The upcoming anime film 100 Meters (Japanese title: Hyakuemu) has revealed ten additional cast members, adding further depth to its already impressive lineup. This sports drama, directed by Kenji Iwaisawa of On-Gaku: Our Sound fame, is set to premiere in Japanese theaters on September 19, 2025, with a North American release by GKIDS following in October.
New Additions to the Track Team
The latest cast announcement includes:
- Jun Kasama as Nigami, Togashi’s teammate
- Rie Takahashi as Asakusa, a high school girl who invited Togashi into the team
- Yuki Tanaka as Shiina, a high school girl on the team
- Atsumi Tanezaki as young Togashi in elementary school
These actors join the previously announced cast, which features:
- Tori Matsuzaka as Togashi
- Shota Sometani as Komiya
- Koki Uchiyama as Zaitsu, the undisputed champion in the world of athletics
- Kenjiro Tsuda as Kaido, a runner who consistently falls short of Zaitsu
A Story of Rivalry and Growth
100 Meters tells the story of Togashi, a naturally gifted runner who effortlessly wins every 100-meter race as a child. However, his life takes a turn when he meets Komiya, a transfer student with immense determination but lacking technique. Togashi takes Komiya under his wing, teaching him how to run, which ignites a fierce rivalry between them.
Years later, Togashi and Komiya reunite as competitors on the track, each driven by their desire to win. The film explores themes of competition, friendship, personal growth, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Production Details
100 Meters is directed by Kenji Iwaisawa, known for his unique and bold storytelling in On-Gaku: Our Sound. The film is produced by Rock ‘n’ Roll Mountain, Pony Canyon, TBS (Tokyo Broadcasting System), Asmik Ace, and GKIDS. The creative team includes:
- Director: Kenji Iwaisawa
- Screenplay: Yasuyuki Muto (Tokyo Revengers, Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway)
- Character Designer & Chief Animation Director: Keisuke Kojima (Dororo, Monster)
- Art Director: Keikankun Yamaguchi
- Music Composer: Hiroaki Tsutsumi (Jujutsu Kaisen, Dr. Stone)
- Producers: Yusuke Terada, Yuki Katayama, Akane Taketsugu
The film is based on the manga Hyakuemu by Uoto, who also created Orb: On the Movements of the Earth. The manga was serialized on Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket website and app from November 2018 to August 2019, with five volumes released in total.
GKIDS to Distribute in North America
GKIDS, the North American distributor for 100 Meters, describes the film as:
“100 METERS follows Togashi, a track star who is born to run. As a kid, he is naturally gifted and wins every 100-meter race without effort. But in sixth grade, he meets Komiya, a transfer student who is full of determination but lacks technique. In teaching him, Togashi gives Komiya a new purpose: to win no matter what. Years pass by, and Togashi and Komiya meet again as rivals on the track and reveal their true selves.”
Themes and Visual Artistry
100 Meters is not just a sports drama; it’s a coming-of-age tale that delves into the emotional and psychological aspects of competition. The film explores how mentorship can evolve into rivalry and how the pursuit of speed can be both a literal and symbolic journey.
Kenji Iwaisawa’s distinctive visual style, combined with the talents of Keisuke Kojima, Keikankun Yamaguchi, and Hiroaki Tsutsumi, promises a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience.
Release Information
- Japan: September 19, 2025
- North America: October 2025 (GKIDS)
100 Meters had its world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, generating buzz and anticipation for its upcoming release. Anime fans and sports enthusiasts alike can look forward to this hand-drawn, pulse-pounding film that explores the essence of youth, friendship, and the pursuit of purpose.
