Fureru

Fureru (2024): A Nostalgic Reunion with Anohana’s Creative Trio

If you grew up sobbing through Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai (Anohana) or screaming at your screen during Toradora!, get ready to mark your calendars—because the dream team behind those classics is back. Fureru (ふれる。), the latest original anime film from director Tatsuyuki Nagai, writer Mari Okada, and character designer Masayoshi Tanaka, is set to hit Japanese theaters on October 4, 2024, and fans are already buzzing about its potential to tug at heartstrings once again. Produced by CloverWorks and distributed by Toho and Aniplex, this coming-of-age story follows three childhood friends—Aki, Ryo, and Yuta—who leave their small island home to live together in Tokyo at 20. But with the trio’s history of crafting bittersweet tales about friendship and growing up, don’t expect just a lighthearted slice of life.

For many fans, the announcement of Fureru felt like a warm hug from the past. As one MyAnimeList user put it, “Anohana holds a special place in my heart for making me cry like a kid. So I’m excited!” Another longtime follower of the team added, “Ano Hana is my very first conscious anime and an important one for me… I can only imagine the staff has changed too. Would like to see what they cook up this time.” The trio’s track record speaks for itself: Anohana became a cultural phenomenon for its raw portrayal of grief and friendship, while Toradora! redefined romantic comedies with its sharp writing and relatable characters. Even their 2018 film Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms (written by Okada) earned critical acclaim for its emotional depth and stunning animation. It’s no wonder fans are already predicting Fureru will be another tearjerker.

But Fureru isn’t just riding on nostalgia. The teaser visual—featuring two of the male leads holding hands—sparked immediate curiosity and debate. “The rather vague announcement of the director and the hand-holding of the all-male main cast in the teaser seem to already attract a certain audience,” noted one user, hinting at potential LGBTQ+ themes. Others were quick to clarify the cast: “Three boys, in the trailer, KV, and according to the director,” a fan pointed out, though some initially mistook one character for a girl. This ambiguity only adds to the hype—what will their bond look like in the bustling streets of Tokyo? Will Okada’s signature focus on “suffering teenage girls and dysfunctional relationships” take a new turn with a male-led cast?

Not everyone is sold, though. A few fans expressed frustration over the team’s shift from TV series to films. “I haven’t found their post-Anohana projects very compelling. I would prefer a new full TV series,” one user commented. Another echoed, “I don’t know why they don’t make TV series anymore despite Anohana being their most famous project.” It’s a fair critique—Anohana’s 11-episode run allowed for slow-burn character development that films often struggle to match. But others argue the format suits their style: “I’ve enjoyed each of the pieces they’ve come up with, and I’m almost certain this will be to my liking as well,” a supporter wrote, referencing their 4.5-year tradition of releasing collaborative works.

What’s clear is that Fureru is more than just another anime film—it’s a reunion of creators who’ve shaped a generation’s love for emotional storytelling. For 20-year-olds today, who might have grown up watching Anohana as kids, the film could hit especially close to home. The story of leaving a small town for the big city, navigating adult friendships, and confronting the changes that come with growing up is universal. As one fan put it, “I’ve changed a lot since then, I can only imagine the staff has too.”

With its Fall 2024 release date fast approaching, all eyes are on Fureru to see if it can capture the magic of its predecessors. Will it make us laugh, cry, and call our childhood friends afterward? Only time will tell. But if the team’s history is any indication, Fureru is poised to be a touching reminder of why we love anime—because it makes us feel, deeply and unapologetically.

So grab your tissues, text your old crew, and get ready to “touch” something special this October. Fureru isn’t just a movie—it’s a chance to revisit the emotions that made us fall in love with anime in the first place. And let’s be real—who doesn’t need a good cry every now and then?

Fureru premieres in Japan on October 4, 2024. Stay tuned for international release updates!