Makoto Shinkai, now recognized as one of the most influential anime filmmakers of all time, may have reached global fame with Your Name and Weathering With You, but before those blockbusters, he created a poignant coming-of-age film that still resonates with audiences today: 5 Centimeters per Second. Released in 2007, this bittersweet drama explores the pain of growing apart, the longing for connection, and the emotional journey of accepting life’s inevitable changes.
While it lacks the fantastical elements that define Shinkai’s later works, 5 Centimeters per Second remains one of his most relatable and heartfelt films, focusing on the universal experience of love, loss, and growing up. Here’s why 5 Centimeters per Second stands as one of Shinkai’s most enduring and powerful works, offering a deeply emotional exploration of human relationships.
The Story: A Bittersweet Journey of Distance and Disconnection
5 Centimeters per Second is divided into three distinct vignettes that follow the life of Takaki Tōno, a young boy coming to terms with the reality of growing up and growing apart from the people he loves. The film spans nearly two decades, capturing the heartache of a fleeting childhood romance and the subsequent struggles to find meaningful connections in a world that constantly pulls people in different directions.
The first segment, “Cherry Blossom,” sets the tone with the story of Takaki and Akari, two childhood friends who share a deep bond. As circumstances pull them apart—first by Akari’s family moving away, and then by Takaki’s relocation—distance begins to erode their connection. A touching reunion culminates in a tender kiss, but they must soon say goodbye again, knowing that their future together is uncertain. This sequence captures the intense longing of first love, but also the inevitability of separation.
The second vignette, “Cosmonaut,” shifts to Takaki’s high school years. Despite the passage of time, Takaki still clings to the memory of Akari, writing her emails that he never sends. Meanwhile, Kanae, a classmate with unrequited feelings for Takaki, struggles with her own emotions. This chapter explores the melancholy of missed opportunities and the realization that some connections, no matter how cherished, may never come to fruition.
Finally, the film’s third and final segment, “5 Centimeters per Second,” brings the story to a somber close. Takaki, now an adult working in Tokyo, is trapped in a state of emotional stagnation, unable to move on from the past. His relationship with his girlfriend falls apart, and his career leaves him feeling unfulfilled. It’s only in the film’s closing moments that Takaki begins to accept the distance between himself and Akari, both literally and figuratively, as he watches cherry blossoms fall—a poignant symbol of the fleeting nature of love and life.
A Meditation on Time and Distance
The core theme of 5 Centimeters per Second is the passage of time and the distances—both physical and emotional—that separate people. Unlike Shinkai’s later works, where supernatural forces often come into play, the obstacles in 5 Centimeters per Second are entirely rooted in reality. Time, distance, and the complexities of modern life create barriers that Takaki and Akari cannot overcome.
Shinkai’s decision to focus on such a grounded, realistic story allows the audience to relate deeply to the characters’ struggles. We’ve all experienced the heartache of growing apart from people we once felt inseparable from, whether due to physical distance, life changes, or simply the passage of time. This universal theme gives 5 Centimeters per Second its emotional weight, making it one of the most touching coming-of-age films ever made.
Symbolism Through Cherry Blossoms
The title 5 Centimeters per Second refers to the speed at which cherry blossom petals fall—a visual metaphor for the film’s central theme. In Japan, cherry blossoms are traditionally associated with the transient nature of life and the fleeting beauty of youth. The falling petals represent how people, like blossoms, start close together but inevitably drift apart.
Throughout the film, cherry blossoms serve as a recurring motif, emphasizing the bittersweet nature of Takaki and Akari’s relationship. Though they once shared something beautiful, the circumstances of life pull them in different directions, much like the petals that fall from the same tree but are carried away by the wind. This metaphor highlights the painful but necessary process of letting go and moving forward.
Stunning Visuals and Haunting Soundtrack
Shinkai is known for his breathtaking animation, and 5 Centimeters per Second is no exception. The film’s visuals are a feast for the eyes, capturing Japan’s serene landscapes in stunning detail, from the snow-covered countryside to the bustling streets of Tokyo. Every frame is meticulously crafted, enhancing the film’s emotional depth with visual beauty.
In addition to its gorgeous animation, 5 Centimeters per Second boasts a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack. Composer Tenmon’s music underscores the emotional highs and lows of the film, weaving together themes of hope, melancholy, and nostalgia. The film’s closing song, “One More Time, One More Chance” by Masayoshi Yamazaki, is particularly powerful, encapsulating the sorrow of missed connections and the yearning for another chance at love.
An Early Masterpiece That Influenced Shinkai’s Later Work
While Your Name and Weathering With You brought Makoto Shinkai international fame, the themes and visual motifs that define his later works were first explored in 5 Centimeters per Second. Shinkai’s fascination with the tension between human connection and physical distance is a recurring theme throughout his filmography, from the star-crossed lovers in Your Name to the sky-bound heroes of Weathering With You. But it’s in 5 Centimeters per Second that Shinkai delves most deeply into the pain of separation and the difficulty of moving on.
The film also showcases Shinkai’s signature style, with its richly detailed backgrounds and emotionally charged atmosphere. It’s clear that 5 Centimeters per Second laid the groundwork for the sweeping, emotionally resonant films that would follow, making it a must-watch for fans of Shinkai’s later work.
5 Centimeters per Second may not have the supernatural elements that made Your Name a global phenomenon, but it remains one of Makoto Shinkai’s most emotionally affecting films. With its relatable characters, heartbreaking narrative, and stunning visuals, the film captures the bittersweet nature of growing up and the inevitable reality of drifting apart from those we once held dear.
For anyone who has ever experienced the pain of unrequited love, lost connections, or the struggle to let go of the past, 5 Centimeters per Second is a film that speaks directly to the heart. It’s a beautifully crafted, deeply emotional journey that reminds us that even as the petals fall and we grow distant, the connections we make in life remain an indelible part of who we are.