It was revealed back in June that Osamu Souda’s short novel series Seven Days War (Bokura no Nanokakan Sensou), which has over 20 million copies in print, will receive an anime film adaptation. It was announced today that the film will be released on December 13, 2019.
The film will star actor and singer Takumi Kitamura as the male protagonist Mamoru. Kitamura is known as the vocalist and guitarist of dance rock band DISH//. He also received a Japan Academy Award for Best New Actor for his role in the live-action romance drama film Let Me Eat Your Pancreas (2017) and receive praise for his role in the romance film Kimi wa Tsukiyo ni Hikarikagayaku (2019).
Actress and voice actress Kyōko Yoshine will play the main heroine Aya. She is known for her part in the television drama series Beppinsan as the main character Sumire Bando. She also won Japan Academy Awards for Best New Actor in the film Kasane (2018) and series Samurai’s Promise.
Speaking about why they chose these two actors, KADOKAWA commented: “We wanted to entrust the roles of these characters to them, because they have a realistic persuasive power that’s needed for this story, which is about waging a war on adults. We have seen the acting roles they have taken up to now. They have the ability to portray both the delicate feelings hidden in the heart as well as to take great action. They understand Mamoru and Aya’s true motives and will breathe life into them with their voices. They will make them characters that people will want to cheer on. That’s why we sent them the offer. All of the staff were shocked just how well the both of them fit together during rehearsals.”
Kitamura, who is known as an anime fan and who was reading the manga before he received the offer, commented: “When I was reading it, I was getting those anguished emotions characteristic of those in their teens when doing so, so when the offer came I didn’t even have to think about it. I said, ‘I’ll definitely do it.'” Yoshine, too, spoke about her joy in getting to be involved with such a famous series: “It’s a series that I’ve seen in the library since elementary school. I’m so happy to be associated with a series loved by so many people in this way.”
Speaking about working together for the first time as voice actors, Kitamura said, “When I first heard her voice before the main recording, I felt she was somebody who had the power to pull you in with her voice.” Yoshine praised Kitamura too, saying, “I thought to myself how talented he is. He acts, sings, and even works as a voice actor!”
The original novel Bokura no Nanokakan Sensou lauded for its story which has been described as relevant to each and every generation. Kitamura spoke about how he is looking forward to seeing the series updated for modern times, saying: “The original work was the backbone for student movements back then, so I believe the characters’ ‘war’ will be both modern and will draw on the delicateness of today’s age where you’re not able to spit out your [true] feelings.”
It has been 34 years since the first book in the novel series, and 31 years since the first film adaptation. The all-new Seven Days War will hit theatres in Japan on December 13, 2019.
Information
Seven Days War
Release Date: December 13, 2019
Based on: Seven Days War (Bokura no Nanokakan Sensou) by Osamu Souda (KADOKAWA Tsubasa Bunko/KADOKAWA Bunko/KADOKAWA)
Official Website: http://7dayswar.jp/