Mamoru Hosoda Turns His Iconic Film 'The Girl Who Leapt Through Time' into a Captivating Novel
Discover the captivating story of the August 29 film, a thrilling sequel to Yasutaka Tsutsui’s 1967 novel, blending mystery and sci-fi intrigue.
New Novel Based on Mamoru Hosoda's 'The Girl Who Leapt Through Time'
August 29 marks the release of a new novel inspired by Mamoru Hosoda's acclaimed 2006 animated film, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time. This novel serves as a sequel to Yasutaka Tsutsui's original 1967 novel, which inspired the film.
About the Novel
Acclaimed anime director Mamoru Hosoda personally authored this novel, titled Toki o Kakeru Shōjo: A Novel based on the Animated Film. Published by Kadokawa, the book features:
- Eight full-color pages of background art and stills from the film
- Special cover printing with foil embossing
- Limited edition postcards with stills from the movie, available through the Kadokawa Store
Pre-orders for two reproduction prints of film stills are open until September 15, with shipments expected in mid-November.
The Film and Its Connection to the Original Novel
The film itself is a sequel to Yasutaka Tsutsui's original 1967 novel Toki o Kakeru Shōjo. Interestingly, the protagonist Makoto in the film is the niece of Kazuko Yoshiyama, the heroine of the original story.
Legacy and Adaptations
Yasutaka Tsutsui's novel has inspired numerous adaptations, including:
- Multiple live-action series and films (1972, 1983, 1994, 1997, 2010, 2016, and 2017)
- A stage play in 2017
His works, including Paprika and The Millionaire Detective - Balance: UNLIMITED, are also available in English, showcasing his influence across media.
Mamoru Hosoda's Other Works
Hosoda has previously written stories that served as the basis for his films, such as Wolf Children, The Boy and The Beast, Mirai, and BELLE. These novels have been licensed and published in English by Yen Press.
Upcoming Project: Scarlet
Hosoda's next film, Scarlet (Japanese: Hateshi naki Scarlet), is scheduled to premiere in Japan on November 21 and in U.S. theaters on December 12. Fans are eagerly awaiting this new chapter in his filmmaking journey.
Sources: Kadokawa, Comic Natalie
Disclosure: Kadokawa World Entertainment (KWE), a subsidiary of Kadokawa Corporation, owns a majority stake in Anime News Network.