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5 Centimeters per Second + Children Who Chase Lost Voices
5 Centimeters per Second When Takaki meets Akari in elementary school, they are as thick as thieves. She always teaches him the important things, while he does his best to protect her. After they are separated in middle school, though, they have to find their paths in life without each other… Director Makoto Shinkai delicately depicts the internal landscapes of his characters through three chapters in the life of one boy. Children Who Chase Lost Voices Asuna is a shy and diffident girl who lives in the mountain town of Mizunofuchi. One day, she meets Shun, a boy who claims to be from a mythical land known as Agartha. However, just as a bond is beginning to form between them, Shun vanishes. As Asuna wishes she could see him again, she encounters Shin, another boy who looks just like Shun, and Morisaki, a teacher searching for Agartha. The three of them set out for the legendary country, each with their own goal in mind—and their own lessons to learn along the way .
224 pages, Hardcover
First published April 27, 2021
35 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
Makoto Shinkai
41 books1,496 followersSHINKAI Makoto
Name (in native language): 新海 誠
Associated Names:
СИНКАЙ Макото
Makoto Shinkai
Makoto Shinkai (新海 誠 Shinkai Makoto?), born as Makoto Niitsu (新津 誠 Niitsu Makoto?, February 9, 1973) is a Japanese director of anime and former graphic designer. A native of the Nagano Prefecture, Shinkai studied Japanese literature at Chuo University where he was a member of juvenile literature club where he drew picture books. He traces his passion for creation to the manga, anime, and novels he was exposed to while in middle school. His favorite anime is Castle in the Sky by Hayao Miyazaki. Shinkai has been called "The New Miyazaki" in several reviews including Anime Advocates and ActiveAnime, comparisons which he calls an "overestimation".
Name (in native language): 新海 誠
Associated Names:
СИНКАЙ Макото
Makoto Shinkai
Makoto Shinkai (新海 誠 Shinkai Makoto?), born as Makoto Niitsu (新津 誠 Niitsu Makoto?, February 9, 1973) is a Japanese director of anime and former graphic designer. A native of the Nagano Prefecture, Shinkai studied Japanese literature at Chuo University where he was a member of juvenile literature club where he drew picture books. He traces his passion for creation to the manga, anime, and novels he was exposed to while in middle school. His favorite anime is Castle in the Sky by Hayao Miyazaki. Shinkai has been called "The New Miyazaki" in several reviews including Anime Advocates and ActiveAnime, comparisons which he calls an "overestimation".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 2, 2025
"Te amo. No recuerdo cuando me enamoré de ti, pero, de forma muy natural, me enamoré de ti sin darme cuenta".
Makoto Shinkai escribe libros demasiado interesantes, me gustaría que el Estudio Ghibli tuviera casos similares, es increíble leer las películas en un formato como este, se siente como un mundo aparte. Y obviamente esta reseña serán dos en una sola porque son dos libros en uno.
Primero vamos por 5 centimeters per second, que tiene una película que nunca he visto pero que quiero ver. Aquí se nos cuentan tres diferentes historias que se unen en un mismo final: la primer parte nos presenta a Tataki y Akari quienes son amigos de la infancia que terminan enamorándose pero no pueden estar juntos pues ella se va a otro lado y no podrá volver a verlo tan seguido, y aún así Tataki se la ingenia para verla una última vez; la segunda parte se ve desde la perspectiva de Kanae, una compañera que está enamora profundamente de él pero no se lo dice, y la última parte está desde una perspectiva donde Tataki y Akari deciden tomar decisiones que involucran hacer una vida diferente a la que tenían pero dándose una oportunidad para ver por última vez como florecen los cerezos.
Siento yo que si viera la película me destruiría, además es la parte más interesante de las dos historias, creo que se siente más el manejo de la historia y la ejecución, el romance se siente tan trágico y deprimente, y el romance de amigos a pareja que no pueden estar juntos por circunstancias de tiempo le deprime. Pero no todo es rosas porque la parte donde narra Kanae fue tan frustrante para mí, como si leyera el punto de vista de un acosador desesperado porque le hagan caso, me detuve unos momentos para decidirme en si continuarlo o no, siento que fue innecesario , y la última parte debió desarrollarse un poco más, siento que para el final amargo que nos dieron quizá necesitaba más realismo y menos depresión, sentí algo vacía la manera de desarrollar la situación de Tataki y Araki, como si nunca pudieran volver a enamorarse. Igual espero ver la película algún día y quizá mi opinión cambie un poco.
