The Place Promised in Our Early Days

Friday, January 30, 6:30 p.m.

©Makoto Shinkai / CoMix Wave Films. | 2004 | 91 min | Not Rated | In Japanese with English subtitles | Directed by Makoto Shinkai

The first feature-length work from acclaimed animated-film director Makoto Shinkai.

In an alternate timeline, Japan is divided after World War II. The northern island, Hokkaido, has been annexed by the "Union", while Honshu and the other southern islands are under "Alliance" control. Looming over the landscape in the Tsugaru Strait, which divides the two zones, is the "Tower" -- a gigantic structure with a mysterious purpose.

Hiroki, Takuya, and Sayuri, two young boys and a girl, are fascinated with the Tower which is visible from where they live. The three middle school students make a pact to build an aircraft that can fly to the Tower and uncover its secrets. Their project is abandoned with the sudden disappearance of Sayuri.

Years later, Hiroki and Takuya learn of Sayuri's whereabouts and decide to revive the scrapped plane and try to save her. What they do not realize is that Sayuri is intimately connected with the Tower and thus the struggle between the Union and the Alliance.

Awarded Best Animated Film at the 59th Mainichi Film Awards

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This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Please note that seating is limited and registration does not guarantee guests a seat.

Registered guests will be seated on a first come, first served basis. Please contact us at jicc@ws.mofa.go.jp in the event of cancellation.

Doors open at 6:00 pm. No admission or re-entry after 7:00 pm.