New 'Gazing at the Star Next Door' Live-Action Trailer Unveils Cast Additions & FANTASTICS Theme Song
Discover the latest casting news as Misa Shimizu, Tomu Miyazaki, Mahiru Konno, Maho Nonami, and Kenta Hamano join the lineup!
Live-Action Movie Adaptation of Gazing at the Star Next Door Releases New Trailer and Visual
The official website for the upcoming live-action film adaptation of Ammitsu's manga Gazing at the Star Next Door (also known as Tonari no Stella) has unveiled a new trailer and visual on Friday. The trailer introduces more cast members and teases the film's theme song, "Itsumo Tonari de" (Always By My Side), performed by FANTASTICS.
Movie Details and Release Date
- Premiere Date: August 22, 2025
- Distributor: TOHO
The film is based on the popular manga serialized by Kodansha. The story revolves around Chiaki, a pretty typical teenager who has harbored feelings for her best friend Subaru since childhood. Subaru is quickly rising as one of Japan's top young actors, which creates a significant dilemma for Chiaki—should she confess her feelings or let him pursue his burgeoning career?
"Chiaki is a pretty normal teenage girl. Since they were kids, she's had a thing for her best friend Subaru—who's fast becoming the hottest young actor in Japan! With Subaru threatening to slip away, Chiaki has a decision to make: Will she finally take her shot, or give Subaru up to his adoring public?"
Story Source: Kodansha USA – the series has been published in English, capturing the story of Chiaki and Subaru's evolving relationship.
Cast Announcements
The new trailer also features additional cast members:
- Misa Shimizu as Chiaki's mother, Chie Amano
- Tomu Miyazaki as Chiaki's father, Mitsuhiro Amano
- Mahiru Konno as Subaru's mother, Tōko Hiiragi
- Maho Nonami as Ritsuko Koyanagi, president of the entertainment company Subaru works for
- Kenta Hamano as Hiroshi Tanase
Previous cast members include Riko Fukumoto as Chiaki and Yūsei Yagi as Subaru.
Production Insights
- Director: Hana Matsumoto (Oshi no Ko, The End of the Pale Hour)
- Screenwriter: Sawako Kawamitsu (Bokura ga Koroshita, Saiai no Kimi)
The film is distributed by TOHO, known for its extensive work in Japanese cinema.
About the Manga
Ammitsu launched Gazing at the Star Next Door in Kodansha's Bessatsu Friend magazine in January 2022. The series concluded with its seventh volume released in December 2024. The manga tells the story of Chiaki, whose quiet life is turned upside down as she navigates her feelings for Subaru, a talented actor increasingly in the public eye.
Manga Publication Timeline
- Launch: January 2022
- Final Volume: January 2025 (published on January 13, 2025)
- English Release: Third volume shipped in August 2024 by Kodansha USA
Ammitsu previously created the manga Ran the Peerless Beauty, which ended in December 2020 with ten volumes.
Watch the Trailer
Fans can preview the film's atmosphere and cast in the latest trailer.
Sources
Stay tuned for more updates on the film's release and additional cast details.