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Directed by
Makoto Shinkai
Made by
FUNimation Entertainment
Discover the intricate plot of Your Name. (2017). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
The film begins with a stunning display of comets streaking across the night sky. Two teenagers, Taki Tachibana and Mitsuha Miyamizu, find themselves inexplicably communicating about the concepts of time and dreams, pondering their significant losses. After a comet fragment crashes to Earth, we see Mitsuha struggling in her sleep; she calls out to Taki, pleading if he remembers her.
As it turns out, she wakes up not as herself, but as Taki, who is startled to find himself in the body of a girl, albeit not too shy about exploring this new form. Mitsuha’s younger sister, Yotsuha, enters her room, remarking on her odd behavior and informing her that breakfast is served. As Taki, now in Mitsuha’s body, examines himself in the mirror, he is bewildered by the dream he keeps experiencing, where he awakens as a girl.
Once downstairs, Mitsuha returns to her usual self, joining Hitoha, her grandmother, and Yotsuha for breakfast, who remark on her peculiar actions the previous day. During breakfast, they view a news report about an unusual comet that will be visible in a month, a subject that piques Mitsuha’s interest.
Walking to school, she meets her friends, Katsuhiko and Sayaka, and they stumble across a campaign speech for the local mayor—Mitsuha’s estranged father, who shouts at her to stand up straight, igniting a wave of embarrassment. At school, an unexpected note in a notebook reads, “Who Are You?,” leaving her puzzled. Later on, she realizes that she had forgotten her classroom and locker the previous day, a situation that adds to the stress of her upcoming Miko ritual, which she’s desperate to avoid.
The trio of friends, bemoaning their small town, dreams of a city like Tokyo to escape to. As Katsuhiko suggests coffee, they arrive only to find a mere vending machine, prompting Mitsuha to head home alone. Yotsuha and Hitoha practice the intricate art of Kumihimo, learning the significance of their craft. Meanwhile, tensions rise between the mayor, Mitsuha’s father, and Katsuhiko’s dad, who’s involved in the local construction union.
That night, as Mitsuha and Yotsuha undertake their shrine ritual, something inside Mitsuha snaps as she cries out, “I hate this town! I hate this life! Please make me a handsome Tokyo boy in my next life!”
The following day, Mitsuha wakes up once again, but this time as Taki. As she adapts to being a boy (and all the awkwardness that comes with it), she quickly realizes she’s finally in Tokyo. Her late arrival at school becomes the subject of her friends’ concern. Taki works in a restaurant, experiencing a whole new world of challenges—everything feels overwhelming, especially when an obnoxious customer threatens trouble. However, Taki’s resilient coworker, Ms. Okudera, saves the day, leading to a budding connection between them, much to the intrigue of Mitsuha.
As the two teens continue their body-swapping, they write notes to each other to navigate their peculiar new reality. This leads to moments of playful manipulation and awkwardness, such as making classmates fall for Mitsuha and Mitsuha flirting with Ms. Okudera, which irks Taki.
Their journey escalates when Mitsuha, her family, and her sister visit the family shrine, leading to a magical moment where she wishes to see Taki again. Taki, in the midst of his day, receives a text from Ms. Okudera, indicating that Mitsuha had arranged a date for them. Conflicted feelings arise as both begin to realize they’re developing deeper feelings for each other, despite the physical absence.
However, time takes a darker turn. Taki learns about the tragic fate of Itomori—destroyed three years ago by a comet fragment. He becomes consumed with the desire to find Mitsuha, now linked to the memories of a girl he has lost but never met.
In a whirlwind, Taki’s journey through Japan ensues, searching for a face he cannot remember, until he discovers the truth about the tragedy that struck Itomori, realizing that Mitsuha and her loved ones perished. Heartbroken and desperate, he takes one last chance to connect with her spirit, imbibing the sake she left behind.
As they finally converge in the ethereal realm, the urgency of their connection reveals itself; during the comet’s historic return, both must race to save what remains of their lives. The story weaves through time, past and present, as they seek one another across an impossible divide.
In an emotional climax, Taki and Mitsuha meet yet fail to grasp the threads of their connection. In a poignant conclusion, as they navigate their lives separately, echoes of their bond linger in fleeting glances and unexplainable feelings.
Ultimately, they find themselves on different trains, crossing paths but still unsure of the magic that binds them. In a beautiful circle of fate, as they finally call out to one another, they ask: “Can I ask you your name?” leaving audiences filled with hope that they will uncover their memories and intertwine their destinies once more.
Track the key events of Your Name. (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Comets in the Sky
The film opens with a breathtaking view of comets streaking across the night sky, capturing the attention of everyone, including two teenagers. This cosmic event serves as the backdrop for the story, highlighting the themes of time and dreams that will unfold throughout the film.
Mitsuha's Plea
After a comet fragment crashes to Earth, Mitsuha finds herself in a troubled sleep, urgently calling out to Taki, pleading if he remembers her. This moment sets the stage for the mysterious connection that forms between the two main characters despite never having met in person.
Body Swap Begins
Mitsuha wakes up not in her own body but as Taki, leading to a curious and bewildering experience. Her initial shock quickly turns into exploration as she navigates life from a new perspective, prompting humorous and poignant moments.
