Mark your calendars, anime fans! On June 16, U.S. theaters will host a special one-night-only double feature: Given The Double Album: Hiiragi mix & To the Sea. This event combines Eiga Given: Hiiragi mix and Eiga Given: Umi e, two films continuing the popular Given manga and anime series.
What is “Given”?
Given began as a manga series by Natsuki Kizu in 2014. It follows a group of young men navigating their musical aspirations and complex relationships. The series gained popularity for its sensitive portrayal of same-sex relationships and its exploration of grief, friendship, and self-discovery. Given has expanded to include a television anime series, several films, and a live-action drama.
A Boys-Love Breakthrough
The Given anime holds significance as one of the first anime based on a boys-love manga to air on Fuji TV’s Noitamina programming block. This marked a step forward for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream anime.
The Double Feature: What to Expect
The double feature consists of two films: Hiiragi mix and To the Sea. These films delve deeper into the lives of the characters introduced in the original series and earlier Given film.
Hiiragi mix: Focusing on Friendship
Eiga Given: Hiiragi mix premiered in Japan in January 2024. The film centers on Mafuyu’s childhood friends, Hiiragi Kashima and Shizusumi Yagi, and their band “syh.” The story explores their relationships and struggles as they navigate the music scene and deal with the legacy of their past.
Synopsis: After Ritsuka Uenoyama invites Mafuyu Sato to join his band, Given begins to gain attention. Meanwhile, Mafuyu’s childhood friends, Hiiragi Kashima and Shizusumi Yagi, are preparing for their debut as “syh.” Hiiragi asks Ritsuka to join them for their big show after they lose a guitarist.
To the Sea: Continuing the Story
Eiga Given: Umi e (To the Sea), the second film in the project, premiered in Japan in September 2024. Crunchyroll will begin streaming the movie one week after it screens in U.S. theaters.
Synopsis: Ritsuka Uenoyama invites Mafuyu Sato to join his band. Given auditions for a festival in Shibuya and falls short, though they continue to attract attention.
Where to Watch and What to Know
The Given The Double Album: Hiiragi mix & To the Sea double feature will screen in select U.S. theaters on June 16, 2025. The films will be shown in Japanese with English subtitles.
Crunchyroll’s Involvement
Crunchyroll is distributing the double feature in the U.S. and will also stream Given The Movie: To the Sea a week after the theatrical screening.
A Look at the Characters
The Given series features a diverse cast of characters. Key characters appearing in Hiiragi mix and To the Sea include:
- Mafuyu Sato: A vocalist and guitarist grappling with past trauma. Voiced by Shogo Yano.
- Ritsuka Uenoyama: A guitarist who rediscovers his passion for music through Mafuyu. Voiced by Yuma Uchida.
- Hiiragi Kashima: Mafuyu’s childhood friend and a member of the band “syh.” Voiced by Fumiya Imai.
- Shizusumi Yagi: Hiiragi’s bandmate and childhood friend. Voiced by Taito Ban.
Production Details
Both Hiiragi mix and To the Sea were produced by Lerche and directed by Noriko Hashimoto. Hashimoto took over directing duties from Hikaru Yamaguchi, who directed the TV series and the first Given movie. Yuniko Ayana returned to write the screenplay, and Michiru composed the music.
Reception and Themes
The Given series is generally well-received for its emotional depth, character development, and music. However, Hiiragi Mix has received mixed reviews, with some critics finding its focus on the side couple less compelling than the main relationships in the series. Themes explored in the films include grief, friendship, love, and the challenges of pursuing musical dreams.
Growing Interest in Japanese Cinema
The release of Given The Double Album in U.S. theaters reflects a growing interest in Japanese cinema among American audiences. Recent successes like The Boy and the Heron and Godzilla Minus One have demonstrated the potential for Japanese films to find a wide audience in the United States.
Other Japanese Films in U.S. Theaters
Several other anime and Japanese films are slated for release in U.S. theaters in 2025, including:
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Hashira Training
- JUJUTSU KAISEN 0
- Various Studio Ghibli classics
Before You Go: Catching Up on “Given”
If you’re new to Given, here’s how to catch up before seeing the double feature:
- Watch the TV Anime: The Given anime series is available on Crunchyroll.
- Watch the First Movie: Given The Movie focuses on the relationship between Haruki and Akihiko.
- Consider the OVA: Given: On the Other Hand is a short anime special focusing on Mafuyu and Ritsuka.
- Stream Hiiragi Mix: Given The Movie: Hiiragi Mix is currently available to stream on Crunchyroll.
By following this order, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy Given The Double Album: Hiiragi mix & To the Sea on June 16!
