The manga adaptation of Naoko Yamada’s film, The Colors Within (Kimi no Iro), is set to conclude with its fourth and final volume. This adaptation, penned and illustrated by Sanami Suzuki, launched on Kadokawa’s Comic Newtype platform on July 16, 2024. The series reached its fifteenth and final chapter on April 11, 2025, with the concluding volume scheduled to ship on June 10, 2025.
About The Colors Within
The Colors Within is a 2024 Japanese animated drama film directed by Naoko Yamada and produced by Science Saru. It marks Yamada’s first time directing an original story, rather than adapting from previously established source material. The film premiered at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2024 and was released in Japanese theaters on August 30, 2024.
Story
The story revolves around Totsuko, a high school girl attending a mission school in Nagasaki who has the unique ability to perceive people’s emotions as colors. To shield her friends and family from negative feelings, she often mediates situations and even tells lies.
Totsuko becomes fascinated by the color she sees in her classmate, Kimi. When Kimi drops out of school, Totsuko seeks her out at an antique bookstore. In a moment of excitement, Totsuko inadvertently leads Kimi to believe she can play the piano. This leads to the formation of a band with Kimi, who plays guitar, and Rui, a music-loving boy who plays the theremin. The film explores the trio’s journey as they write music, navigate their personal challenges, and develop their friendships.
Characters
- Totsuko: A high school student in Nagasaki who can see the “colors” of people’s emotions. She worries about others and tries to smooth things over, even if it means lying.
- Kimi: A classmate of Totsuko who drops out of school. Totsuko is drawn to Kimi’s unique color. She plays the guitar in the band.
- Rui: A boy who loves music and plays the theremin. He meets Totsuko and Kimi at the antique bookstore and joins their band.
Production
The Colors Within is directed by Naoko Yamada, known for her work on K-On!, The Heike Story, and A Silent Voice. The film is produced by Science Saru. Reiko Yoshida, a frequent collaborator of Yamada’s, penned the script, and kensuke ushio composed the music. Daisuke Richard drafted the original characters, and Takashi Kojima designed the characters and directed the animation.
Release
The Colors Within premiered at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2024. It was released in Japanese theaters on August 30, 2024. GKIDS acquired the film for North America, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand. Anime Limited acquired the film for Europe. The film was released in the United Kingdom on January 31, 2025, in both subtitled and English-dubbed versions.
Awards
The film won the Best Animation Film award at the 26th Shanghai International Film Festival in June.
Sanami Suzuki: The Manga Artist
Sanami Suzuki is the artist behind the manga adaptation of The Colors Within. Suzuki also created The Kajiki Chef: Divine Cuisine manga, which ended in April 2023.
Reception and Themes
The Colors Within has been praised for its sensitive portrayal of youth and its exploration of themes such as identity, connection, and the challenges of growing up. Yamada’s direction and Yoshida’s script create a world full of opportunity and potential. The film explores balancing expectations with the limitless possibilities of youth.
Critics have noted Yamada’s focus on the nuances of human connection and interaction. The film uses the protagonist’s ability to see colors as a way to explore the characters’ emotional states. The music and sound design in the film also play a key role in conveying the characters’ feelings and the atmosphere of the story.