Breakfast Anomalies
As Taki, now in Mitsuha's body, sits down for breakfast with her family, they all comment on her strange behavior from the day prior. The family dynamics and the tension between Mitsuha and her father as the mayor are further explored during this mealtime interaction.
Meeting Friends
Mitsuha, in Taki's body once again, walks to school where she encounters her friends, Katsuhiko and Sayaka. Their discussions about the mayoral campaign led by Mitsuha's estranged father provide insights into her challenging family relationships.
The Strange Note
At school, Mitsuha reads a mysterious note in her notebook that simply states, 'Who Are You?'. This note sparks confusion, as it reflects the ongoing identity crisis she faces while switching bodies with Taki and sets the stage for further interactions between them.
Ritualistic Despair
During a ceremonial shrine ritual, Mitsuha expresses her frustration and longing by crying out to become a handsome Tokyo boy in her next life. This moment marks a turning point in her character, revealing her dissatisfaction with her small-town life.
Taki's Tokyo Experience
The following day, Mitsuha wakes up as Taki in bustling Tokyo, where she faces new challenges that come with being a boy in a fast-paced city. Her late arrival at school garners concern from her new friends, showcasing the humorous mishaps in their body-swapping dynamic.
Developing Connections
As their body-swapping continues, Taki and Mitsuha begin to write notes to each other, navigating their unusual circumstances. These notes lead to awkward yet playful encounters, such as Mitsuha’s strategic manipulation of her classmates' affections.
Visit to the Shrine
Mitsuha, along with her family, visits the family shrine where she wishfully expresses her desire to see Taki again. Meanwhile, Taki receives a text from Ms. Okudera pointing to Mitsuha’s intricate plan, which intensifies the emotional weight of their connection.
Truth Unveiled
Taki learns about the devastating event that demolished the town of Itomori three years ago, including the impact on Mitsuha and her family. Struck by the hopelessness of the situation, he becomes determined to connect with Mitsuha, who is linked to a tragic past.
Searching for the Past
Driven by desperation, Taki embarks on a journey across Japan, searching for clues about Mitsuha's existence. This search leads him to pieces of her life, blending feelings of loss and the urgency of their unfulfilled connection.
Converging Souls
In an ethereal realm, Taki and Mitsuha finally seem to converge, racing against time as the comet makes its return. Their endeavor embodies themes of memory and connection, emphasizing the profound bond they share despite the vast physical distance.
The Emotional Climax
In a heartfelt climax, Taki and Mitsuha manage to cross paths but are unable to fully grasp the intricacies of their connection. Their separate lives are filled with echoes of each other, leaving audiences craving the exploration of fate and destiny.
Final Encounter
As they ride on separate trains, Taki and Mitsuha unknowingly brush against one another, embodying the essence of lost chances. With a lingering question in the air, they call out to each other, asking, 'Can I ask you your name?' leaving hope for their intertwined futures.
Meet the characters that bring Your Name. (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Taki Tachibana
Taki is a determined and introspective teenager who experiences life through Mitsuha’s body, giving him a unique perspective on identity and relationships. Throughout the film, he grows more aware of his emotions and the impact of fate on his life. His journey to find Mitsuha becomes a quest for understanding and connection as he navigates his feelings for her.
Mitsuha Miyamizu
Mitsuha is a spirited and headstrong girl trapped in her small-town life, yearning for something beyond her reality. Her body-swapping experience allows her to explore new dimensions of herself and communicate with Taki. Throughout the film, Mitsuha evolves from feeling confined by her circumstances to discovering her strength and agency.
Uncover the settings of Your Name. (2017), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Present day, 3 years prior
The movie occurs in the present day, depicting modern life while also exploring events that took place three years earlier. This time frame is crucial as it intertwines the fates of the characters through the impact of the comet and the devastating tragedy that struck Itomori, evoking themes of loss and longing.
Location
Itomori, Tokyo
Itomori is a picturesque small town, known for its stunning natural landscapes and the traditional lifestyle of its residents. In contrast, Tokyo represents the bustling urban life, full of energy, excitement, and diverse cultural experiences. The juxtaposition of these two places highlights the characters' struggles between their small-town roots and aspirations for city life.
Explore the core themes of Your Name. (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Time
Time is a central theme of the film, reflecting the characters' struggles to connect across different timelines. Their body-swapping experience symbolizes the fluidity of time, where each character learns to bridge the gap between their past and present. The urgency of their connection during the comet's return highlights the transcendence of time and the importance of seizing the moment.
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Loss
The theme of loss permeates throughout the film, as Taki and Mitsuha grapple with the memories of those they have lost. The tragedy of Itomori serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the impact of events that can forever alter destinies. Both characters navigate their ways through heartache, seeking to understand their connection amidst their grief.
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Connection
The film beautifully explores the theme of connection, emphasizing the bond that transcends time and space between Taki and Mitsuha. Their unique ability to communicate through body-swapping symbolizes a deeper spiritual link, reinforcing the idea that true connections can be felt regardless of distance or circumstance. This theme fosters a sense of hope and destiny throughout their journey.
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