A one-minute clip from the highly anticipated anime film “100 Meters” (Hyakuemu), based on Uoto’s sports manga, has been released, highlighting a remarkable long take animation sequence that forms the beginning of a longer 220-second cut. The footage, streamed by distributor Asmik Ace, offers a glimpse into the film’s detailed rotoscoped character animation and dynamic camera work as runners prepare for their race.
The film, which premiered in Japan on September 19, 2025, and is set for a North American release in October 2025 by GKIDS, quickly garnered attention for its unique visual style and narrative.
Inside the “100 Meters” Long Take Animation
The recently released 60-second clip from “100 Meters” features the film’s protagonists, Togashi and Komiya, alongside other athletes, as they approach the starting blocks of a race. This minute-long sequence is noteworthy for its “long take” approach, characterized by a continuously moving camera and intricately animated backgrounds, all created through detailed rotoscoped character animation.
The Art of Rotoscoped Animation
Rotoscoping, an animation technique where animators trace over live-action footage frame by frame, is prominently featured in “100 Meters.” This method allows for highly realistic and fluid character movements, bringing an unusual level of detail and dynamism to the depiction of the runners. The one-minute clip is just the beginning of a much longer 220-second (approximately 3 minute, 40 second) continuous shot, comprising an impressive 9,800 frames of animation, demonstrating the technical ambition of the production.
Plot and Production Details of “100 Meters”
“100 Meters” tells the story of Togashi, a naturally gifted track star, and Komiya, a determined transfer student who lacks technique. Their fated meeting in sixth grade sparks a rivalry and gives Komiya a new purpose: to win. Years later, they meet again as rivals, revealing their true selves on the track.
Key Creative Team
The film is directed by Kenji Iwaisawa, known for his work on “On-Gaku: Our Sound.” He directs the film at studio Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum. Yasuyuki Mutō is credited with the screenplay, while Keisuke Kojima serves as both character designer and chief animation director. The music for the film is composed by Hiroaki Tsutsumi, and the theme song “Rashisa” is performed by Official HiGE DANdism.
The Road to Release
“100 Meters” held its world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on June 12, 2025. Following its Japanese theatrical release on September 19, 2025, the film is slated for a North American theatrical run by GKIDS in October 2025. This includes special screenings, such as an opening event in Los Angeles on October 10 and the East Coast premiere at the Japan Society in New York on October 8, with director Kenji Iwaisawa in attendance. North American audiences will have the option to watch the film in Japanese with English subtitles or with an English dub.
The film’s opening weekend in Japan saw it rank #8 at the box office, earning over 102 million yen (approximately US$694,700) in its first three days. The streaming of the first six minutes, including the impressive long take, aims to further build anticipation for its wider release.
