The upcoming anime film “100 Meters” (Hyakuemu), directed by Kenji Iwaisawa, has announced the addition of two prominent voice actors to its cast: Kōki Uchiyama and Kenjirō Tsuda. This news has generated considerable excitement among anime enthusiasts, adding further anticipation for the film’s release.
About “100 Meters”
“100 Meters” is an adaptation of the manga series written and illustrated by Uoto. The manga was serialized on Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket website and app from November 2018 to August 2019, and compiled into five tankōbon volumes. The anime film is produced by Rock ‘n’ Roll Mountain, with Pony Canyon, TBS, and Asmik Ace credited with production assistance. GKIDS has licensed the film for distribution in North America.
The film is slated to premiere in Japan on September 19, 2025, followed by a North American release in October 2025. A teaser trailer has already been released, offering a glimpse into the film’s animation style and storyline.
Story and Themes
“100 Meters” tells the story of Togashi, a naturally gifted track star, and Komiya, a transfer student who possesses immense determination but lacks inherent talent. Their paths cross in sixth grade, where Togashi’s mentorship ignites a competitive fire within Komiya. Years later, they meet again as rivals on the track, revealing their true selves and testing the limits of their abilities.
The film explores themes of rivalry, mentorship, and the relentless pursuit of self-improvement. It delves into the emotional and psychological aspects of competition, highlighting the challenges and sacrifices involved in striving for excellence.
Production Team
The creative team behind “100 Meters” includes:
- Director: Kenji Iwaisawa
- Screenplay: Yasuyuki Mutō
- Character Designer & Executive Animation Director: Keisuke Kojima
- Art Director: Keikankun Yamaguchi
- Music Composer: Hiroaki Tsutsumi
- Producers: Yūsuke Terada, Yūki Katayama, Akane Taketsugu
- Animation Studio: Rock ‘n’ Roll Mountain
The New Cast Members
Kōki Uchiyama will voice the character Zaitsu, described as the undisputed champion who dominates the world of athletics. Kenjirō Tsuda will play Kaido, who consistently falls short of defeating Zaitsu.
Kōki Uchiyama
Kōki Uchiyama is a highly acclaimed voice actor known for his roles in numerous popular anime series, including:
- Kei Tsukishima in “Haikyu!!”
- Izumi Miyamura in “Horimiya”
- Yuri Plisetsky in “Yuri!!! on Ice”
- Shigaraki Tomura in “My Hero Academia”
Uchiyama’s ability to portray a wide range of characters, from cool and collected to intense and emotional, has made him a favorite among anime fans.
Kenjirō Tsuda
Kenjirō Tsuda is another veteran voice actor with an impressive resume, featuring roles such as:
- Seto Kaiba in “Yu-Gi-Oh!”
- Atomic Samurai in “One-Punch Man”
- Overhaul in “My Hero Academia”
- Nanami Kento in “Jujutsu Kaisen”
Tsuda’s deep and commanding voice lends itself well to strong and authoritative characters, making him a perfect fit for the role of Kaido.
Significance of the Casting
The addition of Kōki Uchiyama and Kenjirō Tsuda to the cast of “100 Meters” is a significant development for several reasons:
- Enhanced Performance Quality: Both Uchiyama and Tsuda are renowned for their exceptional voice acting skills, ensuring that their respective characters will be brought to life with depth and nuance.
- Increased Fanbase Appeal: The popularity of these voice actors will likely attract a wider audience to the film, as fans of their previous works will be eager to see them in action once again.
- Elevated Production Value: The involvement of such talented individuals reflects the high production value of “100 Meters,” indicating that the film is being taken seriously by its creators and distributors.
Kenji Iwaisawa’s Vision
Kenji Iwaisawa, the director of “100 Meters,” gained international recognition for his previous work, “On-Gaku: Our Sound.” His unique style and storytelling approach have garnered critical acclaim, making him a director to watch in the anime industry.
Iwaisawa’s passion for “100 Meters” is evident in his statement: “I feel that this film, which depicts men obsessed with running faster than anyone else, could be a work that resonates with audiences around the world.”
GKIDS’ Involvement
GKIDS, the North American distributor of “100 Meters,” has a strong track record of releasing high-quality animated films, including those from Studio Ghibli. Their decision to co-produce and distribute “100 Meters” further solidifies the film’s potential for success in the international market.
David Jesteadt, president of GKIDS and a producer on the film, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Director Iwaisawa has proven once again why sports has continued to be such an ideal lens to view and understand the human spirit. Even in something as simple as a 100-meter race, the entire kaleidoscope of human emotion comes into play.”
Other Voice Cast
Tori Matsuzaka voices Togashi, while Shōta Sometani voices Komiya.
Manga Origins
The original manga by Uoto was serialized on Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket. Uoto is also known for “Orb: On the Movements of the Earth.”
Release Details
“100 Meters” will be released in Japan on September 19, 2025. GKIDS will release the film in North American theaters in October 2025, in both subtitled and dubbed versions.
In Conclusion
With its compelling storyline, talented voice cast, and experienced production team, “100 Meters” has all the ingredients to become a memorable and impactful anime film. The addition of Kōki Uchiyama and Kenjirō Tsuda to the cast further enhances the film’s appeal, promising a captivating and emotional cinematic experience. Anime fans around the world eagerly await the release of “100 Meters” to witness the thrilling rivalry and personal growth of its characters.
