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Your Name.: The Destiny of Two People Connected Across Time
Taki, a boy living in the city, and Mitsuha, a girl living in the countryside. A grand love story that transcends time and space, beginning with the phenomenon of two strangers swapping bodies.
deliverJ Editorial ・ Published: Jun 14, 2026 ・ Updated: Jun 14, 2026
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Release Year
2016
Theatrical Release
Runtime
107 Minutes
A Gem of Sci-Fi Fantasy
Production Studio
CoMix Wave Films
Directed by Makoto Shinkai
Since its release in 2016, the film 'Your Name.' has taken the world by storm. With director Makoto Shinkai's exceptional visual artistry and a deeply moving story, it quickly became a social phenomenon. Breaking box office records for animated films in Japan and captivating audiences across borders, it has cemented its place as a masterpiece of Japanese animation.
Why does 'Your Name.' continue to be so beloved? It's because it beautifully portrays universal themes—city and countryside, dreams and reality, and the fated connection between two individuals across time and space—with stunning visuals, exquisite music by RADWIMPS, and an intricately crafted narrative. The profound emotion and hope it imprints on viewers' hearts continue to shine brightly, undiminished by time.
Story
The Destiny of Two People Connected Across Time: Story Synopsis
One day, with the once-in-a-thousand-years comet approaching, high school girl Mitsuha Miyamizu, living in a secluded mountain town, dreams of becoming a male high school student in Tokyo. Confused by the unfamiliar room, strange friends, and the bustling cityscapes of Tokyo, Mitsuha nonetheless enjoys her longed-for life in the metropolis. Meanwhile, Taki Tachibana, a male high school student living in Tokyo, also dreams of becoming a high school girl in a rural town.
As these strange dreams become frequent, the two realize they are swapping bodies. Despite their confusion, they gradually communicate through diaries and notes, supporting each other's lives even while body-swapped. However, one day, the body-swapping suddenly ceases, and Taki, determined to reconnect with Mitsuha, begins searching for her town based on his faint memories. Eventually, Taki uncovers a shocking truth about Mitsuha's town.
This is a story of miracles and destiny woven between a boy and a girl searching for someone they haven't met yet. An epic challenge of transcending time, facing loss, and striving to meet again profoundly moves the hearts of viewers.
Series Info
Basic Information About the Work
Characters
Characters
Mitsuha Miyamizu
A high school girl living in Itomori, a secluded town deep in the Hida mountains. Born into a family of shrine maidens at the Miyamizu Shrine, she's bored with life in her isolated rural town and longs for a life in the city. She has a bright and cheerful personality, but can also be stubborn. Her body-swapping with Taki sets the wheels of fate in motion.
Taki Tachibana
A male high school student living in Tokyo. While working part-time at an Italian restaurant, he vaguely dreams of a career in architecture. Though he appears cool, he is actually earnest and kind-hearted. Experiencing the body-swapping with Mitsuha, he embarks on a quest to find her town and uncover the mystery of its fate.
Music
Music That Colors the Story
01
🎵
Zenzenzense (movie ver.)
The iconic theme song of the film and one of RADWIMPS' most well-known tracks. Its fast-paced melody and lyrics, singing of the two protagonists' destiny, perfectly match the world of the film.
02
🎵
Sparkle (movie ver.)
A ballad that plays during pivotal moments of the story, stirring the audience's emotions. Its lyrics express the connection across time and a poignant sadness, complemented by a grand, impressive sound. It plays a crucial role in deepening the film's worldview.
03
🎵
Nandemonaiya (movie ver.)
The ending song, which deepens the lingering feelings after watching the film. Its somewhat nostalgic and warm melody gently embraces the future that the protagonists eventually reach. A moving number perfectly fitting to conclude the entire work.
Reception
The Enduring Appeal of 'Your Name.' Which Became a Social Phenomenon
🏆
'Your Name.' achieved the second-highest box office revenue for a Japanese animated film domestically (at the time) and became a massive worldwide hit. Its success re-established the potential of Japanese animated cinema on a global scale.
✦
Makoto Shinkai's signature, breathtakingly beautiful background art and depiction of light. Every single raindrop, the color of the sky, and the movement of clouds are meticulously rendered, drawing viewers deep into the world of the story.
✦
The intricately calculated story is more than just a sci-fi love story. The fated encounters across time, salvation from disaster, and the theme of 'something not to be forgotten' are complexly intertwined, deeply resonating with viewers' hearts.
✦
All of RADWIMPS' songs perfectly synchronized with each scene of the story, dramatically enhancing the characters' emotions and the plot's progression. The music became an integral part of the film, multiplying its emotional impact.