Tokyo, Japan – Anime enthusiasts worldwide can now get an early glimpse into the highly anticipated sports drama, 100 Meters, as the first six minutes of the film have been officially streamed. The footage was released on Asmik Ace’s official YouTube channel on September 20, 2025, a day after the movie’s theatrical premiere in Japan.
The initial six minutes of the film feature narration by Kenjiro Tsuda, who also voices the character Kaido in the movie, before transitioning into dynamic scenes of athletes competing in a stadium. This early release offers fans a taste of the animation style and narrative tone of the adaptation, which has generated significant buzz since its announcement.
“100 Meters” Theatrical Release and International Distribution
The 100 Meters anime film officially opened in Japanese theaters on September 19, 2025. For North American audiences, GKIDS will be distributing the film, with screenings scheduled for October 2025. A special opening event is slated for October 10, 2025, in Los Angeles, followed by nationwide screenings from October 12-14, 2025, offering both Japanese with English subtitles and an English dub.
The Story Behind the Speed: Plot and Production
The 100 Meters film is an adaptation of Uoto’s acclaimed sports manga, Hyakuemu (also known as 100 Meters), which was serialized online from November 2018 to August 2019. The story centers on Togashi, a naturally gifted track star, who meets Komiya, a transfer student with immense determination but lacking natural technique, in sixth grade. Togashi’s guidance ignites a new purpose in Komiya, leading them to eventually meet again as rivals on the track, where they confront their true selves and motivations.
Key Creative Team
The anime film boasts a talented production team:
- Director: Kenji Iwaisawa, known for his work on ON-GAKU: Our Sound.
- Studio: Rock ‘n’ Roll Mountain.
- Screenplay: Yasuyuki Mutō.
- Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Keisuke Kojima.
- Music: Hiroaki Tsutsumi.
- Theme Song: “Rashisa” performed by Official Hige Dandism.
The film’s world premiere was held at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on June 12, where it was screened as a “work in progress”. The movie features a notable voice cast, including Tori Matsuzaka as Togashi and Shōta Sometani as Komiya, with supporting roles by Kōki Uchiyama, Kenjirō Tsuda, and Rie Takahashi, among others.
Anticipation and Audience Reception
The streaming of the opening sequence aims to further build anticipation for the film, which delves into themes of natural talent versus hard work, rivalry, and self-discovery within the competitive world of track and field. The early footage highlights the film’s visual style and the immersive experience it promises, particularly with its blend of 2D and rotoscoped animation in depicting intense race sequences. Fans eager to witness Togashi and Komiya’s compelling journey can look forward to its continued rollout in theaters.