Children Who Chase Lost Voices nos cuenta la historia de una niña de sexto grado que encuentra que un niño que había conocido resultó muerto una mañana, deprimida por ese suceso y prestándole la atención a un maestro que perdió a su esposa y tiene interés en verla viva una última vez, se embarca en una misión para entrar a una tierra donde viven criaturas feroces y personas míticas que la pueden guiar a encontrar de nuevo a su amigo. Pero lo que no sabe es que ese viaje quizá le cueste algo que no sabe si está dispuesta a perder.
Este libro si fue muy diferente al anterior, aquí hay elementos mágicos y personajes moralmente grises que no saben que hacer con las decisiones y si arriesgar o no sus vidas, además se siente más extraño que un libro común pues parece más una descripción visual de una película, osea que necesitas ver la película primero antes de leer el libro sino te pierdes, como fue mi caso porque no he visto la película ni creo verla. No me gustó tantísimo como deseaba y quizá podría ser más agradable si no me hubiera desconectado de la historia tantísimo después de leer la primera.
En fin, ambas historias fueron interesantes aunque no entiendo porque hubo la necesidad de juntarlas si tienen nada que ver la una con la otra
Makoto Shinkai escribe libros demasiado interesantes, me gustaría que el Estudio Ghibli tuviera casos similares, es increíble leer las películas en un formato como este, se siente como un mundo aparte. Y obviamente esta reseña serán dos en una sola porque son dos libros en uno.
Primero vamos por 5 centimeters per second, que tiene una película que nunca he visto pero que quiero ver. Aquí se nos cuentan tres diferentes historias que se unen en un mismo final: la primer parte nos presenta a Tataki y Akari quienes son amigos de la infancia que terminan enamorándose pero no pueden estar juntos pues ella se va a otro lado y no podrá volver a verlo tan seguido, y aún así Tataki se la ingenia para verla una última vez; la segunda parte se ve desde la perspectiva de Kanae, una compañera que está enamora profundamente de él pero no se lo dice, y la última parte está desde una perspectiva donde Tataki y Akari deciden tomar decisiones que involucran hacer una vida diferente a la que tenían pero dándose una oportunidad para ver por última vez como florecen los cerezos.
Siento yo que si viera la película me destruiría, además es la parte más interesante de las dos historias, creo que se siente más el manejo de la historia y la ejecución, el romance se siente tan trágico y deprimente, y el romance de amigos a pareja que no pueden estar juntos por circunstancias de tiempo le deprime. Pero no todo es rosas porque la parte donde narra Kanae fue tan frustrante para mí, como si leyera el punto de vista de un acosador desesperado porque le hagan caso, me detuve unos momentos para decidirme en si continuarlo o no, siento que fue innecesario , y la última parte debió desarrollarse un poco más, siento que para el final amargo que nos dieron quizá necesitaba más realismo y menos depresión, sentí algo vacía la manera de desarrollar la situación de Tataki y Araki, como si nunca pudieran volver a enamorarse. Igual espero ver la película algún día y quizá mi opinión cambie un poco.
Children Who Chase Lost Voices nos cuenta la historia de una niña de sexto grado que encuentra que un niño que había conocido resultó muerto una mañana, deprimida por ese suceso y prestándole la atención a un maestro que perdió a su esposa y tiene interés en verla viva una última vez, se embarca en una misión para entrar a una tierra donde viven criaturas feroces y personas míticas que la pueden guiar a encontrar de nuevo a su amigo. Pero lo que no sabe es que ese viaje quizá le cueste algo que no sabe si está dispuesta a perder.
