Masaharu Fukuyama Returns for the Theme Song of 'Ano Hoshi ga Furu Oka de, Kimi to Mata Deaitai.'! Star-Studded New Cast Announced!

Published by Starts Publishing Corporation (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Fujiharu Sekine), Natsue Shiomi's bestselling novel "Ano Hoshi ga Furu Oka de, Kimi to Mata Deaitai." (Starts Publishing Bunko), which has surpassed 1.7 million copies in total series sales, is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on Friday, August 7th. Today, a star-studded lineup of new cast members bringing color to the work, including Kanata Hosoda and Chieko Baisho, has been announced all at once. Furthermore, responding to passionate requests from fans, it has been decided that Masaharu Fukuyama will continue to be in charge of the theme song for this concluding installment. Please look forward to this transcendent love story between Yuri and Akira, set 7 years after the previous work.

■ Official Site: https://movies.shochiku.co.jp/anohoshi-movie
■ Official X / Official Instagram / Official TikTok: @anohoshimovie
■ Theme Song Trailer: https://youtu.be/-nbAC424w78

Movie "Ano Hoshi ga Furu Oka de, Kimi to Mata Deaitai." STORY

7 years have passed since the farewell with Akira (Koshi Mizukami) who disappeared into the sky.
Yuri (Haruka Fukuhara), who became a high school teacher—which was also Akira's dream—leads a busy everyday life, but her feelings for Akira remain left behind on that hill where lilies bloomed in 1945.
Before her appears a young man named Ryo (Kanata Hosoda), who bears a resemblance to Akira.
He is to become the assistant homeroom teacher of Yuri's class as a temporary appointed teacher.
Yuri is swayed by Ryo, who genuinely cares for her, but feeling as though she is betraying Akira, she cannot take a step forward in love.
Amidst her conflict, Yuri encounters an elderly Chiyo (Chieko Baisho), who is spending a peaceful remainder of her life in a hospice—.
Another form of love that Chiyo (Natsuki Deguchi) walked after losing Ishimaru (Kentaro Ito).
And what Chiyo entrusted to Yuri was a single book left by Akira just before his sortie, gifted to the Yuri of the future.
What is the message hidden within...?
On the night of a summer festival, a miracle descends upon the star-falling hill.

Star-studded new cast bringing color to the work announced all at once!

The trailer footage released today opens with a heartbreaking monologue from Yuri (Haruka Fukuhara), who returned to the modern era after parting with kamikaze pilot Akira (Koshi Mizukami) in the previous film: "Even now, I still look up at the sky you departed to." In front of Yuri, who continues to hold onto wartime memories and fading feelings for Akira, appears a young man named Ryo, who harbors romantic feelings for her and somehow gives off the presence of Akira.

● Kanata Hosoda / as Ryo Miyahara
Playing Ryo is Kanata Hosoda, arguably the most capable young actor today, who made his film debut in "The World of Machida-kun" and received high praise for his acting skills in the drama "Dragon Zakura." He has since steadily built his career with appearances in the NHK Taiga drama "What Will You Do, Ieyasu?" and the NHK Morning Drama "Anpan." Upon appearing in this film, Hosoda shared his enthusiastic determination: "The previous work was a hot topic, so when I unexpectedly found out I would be involved in its sequel, I felt pressure along with surprise. (omitted) However, supported by the bright team including Ms. Fukuhara and Director Shinjo, we crafted it so carefully that even after filming ended, discussions were held on how to make the work even better. Please look forward to the release."

● Hana Toyoshima / as Sara
The role of a high school girl troubled by her future path in Yuri's homeroom class will be played by Hana Toyoshima. She gained sudden attention for playing Uta Omameda in the 2021 drama "My Dear Exes," and has continued to appear in works like the NHK Taiga drama "What Will You Do, Ieyasu?" and the Netflix film "The Bullet Train." Reflecting on the filming, Toyoshima said, "Because Sara is an original character not present in the original novel, I had some anxiety. But thanks to the warm support of Ms. Haruka Fukuhara, Mr. Kanata Hosoda, and all the staff, I was able to face the acting with peace of mind."

● Kai Inowaki / as Hayakichi
The role of Hayakichi, who becomes Chiyo's marriage partner after the war, will be played by Kai Inowaki, who continues to appear in hit works such as the drama "Gibo to Musume no Blues" and the NHK Taiga drama "Berabou ~Tsutaju Eiga no Yume Banashi~." Upon his appearance, Inowaki revealed his confidence in the film: "By thinking only of Chiyo, loving her, and acting with all my might, deeper movements of the heart were born. I feel it has become a scene overflowing with highly pure emotions."

● Chieko Baisho / as Chiyo
Holding the key that connects the past and present is Chiyo, played by Chieko Baisho, who won the Best Actress award at the 49th Japan Academy Film Prize for 'TOKYO Taxi'. The reunion of Yuri and Chiyo from 1945 greatly influences Yuri's next step forward. Regarding her appearance in this film, Baisho commented, "Ms. Fukuhara is an actor with a mysterious charm, seemingly able to live through the past, present, and future. Although the filming was brief, it was a dense time as if we had worked together for a long time.