GKIDS, the renowned distributor of animation, is bringing Kenji Iwaisawa’s highly anticipated film, 100 Meters (Hyakuemu), to North American theaters in October 2025. This marks the second collaboration between GKIDS and Iwaisawa, following the success of his debut film, ON-GAKU: Our Sound.
A September Debut in Japan
100 Meters is set to premiere in Japan on September 19, 2025. Following its domestic release, North American audiences will have the opportunity to experience the film in theaters in October, both in its original Japanese version and with a new English-language dub.
Story of 100 Meters
100 Meters is adapted from the manga series of the same name by Uoto, the creator of Orb: On the Movements of the Earth. The story revolves around two runners, Togashi and Komiya, and their intense rivalry in the world of competitive sprinting.
Synopsis:
Togashi is a naturally gifted runner who effortlessly wins every 100-meter race as a child. However, his life takes an interesting turn when he meets Komiya, a transfer student with immense determination but lacking the natural talent and technique of Togashi. Togashi takes Komiya under his wing, teaching him the ropes and giving him a new purpose: to win, no matter the cost. Years later, the two meet again as rivals on the track, revealing their true selves and pushing each other to their limits.
The film delves into the passion and madness of those captivated by the fleeting brilliance of the 100-meter dash.
Production
100 Meters is produced by Rock ‘n’ Roll Mountain, Pony Canyon, Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS), Asmik Ace, and GKIDS.
Key Staff:
- Director: Kenji Iwaisawa
- Original Work: Uoto
- Character Designer/Executive Animation Director: Keisuke Kojima
- Art Director: Keikankun Yamaguchi
- Screenwriter: Yasuyuki Muto (Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway, Tokyo Revengers)
- Music Composer: Hiroaki Tsutsumi (Jujutsu Kaisen, Tokyo Revengers, Dr. Stone)
- Producers: Yūsuke Terada, Yūki Katayama, and Akane Taketsugu
Cast:
- Tori Matsuzaka as Togashi
- Shōta Sometani as Komiya
Kenji Iwaisawa: A Rising Star in Animation
Kenji Iwaisawa is a Japanese director, animator, editor, and writer who gained international recognition with his debut film, ON-GAKU: Our Sound. The film was in production for over seven years and was created using over 40,000 hand-drawn frames and rotoscoping techniques. ON-GAKU: Our Sound received critical acclaim and was nominated for Best Independent Animated Feature at the Annie Awards.
Iwaisawa’s Filmography:
- Hyakuemu (2025)
- Taro Wanted to Become Water (2021)
- ON-GAKU: Our Sound (2019)
- Mountain (2010)
- Mourning Ice Pop (2009)
- Fukarai-chou, Tunnel Roji no Otoko (2008)
- Nicky (2008)
GKIDS: Champion of Animation
GKIDS is a North American film distributor known for releasing high-quality animated films, including those from Studio Ghibli, as well as independent and international productions. GKIDS has a strong track record of bringing acclaimed animated features to a wider audience.
What to Expect
100 Meters promises to be a visually and narratively compelling film that explores themes of rivalry, determination, and self-discovery. With Kenji Iwaisawa’s unique directorial style and GKIDS’s distribution expertise, 100 Meters is poised to be a must-see for animation fans in North America.