Este libro si fue muy diferente al anterior, aquí hay elementos mágicos y personajes moralmente grises que no saben que hacer con las decisiones y si arriesgar o no sus vidas, además se siente más extraño que un libro común pues parece más una descripción visual de una película, osea que necesitas ver la película primero antes de leer el libro sino te pierdes, como fue mi caso porque no he visto la película ni creo verla. No me gustó tantísimo como deseaba y quizá podría ser más agradable si no me hubiera desconectado de la historia tantísimo después de leer la primera.
En fin, ambas historias fueron interesantes aunque no entiendo porque hubo la necesidad de juntarlas si tienen nada que ver la una con la otra
June 7, 2025
Counting this as read for Centimeters per Second, which I finished. I will be counting it as read a second time when I finish reading Children Who Chase Lost Voices.
June 7th 2025- Thoughts on 5 Centimeters per Second…
I had no expectations going into this light novel apart from being familiar with a few of Makoto Shinkai’s stories that are more fantastical. This was not fantastical at all. This short little novel was a portrait of a boy growing into mediocre adulthood in a painfully realistic way, but with a tenderhearted first-love story mixed in. The ending was surprisingly abrupt, but I think it leaves the reader filled with hope for his future. This felt like a true story, one I could relate to in many ways. Because it resonated with me, it moved me. I don’t think it’s a particularly thrilling story, more like a slice of life, but I found it very beautiful. I’m excited to read the manga and then watch the film to see how they compare. I’m leaving my rating at a 4 star only because I would have preferred a more satisfying ending, but I did really enjoy this story.
June 7th 2025- Thoughts on 5 Centimeters per Second…
I had no expectations going into this light novel apart from being familiar with a few of Makoto Shinkai’s stories that are more fantastical. This was not fantastical at all. This short little novel was a portrait of a boy growing into mediocre adulthood in a painfully realistic way, but with a tenderhearted first-love story mixed in. The ending was surprisingly abrupt, but I think it leaves the reader filled with hope for his future. This felt like a true story, one I could relate to in many ways. Because it resonated with me, it moved me. I don’t think it’s a particularly thrilling story, more like a slice of life, but I found it very beautiful. I’m excited to read the manga and then watch the film to see how they compare. I’m leaving my rating at a 4 star only because I would have preferred a more satisfying ending, but I did really enjoy this story.
April 1, 2022
This is the novelization of two different movies. Novelizations are most certainly hit or miss and tricky to pull off, especially of something anime that is usually far more abstract in concept or slower moving, as is the case with both of these stories. There's a lot hidden under their simplistic tales, but I have a feeling I missed a lot of it due to this not being the intended medium of consumption. I've never read a novelized anime before, and while I really enjoyed the language of these stories, it leaves me just really wanting to watch the films as the authors intend. It's mentioned in the authors notes that I should be capable of reading this and not missing anything, but I have a feeling it's more supplemental to the real works.
5 CENTIMETERS PER SECOND is split into three parts. The first part is of two childhood best friends, Takaki and Akari, who slowly grow apart due to peer judgment of having a bff of the opposite sex and further hindered after Akari moves. They keep in touch through letters and phone calls until Takaki learns his family is moving across the country. In a last ditch effort, he makes the arduous journey through public transportation and weather to see Akari one last time. Part two is from the POV of Kanae, classmate of Takaki, now in 3rd year of high school who's in deep, unrequited love with him. And part three is nine years later, Takaki and Akari look back on their decisions and life as they experience the same dream hoping to view the cherry blossoms together once more.
I utterly adored the first section and found it to be the most interesting/successful story. I adore in anime/manga when young children are 'in love' and how deeply they feel everything, it's so heartbreakingly lovely. I also found it relatable in growing apart and moving on due to circumstances beyond your control. If it had just been this story I would've left completely satisfied,
but unfortunately that was not the case. The second part felt completely out of nowhere and entirely irrelevant to the overarching story, especially since most of it was told from the POV of a completely new character. Then the last section was so incredibly depressing while simultaneously unrealistic. It makes it seem like Takaki found the love of his life when he was a child and will never find that again, despite the multiple other relationships he has, and It completely diluted the point of the first section, in my opinion, and just left me with such an empty feeling.
CHILDREN WHO CHASE LOST VOICES is about a 6th grade girl who finds herself transported to a world of mythical beasts and strange warriors. There she meets a father figure type looking to restore his beloved wife to life, but at what cost?
