Ren Nagase, beloved member of King & Prince and rising star in Japanese cinema, is set to captivate audiences in the highly anticipated original feature-length animated film “Fureru.” Directed by Tatsuyuki Nagai, with a screenplay by Mari Okada and character design by Masayoshi Tanaka, this film promises a compelling narrative and stunning visuals that will leave a lasting impression.
Childhood friends Aki, Ryo, and Yuta, who grew up on the same island, start living together in Tokyo’s Takadanobaba when they turn 20. Despite leading separate lives—working part-time at a bar, as a real estate agent, and studying fashion design—they remain closely connected. This connection is due to a mysterious creature called “Fureru,” which they brought from the island. Using a mysterious power akin to telepathy, “Fureru” binds these three individuals, who have different hobbies and personalities. Whenever they touch each other, they can understand each other’s thoughts without speaking. This friendship, linked by “Fureru,” seemed destined to last forever…
Until they discover another hidden power of “Fureru.”
Ren Nagase as Aki Onoda: A Role Close to the Heart
Ren Nagase takes on the role of Aki Onoda, a reserved but deeply caring young man who struggles with verbal communication. Known for his work with King & Prince and standout performances in projects like “Tokyo Tower,” Nagase brings a unique depth to Aki. He also made his voice acting debut in “Doraemon: Nobita’s Sky Utopia” (2023), receiving positive reviews. This marks his second appearance (and first lead role) in an animated film.
His character’s journey, influenced by the mysterious creature “Fureru,” explores themes of friendship, connection, and the challenges of communication.
Nagase expressed his excitement about the role through his comment:
“Among the many talented individuals who auditioned, I am incredibly honored to have been chosen to play Aki. At the same time, I felt a surge of excitement about how I would bring Aki to life from here on. This character, who speaks more through actions than words, resonates deeply with me. ‘Fureru.’ is a work that makes you rethink the importance of communication and the connections with people in everyday life. It is a film that I believe everyone should watch, regardless of age or generation, especially now. Please look forward to it.”
Furthermore, Director Nagai said, “For the role of Aki, many auditionees had a polished approach to the character. However, Nagase had a slight roughness that perfectly matched my image. Despite being very skilled and polished, he had just a hint of that roughness, which was the deciding factor.“
In response to landing the role, Nagase also shared: “I had little audition experience, so I was thrilled to get the chance. I felt both joy and excitement about playing Aki and wondered how I should portray him. Aki is not good with words but is considerate of his friends and expresses himself through actions. I read the script thoroughly, appreciating Aki’s straightforwardness. The story makes you think about human connections.“
The film, set to release on October 4th, follows childhood friends Aki, Ryo, and Yuta, who grew up on the same island, start living together in Tokyo’s Takadanobaba. Even at 20 years old, they remain close friends. This bond is due to the mysterious creature “Fureru,” whose power, akin to telepathy, connects them despite their different hobbies and personalities. When they touch each other, they can hear each other’s inner voices—a secret known only to the three of them.
In the newly released trailer, the opening depicts Aki, Ryo, and Yuta as children living on the island. The trailer introduces the island’s legend surrounding the mysterious creature “Fureru.” While “Fureru” has been portrayed as adorable, its presence casts a significant shadow over the three friends. The scene shifts to the present, showing the three friends now living together in Tokyo with “Fureru.” They believe their friendship, linked by “Fureru,” will last forever.
However, the latter half of the trailer reveals cracks in their relationship. When Aki expresses gratitude for “Fureru” bringing them together as friends, Yuta questions if they are truly friends, hinting at a growing disconnect. What will become of the three as they drift apart? The trailer also teases the mysterious “thread” that appears throughout. This intriguing footage will leave viewers eagerly anticipating the film’s release.
Joining Ren Nagase in bringing this story to life are:
- Ryota Bando as Ryo Sobue: Making his animation debut, Bando, known for “Yowamushi Pedal,” where he co-starred with Nagase, and currently “Young Warrior,” portrays Ryo, balancing a rough exterior with inherent kindness.
- Kentaro Maeda as Yuta Inohara: Best known for “Kamen Rider Revice” and “My Beautiful Man: Eternal,” Maeda captures Yuta’s playful yet introspective nature, making his animation debut a memorable one.
Director Nagai praised the casting choices, noting how each actor perfectly embodies their character, bringing a nuanced performance that enhances the story’s emotional depth.
Theme Song by YOASOBI: “Monochrome”
Adding to the film’s emotional resonance is its theme song, “Monotone” (モノトーン), an original piece by the acclaimed band YOASOBI. Speaking on their involvement, YOASOBI shared:
“The song ‘Monotone’ was created while facing the feelings of loneliness and thinking about someone, which I felt through the work, as well as my own feelings of living. The world is developing day by day, making communication easier, yet it often intensifies feelings of isolation. This song reflects those emotions, and we hope it resonates with viewers alongside the movie.”
“Fureru.” is not just an animated film; it’s a heartfelt exploration of friendship, connection, and the unseen threads that bind us. With Ren Nagase, Ryota Bando, and Kentaro Maeda leading the cast, this film is set to be an unforgettable experience. With a talented team of creators and voice actors, “Fureru.” promises to be a groundbreaking addition to the world of animation. Mark your calendars for October 4th, and stay tuned for more updates on this enchanting film!
See full cast and staff and more on the official accounts and sites.
Offical home page：fureru-movie.com
Official X Account：https://twitter.com/fureru_movie
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