Hyakuem. Anime Film Releases Sept 19

©UoToyo, Kodansha / “100 M.” Production Committee

Matsuzaka Tori and Sometani Shota will star in the upcoming animated feature film 100 M., directed by Kenji Iwaisawa (Ongaku) and based on the debut serialized manga by Uoto, the award-winning author of Chi: About the Movement of the Earth. The film is set to premiere on September 19, with a newly released teaser trailer and visuals now available.

100 M. is a powerful story set in the world of athletics, capturing both the fleeting glory and crushing defeat experienced by those who devote everything to a single 10-second, 100-meter sprint. The character design and animation direction are handled by Keisuke Kojima, with animation production by Iwaisawa’s Rock’n’Roll Mountain.

This marks the first time in 14 years that Matsuzaka Tori and Sometani Shota will work together since their appearance in Antoki no Inochi (2011). In 100 M., Matsuzaka plays Togashi, a naturally gifted runner who effortlessly gains “friends” and “a place to belong” thanks to his talent. Reflecting on the role, Matsuzaka shared, “When I read the original manga, I could feel the characters breathing, hear the wind rushing past them, the sound of their feet hitting the ground, their sweat, even their body heat. It was a first-time experience for me. More than anything, I was moved by the inner conflicts and fragile emotions of each athlete—I couldn’t stop turning the pages. I was honored to take on this role, but also felt an incredible amount of pressure.”

Sometani plays Komiya, a transfer student who runs with relentless determination to escape a harsh reality. His character, defined by sheer effort and persistence, forms a stark contrast with Togashi’s innate talent, and their dynamic becomes a core part of the story.

Sometani Shota shared his impressions of the original manga by Uoyutaka, saying, “When I read the original work, I felt an incredible sense of dynamism—as if I was running through the wind. I thought that if this feeling could be captured in animation, it would definitely become something special. I performed with care, hoping the audience would feel out of breath just by watching.” He also expressed high expectations for the final film.

Reflecting on their reunion, Matsuzaka Tori said, “It’s been 14 years since I last worked with Someya-kun, and I was really happy. The Komiya that he portrayed was exactly the Komiya I imagined.” In return, Sometani commented, “Tori-kun’s voice has so many dimensions—strength, delicacy, even danger. I’m genuinely glad we could work together again after all this time.”

The teaser visual captures Togashi looking straight ahead with determination, while Komiya, in his athletic uniform, gazes down at his feet. Though they appear side by side, the composition makes it clear they’re not in the same emotional space. It beautifully conveys the quiet but burning intensity between these two—both rivals and close friends.

The trailer follows the journey of Togashi and Komiya as they grow from children to high schoolers to adults, all the while continuing to run. Set to fast-paced music, it shows them meeting, training, and racing. Their expressions range from determined to conflicted, reflecting the gritty reality of competition. In one striking moment, Togashi says, “I’ll let you win today too,” with confidence, to which Komiya quietly replies, “Sure, good luck.” The contrast in their personalities—and their fierce passion for the 100-meter dash—takes center stage.

The film 100 M. is scheduled to be released nationwide on September 19.