The 2016 release of “Your Name” grossed over 25 billion yen at the box office in Japan, solidifying Shinkai’s status as a household name. His next film, “Weathering with You,” was released.

Shinkai’s works are characterized by their detailed depiction of landscapes and light. His depictions of nature, such as the sky, clouds, and rain, are more beautiful than live-action photography, drawing us into the world of the story. The expression is the use of color. Color is used not merely as a background, but as an essential element in conveying the emotions of the characters and the progression of the story.

In “Weathering with You,” the gradation of the sunrise, the vivid red of dusk, and the clear blue after rain, combined with streaks of light that would be impossible in reality, create a moving scene. In particular, “Weather Child” has various weather expressions, such as the word “weather,” and especially the expression of rain is truly breathtaking, as seen in “Your Name. The beautiful images in “Kimi no na wa” were also impressive. Still, in this work, they are taken one step further. The natural phenomenon of weather itself has a presence, as if it were one of the main characters. Even individual raindrops are carefully depicted, and the reflection of light is very detailed —an expression typical of Shinkai’s work.

Director Makoto Shinkai’s style evolution

The depiction of the Tokyo cityscape was so realistic that one could not help but think, “Oh, I have certainly seen similar scenes before. The crowded streets of Shinjuku and Shibuya, the unique atmosphere of the Yoyogi Kaikan, and above all, the feeling of beauty and melancholy coexisting in the rain-soaked streets of Tokyo were truly beautifully expressed. It was impressive that the film not only depicted the beauty of the city, but also its messiness and sometimes unattractive aspects.

The change in director Makoto Shinkai’s style was also remarkable. In his early works, such as “Hoshinokoe(星のこえ: ja)” and “The Place Promised in Our Early Days,” the stories were more introverted and focused on personal feelings. From “Your Name” to “Weather With You,” it was exciting to see how you began to make more socially conscious works. His style was well-balanced in that it tells a story about an individual, yet at the same time, it conveys a message for society as a whole.

Director Makoto Shinkai’s works have received a great deal of public attention, and as a work made after “Your Name.” However, it is an entirely different project, and I enjoy it for that reason. However, they should be appreciated as distinct works. There are similarities in the beauty of the visuals and the music. Still, the themes and messages are entirely different, and each has its unique charm. Your Name. is a work about fateful encounters and partings, “Weather With You” may be said to be a work about choices and responsibilities in a more realistic society.

Character depictions that portray realistic youth

The story begins when high school student Hodaka Morishima runs away from home and comes to Tokyo, where he meets a girl named Hina Amano who has mysterious powers. She can bring sunny weather by praying, known as the “sunny girl” ability. The two start a “weather service,” but they soon learn that this power comes with a significant cost, and Hodaka is forced to make an ultimate choice.

This story of a teenage boy and girl meeting is a relationship often used in Shinkai’s works. The relationship between Hokuto and Hina, which is at the center of the story, is depicted with exquisite balance. Hokuto’s emotional turmoil as a runaway teenager, his rebelliousness toward adults, and his complex nature, which still retains a pure side, are all expressed with great care. Looking back on high school, some may recall how complex it was—unable to trust adults yet unable to do anything alone, yet oddly proud—a somewhat troublesome time. Such realistic high school emotions are beautifully depicted through the character of Hokuto. On the other hand, Hina is portrayed as a highly appealing character who combines a strong sense of responsibility for caring for her younger brother, Nagisa, with a girlish side, despite being older than Hokuto.

What stood out most about this work, however, was not just the romance aspect but the way it naturally weaves contemporary social issues into the story. For example, the depiction of Hokuto working at an occult magazine editorial office as a part-time job felt like a symbol of modern-day labor conditions. Similarly, the living conditions of Hina and her family highlighted social issues such as the economic hardships of single-parent households and the harsh reality of children having to fend for themselves—problems that are far from abstract but deeply rooted in society.

It works as part of the story without sounding preachy. Rather than pushing political messages to the forefront, these scenes depict the reality of society as an extension of the characters’ daily lives, which feels very natural and convincing.

Perfect musical fusion with RADWIMPS

RADWIMPS, who also provided excellent music for the previous film “Your Name,” once again demonstrated their mastery of blending visuals and music. In particular, the scene where “Is There Still Something Love Can Do?” plays left me completely overwhelmed with emotion. The way the music, visuals, and narrative unfold in perfect harmony to evoke emotions is genuinely remarkable. The combination of Yōjirō Noda’s vocals and those stunning visuals alone achieves a level of perfection that feels like a work of art in its own right.

Pros and cons of the story structure and young people’s resistance to reality

“Weathering with You” revolves around the universal theme of teenage romance. While Hina and Hina’s relationship is certainly colored by special abilities and supernatural phenomena, at its core lies the simple and universal desire to protect the one you love. The film depicts the passionate love characteristic of adolescence, where one would not hesitate to defy the world for the sake of the one they love, no matter how great the sacrifice.

However, the final act feels rushed. The reason why Hina, who has just turned 16, runs away from home and comes to Tokyo is unclear, and the SNS comment in the film, “Life isn’t that easy,” resonated with me.

The explanation of Hina’s abilities and the background behind their possession could have been more detailed. Furthermore, regarding Hokuto’s decision to defy societal rules and choose Hina, as well as the subsequent changes in the world, the ethical questions raised were not thoroughly explored when considering the outcome.

However, perhaps the structure was intentionally designed to depict the impulsive and sometimes reckless actions of young people living in modern times. When reflecting on Hokuto’s actions, his choices are often made impulsively, with many scenes where he acts on emotion rather than deep contemplation. That’s part of what makes him feel like a modern young person, and it’s one of the charms of this work.

The story isn’t entirely a happy ending. Still, by the end, I felt a warm sense of hope. That’s not just because of the technical beauty of the visuals or the power of the music, but also because of the humanity of the characters and the strength and kindness they show. The scene where Hokuto and Hina reunite at the end makes my heart race every time I watch it.

Summary: A contemporary story woven from beauty and questions

Makoto Shinkai’s “Weathering with You” was a work that stood out for its breathtakingly beautiful imagery. In particular, the depictions of light, water, and the sky were stunning, and I was deeply moved by how beautifully and poignantly the cityscape of Tokyo was portrayed. The issues facing modern society and the cries of young people’s hearts are indeed alive in this beautiful story.

“Weathering with You” is not only an entertaining film but also a thought-provoking work that encourages deep reflection on modern society. Even after watching it, the lingering aftertaste and the questions posed by the film continue to resonate, making it a memorable masterpiece.