Makoto Shinkai's latest film, "Suzume" will be broadcast in its entirety for the first time on terrestrial TV today, April 5th, on Nippon Television Network's "Friday Roadshow." The broadcast slot has been extended by 30 minutes (9:00 PM to 11:24 PM) to accommodate the film's full length.

The film's protagonist, Suzume Iwato (voiced by Nanoka Hara), is a 17-year-old high school girl living in a quiet town in Kyushu. One day, she meets a mysterious young man, Souta Munakata (voiced by Hokuto Matsumura), who claims to be a "Closer." Together, they embark on a journey across Japan to close "Doors" that are the source of calamity. This contemporary adventure story depicts Suzume's liberation and growth.

Released in 2022, the film was a box office hit, earning 14.94 billion yen according to the Motion Picture Producers Association of Japan. It has been released in 199 countries and regions outside Japan and has been selected for the "73rd Berlin International Film Festival Competition Section" and the "81st Golden Globe Awards Best Animated Feature Film" category, attracting global attention. Nanoka Hara was chosen from over 1700 auditionees to voice Suzume. The role of the "Closer" Souta marks Hokuto Matsumura's (SixTONES) debut as a voice actor. The film also features a stellar cast of actors and voice actors including Eri Fukatsu, Shota Sometani, Sairi Ito, Kotone Hanase, Kana Hanazawa, Ryunosuke Kamiki, and Hakuo Matsumoto.

Hara expressed her happiness about the film being broadcast in April, aligning with the start of new lives for many viewers, and hopes that it will provide them with the vigor to live. She is delighted that the film can be enjoyed in its full glory without cuts, allowing viewers to immerse themselves fully in the charm of "Suzume" and discover new aspects even upon multiple viewings. Matsumura shared that while the film contains humorous and tear-jerking scenes, it also poses deep questions about what it means to care for and cherish others, hiding crucial hints within its storyline. He expressed his joy over the terrestrial broadcast, making it accessible to a broader audience, and hopes viewers will watch every moment of the film.