This story felt very studio Ghibli with it's high concept/complicated world, reminiscent of Princess Mononoke. I feel it would be vastly improved in a visual medium as I found it really difficult to wrap my brain around the events. It felt really unfocused and a lot of the character work was severely lacking so I found it difficult to relate. That's not uncommon with anime as it's usually very plot driven, but without the gorgeous visuals I found it hard to get engrossed.
Overall, I can tell how talented the author is and enjoyed this novelization for what it was, but I think I'll be much better suited to just watch the stories in the visual medium it was intended.
5 CENTIMETERS PER SECOND is split into three parts. The first part is of two childhood best friends, Takaki and Akari, who slowly grow apart due to peer judgment of having a bff of the opposite sex and further hindered after Akari moves. They keep in touch through letters and phone calls until Takaki learns his family is moving across the country. In a last ditch effort, he makes the arduous journey through public transportation and weather to see Akari one last time. Part two is from the POV of Kanae, classmate of Takaki, now in 3rd year of high school who's in deep, unrequited love with him. And part three is nine years later, Takaki and Akari look back on their decisions and life as they experience the same dream hoping to view the cherry blossoms together once more.
I utterly adored the first section and found it to be the most interesting/successful story. I adore in anime/manga when young children are 'in love' and how deeply they feel everything, it's so heartbreakingly lovely. I also found it relatable in growing apart and moving on due to circumstances beyond your control. If it had just been this story I would've left completely satisfied,
but unfortunately that was not the case. The second part felt completely out of nowhere and entirely irrelevant to the overarching story, especially since most of it was told from the POV of a completely new character. Then the last section was so incredibly depressing while simultaneously unrealistic. It makes it seem like Takaki found the love of his life when he was a child and will never find that again, despite the multiple other relationships he has, and It completely diluted the point of the first section, in my opinion, and just left me with such an empty feeling.
CHILDREN WHO CHASE LOST VOICES is about a 6th grade girl who finds herself transported to a world of mythical beasts and strange warriors. There she meets a father figure type looking to restore his beloved wife to life, but at what cost?
This story felt very studio Ghibli with it's high concept/complicated world, reminiscent of Princess Mononoke. I feel it would be vastly improved in a visual medium as I found it really difficult to wrap my brain around the events. It felt really unfocused and a lot of the character work was severely lacking so I found it difficult to relate. That's not uncommon with anime as it's usually very plot driven, but without the gorgeous visuals I found it hard to get engrossed.
Overall, I can tell how talented the author is and enjoyed this novelization for what it was, but I think I'll be much better suited to just watch the stories in the visual medium it was intended.
December 4, 2022
No entiendo porqué dicen que esta es la peor historia de Makoto Shinkai; en particular fue con la que más llegué a conectar, incluso la que llegué a sentir más real. Pero vamos por partes. Esta es la novelización de la película "5 centímetros por segundo", estrenada en 2007.
La historia se divide en tres breves capítulos que se centran en dos personajes: Takaki y Akari, dos niños que se conocen en la escuela primaria para posteriormente convertirse en grandes amigos; sin embargo, deben separarse muy pronto ya que la familia de Akari se mudará de Tokio. A partir de este punto, la novela nos develará cómo es que Takaki sobrelleva esta separación, la distancia y el recuerdo de la niña que se convirtió en su primer amor.
Aunque estamos presentes ante dos personajes, toda la focalización recae siempre en Takaki, lo que desprende perfectamente cuál es la intención de la historia: entender que hay personas que aunque llegan a nuestras vidas no están destinadas a permanecer en ella para siempre. Cosa que ocurre con Takaki y Akari; ella es más un recuerdo de lo que vivieron en la infancia, de la amistad, de las enseñanzas que le dejó y del sentimiento del primer amor, pero nada más. Al crecer cada uno de ellos tomó caminos diferentes.
Es por eso que siento que esta es su historia de amor más real, ya que involucra lo que muchas personas llegan a representar en nuestra vida y como por mucho que carguemos con el recuerdo de lo que hemos vivido con ellos, lo más sano es dejar atrás el pasado y continuar con nuestra vida. Creo que por eso uno puede llegar a identificarse más con este tipo de historias, porque en mayor o menor medida uno ha vivido esto muy de cerca.
