Your Name

Your Name

This IP is strongly associated with Tokyo and Gifu Prefecture, Japan, with multiple scenes directly mirroring real-world locations featured in the film.

Your Name is a Japanese animated romantic fantasy film about two teenagers who mysteriously swap bodies and must find each other across time and space. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, it became a global phenomenon with stunning visuals and emotional storytelling.

Your Name Overview

IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.
Full Name
Your Name
Also Known As
Your Name., Kimi no Na wa
Format
Animated Film
Release Year
2016
Current Status
Completed film
Country of Origin
Japan
Original Work
anime
Genre
anime, romance, fantasy, body swap, Makoto Shinkai, supernatural, drama, time travel

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape Your Name.
Story
High-level synopsis and narrative focus.
Your Name is a Japanese animated romantic fantasy film about two teenagers who mysteriously swap bodies and must find each other across time and space. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, it became a global phenomenon with stunning visuals and emotional storytelling.
World
Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.
The story bridges two contrasting worlds: the bustling, modern cityscape of Tokyo and the serene, traditional rural town of Itomori. These settings are connected by a supernatural phenomenon linked to the ancient Miyamizu shrine and a celestial comet.
Themes
Core ideas and recurring motifs.
It explores the profound connections between people (Musubi), the fluidity of time, and the struggle to preserve memories. Key themes include the contrast between urban and rural life, the impact of natural disasters, and the enduring power of love.

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing Your Name's global influence.
Creation Background
Makoto Shinkai's desire to create a more accessible film while maintaining artistic vision
Cultural Impact
Brought anime to mainstream global audiences, tourism boost to filming locations
Legacy
Redefined anime film success, influenced romantic anime storytelling, cultural bridge between Japan and world
Major Milestones
2016: Film premieres in Japan,2016: Becomes highest-grossing anime film,2017: International releases begin,2017: Wins Japan Academy Prize,2018: Streaming releases expand audience,2019: Live-action adaptation announced,2020: Continues cultural impact globally
Awards
Japan Academy Prize for Animation,Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award,Annie Award nomination

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from Your Name.
Taki Tachibana
I'm searching for someone. I don't know who. But I know we're connected.
A high school boy living in Tokyo who mysteriously swaps bodies with MitsuhaView Profile
Mitsuha Miyamizu
In my next life, please make me a handsome Tokyo boy!
A high school girl from rural Itomori who dreams of city life and swaps bodies with TakiView Profile

Real-World Inspirations & Pilgrimage

⭐ Exclusive Guide
Discover real-world locations and cultural references connected to this IP.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of 'Musubi'?
Musubi refers to the flow of time, the connection between people, and the braiding of cords. It is a central concept in the film, symbolizing how lives intertwine, tangle, and reconnect.
Why did Taki and Mitsuha swap bodies?
The body swapping is linked to the Miyamizu family's lineage and the approaching comet Tiamat. It serves as a mechanism to warn and save the town of Itomori from the impending disaster.
Did Taki and Mitsuha lose their memories?
Yes, after the 'twilight' (Kataware-doki) ends, their memories of each other fade due to the supernatural nature of their connection and the timeline correction, leaving only a lingering feeling of loss.
What is 'Kataware-doki'?
Kataware-doki is the twilight hour, a time when the boundary between worlds blurs. It allowed Taki and Mitsuha to meet face-to-face across their different timelines.
How far apart in time were Taki and Mitsuha?
They were separated by three years. Mitsuha's timeline was three years in the past compared to Taki's, a fact Taki only realizes when he tries to visit Itomori.
Did the comet really destroy Itomori?
In the original timeline, yes. However, thanks to Taki and Mitsuha's efforts to evacuate the town, the timeline was altered, and most of the residents survived the impact.
Do they end up together?
The film ends on a hopeful note. Years later, they cross paths on a staircase in Tokyo, feel a sudden recognition, and ask for each other's names, implying they will reconnect.
Is Itomori a real place?
Itomori is a fictional town, but it is visually inspired by real locations in Japan, particularly Hida City in Gifu Prefecture and Lake Suwa in Nagano.
What is the significance of the red cord?
The red cord represents the 'Red String of Fate,' symbolizing the unbreakable bond between Taki and Mitsuha that connects them regardless of time, place, or circumstance.
Why is the animation style so praised?
Makoto Shinkai's signature style features hyper-realistic backgrounds, stunning lighting effects, and detailed cloudscapes, creating a visually breathtaking experience that enhances the emotional depth.

Official & Related Links

Find official resources and trusted references to learn more.
Official Website
Twitter
@shinkaimakoto
Facebook
Your Name Official
Instagram
@yourname_movie
Streaming / Watch

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