The post-release visual for the second part of the two-part film series “Given: To the Sea,” which will be the final installment of the anime “Given” series, has been unveiled. In addition, a stage greeting was held on the first day of the film’s release on September 20, 2024, and the seven main cast members, including Shogo Yano, Yuuma Uchida, Masato Nakazawa, Takuya Eguchi, Fumiya Imai, Yasuto Saka, and Shintaro Asanuma, spoke about their thoughts on the film.
“Given” is a youth band story based on a BL comic by Kizu Natsuki that began serialization in the 2013 Haru issue of “Cheri+”. The story follows the youth of the rock band “Given”, starting with the meeting of Sato Mafuyu, who has an impressive singing voice, and Uenoyama Ritsuka, who has guitar skills beyond those of a high school student. The TV anime was broadcast in 2019 as the first “noitamina” anime adaptation of a BL comic, and the movie “Given” was released the following year in 2020.
The sequel, a two-part film series, was released in January 2024 with the first part, “Given: Hiiragi Mix,” focusing on the story of Mafuyu’s childhood friends Kashima Hiiragi and Yagi Gensumi. The film ranked first in Filmarks’ “Opening Day Satisfaction Ranking,” and the term “Given Again” appeared on social media, attracting many repeat viewers. Fans were swept up in a frenzy.
“Given: To the Sea,” the second part of the two-part film series and the final part of the series, has been in theaters since September 20th.
This film depicts Mafuyu, who is troubled by various feelings such as his feelings for Rika and his feelings for music, moving forward with the support of those around him. The poster visual shows Mafuyu with his eyes lowered in the streets of Shibuya, and Rika standing as if waiting for Mafuyu. The post-release visual, in keeping with the title “To the Sea,” shows Mafuyu and Rika smiling as they stand in front of the “sea.”
Additionally, on the first day of the release, September 20th, an opening day stage greeting was held at Shinjuku Wald 9, where the seven main cast members, including Yano Shogo (as Sato Mafuyu), Uchida Yuuma (as Kaminoyama Ritsuka), Nakazawa Masatomo (as Nakayama Haruki), Eguchi Takuya (as Kaji Akihiko), Imai Fumiya (as Kashima Shu), Saka Taito (as Yagi Genjun), and Asanuma Shintaro (as Murata Ugetsu), spoke about their thoughts on the film.
First, Asanuma told the audience, “What moved me most this time was that up until now it was Mafuyu who was singing ‘It’s okay,’ but this time it’s Ugetsu telling Mafuyu that it’s okay. I think the words ‘It’s okay’ are something that everyone wants to say to others and wants to hear. I hope everyone will take that into their hearts when they see this production.”
Next, Saka said, “In the scene where Genjun asks Ritsuka, ‘Does this song mean it’s finished now?’ I felt the weight of that line too. I hope you enjoy it over and over again from different perspectives.” Imai continued, “I’m happy that it has been released safely. We all put a lot of effort into creating this work, including the live scenes. I think one of the charms of the lyrics is that the words can be used to interpret the work in different ways, so I hope you will enjoy it in that way as well.”
Eguchi said, “I really think we’ve come this far thanks to all of you. A lot has happened in the last five or six years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, but I still remember how moved you all were able to come here now. The songs depicted in the animation may have become a part of your lives, and I’m happy we were able to create something that you can all walk through together. I hope that you will continue to keep the Given series somewhere in your hearts as you go through life.” He conveyed his feelings about the series as a whole.
Nakazawa said, “After the TV anime and ‘Given the Movie,’ I am relieved that we have been able to connect this two-part series. I really think it is thanks to all the fans that the power of the original work, music, and animation combined to make it to the end. I myself would like to experience ‘To the Sea’ over and over again, and I would like to experience the ‘Conclusion’ at the ending. If you feel like you want to be purified, please enjoy ‘Given the Movie: To the Sea’ as many times as you like.”
Uchida said, “I’ve been able to act for such a long time, and I feel so happy that I’ve come this far. I think everyone feels regret, but with someone’s warmth, it can become a wrinkle or flavor that is unique to that person. Thanks to someone, something painful can be transformed into nourishment and strength in its own way. This was a production that made me feel that way, and I hope you will use your imagination to think about how Mafuyu and Ritsuka will live their lives from now on. I’ve been so happy up to this point.”
Finally, Yano said, “Just as Yuki will remain in the song ‘To the Sea,’ I believe that Mafuyu and the others’ presence will continue to remain in the songs of ‘Given.’ Furthermore, I would be happy if the actor Yano Shogo continues to remain in the work ‘Given,’ and I couldn’t be happier if this work gives everyone a push in their lives and lives on in their memories forever!” He expressed his love for the work and his gratitude to the fans who have continued to support him until now.
The second part of the two-part film series that concludes the Given anime series, Given: To the Sea, is currently in theaters.
[Overview of the opening day stage greeting event for the movie “Given: To the Sea”] [
Date]: Friday, September 20
[Location]: Shinjuku Wald 9 Screen 9 (9F, Shinjuku 3-chome East Building, 1-26 Shinjuku 3-chome, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
[Speakers]: Shogo Yano, Yuuma Uchida, Masato Nakazawa, Takuya Eguchi, Fumiya Imai, Yasuto Saka, Shintaro Asanuma
(C) Kizu Natsuki, Shinshokan / Given Production Committee
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