Kimi to Hanabi to Yakusoku to Anime Film Unveils First Footage Ahead of July 17 Release

What was announced

The official account for the anime film Kimi to Hanabi to Yakusoku to unveiled the project's first main footage on June 26, alongside confirmation that the film will open in Japanese theaters on July 17, 2026. According to a post from @kimi_hana_movie, the new footage centers on the protagonist, Makoto Natsume, whose drive is reignited after he meets the heroine, Aki Hayama, and resolves to enter a painting contest. The studio framed it as the first proper look at the finished film rather than an early teaser.

The story

Kimi to Hanabi to Yakusoku to is a coming-of-age romance whose title translates roughly to "You, Fireworks, and Our Promise." Anime News Network and Wikipedia report that it adapts the light novel by Kaori Mado, illustrated by Akamoku, which ran online before Shogakukan published it under its Gagaga Bunko imprint. The film is set against the Nagaoka fireworks festival in Niigata, one of Japan's largest, where a painting of fireworks brings two Tokyo students, Makoto and Aki, together and pushes them toward a decision under the pressure of a deadline. A manga adaptation has also begun on Shogakukan's Sunday Webry service, expanding the franchise ahead of the film.

Cast and staff

The official post lists a cast led by Shori Sato of the idol group timelesz as Makoto Natsume, with Nanoka Hara, known for the film Suzume and the live-action Oshi no Ko, as the heroine, Aki Hayama. Rie Takahashi and Natsuko Yokozawa are also credited, though their roles were not specified. Anime News Network reports the film is planned by Shin-Ei Animation and animated by SynergySP and The Answer Studio, with Kei Suzuki directing, Kohei Mori writing the screenplay, Yuji Watanabe handling character designs, and Arisa Okehazama composing the music. Shochiku and Shin-Ei Animation are distributing it. The theme song, "Kienai Hanabi," is performed by timelesz.

What to expect

With the first footage now public and the premiere only weeks away, the production has entered its final promotional stretch. The newly revealed video offers the clearest look yet at the film's hand-drawn visuals and at Makoto's arc as a young painter. The latest announcement did not include streaming or international release details, so fans outside Japan will likely have to wait for distribution news closer to or after the July 17 opening.