10. Nationwide screenings will follow on October 12-14, bringing the story of two rival sprinters to fans across the continent.
GKIDS, the film’s North American distributor, will present both English-dubbed and original Japanese with English subtitles versions during its run. The film had its world premiere as an official selection at the 2025 Annecy International Animation Film Festival and is set to open in Japanese theaters on September 19, 2025.
A Story of Rivalry and Dedication on the Track
100 Meters delves into the intense world of track and field, focusing on the intertwined fates of two aspiring athletes, Togashi and Komiya. Togashi, a naturally gifted sprinter, effortlessly wins races from a young age, relying on his innate talent. His path crosses with Komiya in sixth grade, a transfer student brimming with determination but lacking in technique. Togashi’s guidance ignites a fierce resolve in Komiya, giving him a new purpose: to win at all costs.
As years pass, the two reunite as rivals on the track, where their true selves and the depth of their commitment to the sport are revealed. The narrative explores themes of talent versus hard work, the pursuit of meaning in one’s profession, and the complexities of rivalry.
Key Talent Behind the Film
Directed by Kenji Iwaisawa, known for his work on On-Gaku: Our Sound, 100 Meters is animated by Rock ‘n’ Roll Mountain. The production team includes Keisuke Kojima as character designer and chief animation director, Keikankun Yamaguchi as art director, and Hiroaki Tsutsumi (known for his work on Jujutsu Kaisen and Dr. Stone) composing the score. Yasuyuki Muto, who has contributed to screenplays for Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway and Tokyo Revengers, penned the script.
The film features a talented voice cast, with Tori Matsuzaka lending his voice to Togashi and Shōta Sometani as Komiya. Additional cast members include Kōki Uchiyama as Saizu and Kenjirō Tsuda as Kaidō. Official HiGE DANdism performs the film’s theme song, titled “Rashisa.”
From Manga to the Big Screen
The film adapts Uoto’s original 100 Meters manga (also known as Hyakuemu), which was serialized online via Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket website and app from November 2018 to August 2019. The series was collected into five tankōbon volumes in Japan. GKIDS has not only acquired the distribution rights but has also joined as a co-producer, alongside Pony Canyon, Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS), and Asmik Ace. This marks the second collaboration between GKIDS and director Kenji Iwaisawa.
