The upcoming anime film You, Fireworks, and Our Promise has dropped a fuller look at its summer romance story, with a new trailer, key visual, additional cast, more staff credits, and its theme song now revealed.
Based on Kaori Mado's light novel series, the film is also known in Japanese as Kimi to Hanabi to Yakusoku to, or simply Kimi-Hana. The new trailer previews "Kienai Hanabi" — translated as "Eternal Fireworks" — performed by idol group timelesz.
For fans who like emotional anime films built around one big summer memory, this one is already giving that familiar Japan-summer-movie energy: fireworks, fate, teenage awkwardness, and one very important promise.
New cast and staff confirmed
The latest update confirms Rie Takahashi will voice Haru, described as a mysterious girl. Takahashi is a name anime fans will recognise instantly, so her addition gives the film a nice extra pull.
Natsuko Yokosawa is also joining the cast as Yukari Natsume, the mother of protagonist Makoto.
On the production side, the newly announced staff includes Toshiharu Mizutani as art director, Shiho Kuriki as color key artist, Shinji Saitō as compositing director of photography, Takeshi Takadera as sound director, and Arisa Okehazama as composer.
What is You, Fireworks, and Our Promise about?
The film is a coming-of-age romance set around the Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Show in Niigata Prefecture. It is known as one of Japan's three major fireworks events and attracts several hundred thousand visitors every year.
The story follows Makoto Natsume, a Tokyo high school boy who struggles socially and lacks confidence, and Aki Hayama, a talented and popular class president. Their connection begins with a drawing of fireworks, but that drawing carries a mystery that pushes both of them toward a difficult choice within a limited time.
Shōri Satō of timelesz plays Makoto, while Nanoka Hara voices Aki. Hara has a pretty strong recent resume too, including Suzume, the live-action Oshi no Ko, and Mieruko-chan.
Why SEA anime fans should keep an eye on it
For Malaysia and SEA viewers, the big question now is simple: will this get a regional cinema release?
Anime films have been doing better in our cinemas over the past few years, especially when there is strong romance, emotional drama, or recognisable voice talent involved. You, Fireworks, and Our Promise feels like the type of title that could work well for fans who enjoyed theatrical anime with a bittersweet, youth-romance vibe.
The Nagaoka fireworks setting also gives it a very specific visual hook. Even if you have never been to Niigata, fireworks festivals are one of those Japanese summer images that anime has trained all of us to recognise immediately. If the art direction lands, this could be a very pretty big-screen watch.
Release and production details
Kei Suzuki is directing the film at Synergy SP and The Answer Studio, with Kōhei Mori handling the screenplay. Yūji Watanabe is credited as character designer, while Michihiko Umezawa planned and produced the project with Shinei Animation.
The film is distributed by Shochiku and Shinei Animation, with sponsorship from Niigata Prefecture, Nagaoka City, and the Niigata Prefectural Tourist Association.
It will open in Japanese cinemas on July 17. The film was also previewed at the 79th Cannes International Film Festival on May 15 as part of the Tokyo International Film Festival's Goes to Cannes event.
The original novel was published by Shogakukan's Gagaga Bunko imprint on December 18, 2025, with illustrations by Akamoku. A manga adaptation is also on the way.
No Malaysia or wider SEA release date has been announced yet, but this is one to watch if you are into anime films that mix romance, summer atmosphere, and emotional fireworks — literally.
Source: Anime News Network