24 April 2024 – Set to tug at the heartstrings of audiences worldwide, the teaser for Drawing Closer has been unveiled, with a premiere set for June 27. The live-action film is adapted from the beloved novel by Ao Morita, titled “Yomei Ichinen to Senkoku Sareta Boku ga, Yomei Hantoshi no Kimi to Deatta Hanashi,” which translates to “The story of how I, who was told I only had one year to live, met you, who only had half a year.”

Originally a hit on a self-publishing platform, the story moved readers to tears despite its revealing title. After Poplar Publishing picked it up, it went viral on social media with the book series now having sold over 450,000 copies.

Drawing Closer follows the intertwined lives of Akito Hayasaka and Haruna Sakurai. Portrayed by Ren Nagase in his first Netflix role, Akito is a young man who has given up on life after receiving a terminal diagnosis — until he meets someone who rekindles his will to live. Natsuki Deguchi (The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House) plays Haruna, who becomes Akito’s beacon of hope.

The teaser clip showcases Takahiro Miki’s skillful direction, highlighting the fleeting moments of joy between Akito and Haruna. Their smiles, a touching reminder to cherish the present moment, are sure to leave a lasting impression. Tomoko Yoshida, known for Let Me Eat Your Pancreas and her previous collaboration with Miki on My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday, pens the screenplay that delicately explores young love and life’s fleeting nature.

The soundtrack, composed by Seiji Kameda, who has worked with Miki on Even If This Love Disappears from the World Tonight, enhances the film’s emotional depth. Complementing this, the teaser trailer features the song “Wakamono No Subete” by Fujifabric, perfectly capturing the essence of this bittersweet romance.

Nagase shared his thoughts after viewing the completed film. “I took on this role because I had never been in a classic love story like this. Looking back, I believe the film is filled with kindness. The songs in the film and the music by Kameda are wonderful. The final scene moved me to tears.”

Prepare your tissues for Drawing Closer, streaming on June 27, only on Netflix.

Story

Diagnosed with a terminal heart disease, Akito faces the harsh reality of his limited time. Amidst his despair, he meets Haruna, who, despite living with a terminal illness herself, displays an unflinching courage towards death. As Akito, concealing his own illness, grows increasingly intrigued by Haruna, he grapples with a poignant question: Can he fall in love, knowing their time together is fleeting?

Project Details:

Based on the novel Ao Morita “Yomei Ichinen to Senkokusareta Bokuga, Yomei Hantoshi no Kimi to Deatta Hanashi” (POPLAR)
Director: Takahiro Miki
Screenplay: Tomoko Yoshida
Music: Seiji Kameda
Cast: Ren Nagase, Natsuki Deguchi
Executive Producer: Shuhei Akita (Netflix)
Producers: Kei Haruna, Sho Toguchi, Tatsuya Banno
Production: Nikkatsu Django Film
Produced by: Netflix