Ahora, el título "5 centímetros por segundo" toma mayor sentido con esto porque, según Akari, es la distancia a la que caen las hojas del cerezo, pero no sólo eso, también es una representación de los humanos, que nos recuerda a la lentitud de la vida y cómo las personas a menudo comienzan juntas, pero lentamente se alejan hacia sus caminos separados. Esta frase resume todo aquello que vemos en la historia
La historia se divide en tres breves capítulos que se centran en dos personajes: Takaki y Akari, dos niños que se conocen en la escuela primaria para posteriormente convertirse en grandes amigos; sin embargo, deben separarse muy pronto ya que la familia de Akari se mudará de Tokio. A partir de este punto, la novela nos develará cómo es que Takaki sobrelleva esta separación, la distancia y el recuerdo de la niña que se convirtió en su primer amor.
Aunque estamos presentes ante dos personajes, toda la focalización recae siempre en Takaki, lo que desprende perfectamente cuál es la intención de la historia: entender que hay personas que aunque llegan a nuestras vidas no están destinadas a permanecer en ella para siempre. Cosa que ocurre con Takaki y Akari; ella es más un recuerdo de lo que vivieron en la infancia, de la amistad, de las enseñanzas que le dejó y del sentimiento del primer amor, pero nada más. Al crecer cada uno de ellos tomó caminos diferentes.
Es por eso que siento que esta es su historia de amor más real, ya que involucra lo que muchas personas llegan a representar en nuestra vida y como por mucho que carguemos con el recuerdo de lo que hemos vivido con ellos, lo más sano es dejar atrás el pasado y continuar con nuestra vida. Creo que por eso uno puede llegar a identificarse más con este tipo de historias, porque en mayor o menor medida uno ha vivido esto muy de cerca.
Ahora, el título "5 centímetros por segundo" toma mayor sentido con esto porque, según Akari, es la distancia a la que caen las hojas del cerezo, pero no sólo eso, también es una representación de los humanos, que nos recuerda a la lentitud de la vida y cómo las personas a menudo comienzan juntas, pero lentamente se alejan hacia sus caminos separados. Esta frase resume todo aquello que vemos en la historia
December 3, 2021
Ovo nije ocjena o književnoj vrijednosti ovog djela, općenito, obožavam Ghibli studio i taj crtić mi je predivan, tako da i knjiga ne može biti loša jer je priča wowwww.
March 13, 2022
2/5 Stars: ‘Children Who Chase Lost Voices + 5 Centimetres per Second’ by Makoto Shinkai.
→ Age Range: Young Adult.
→ Genre: Drama, Contemporary Fiction.
→ Book Type: Light Novel.
Favourite Quote: ‘The speed of a falling cherry petal. Five centimetres per second.’
In-depth Rating:
→ Plot: ★★
→ Character Development: ★★
→ Setting: ★★
→ Entertainment Level: ★★
→ Writing: ★★
General Comments: From director Makoto Shinkai comes a deeper look at his award-winning romance drama ‘5 Centimetres per Second’, along with the adventure movie ‘Children Who Chase Lost Voices’. Unsurprisingly, the reinterpretation, through literary prose, resonates with the same poetic beauty of the animated projects; capturing that sense of wonderment and longing that is deeply nostalgic within one’s informative years. The novel does act as idyllic companion piece; but it suits a visual medium far better.
Time Read: One Day.
→ Audiobook: No.
→ Audiobook Narrator: -
Re-Read: No.
→ -:
→ -:
Trigger Warnings: None.
→ -
→ -
→ -
→ Age Range: Young Adult.
→ Genre: Drama, Contemporary Fiction.
→ Book Type: Light Novel.
Favourite Quote: ‘The speed of a falling cherry petal. Five centimetres per second.’
In-depth Rating:
→ Plot: ★★
→ Character Development: ★★
→ Setting: ★★
→ Entertainment Level: ★★
→ Writing: ★★
General Comments: From director Makoto Shinkai comes a deeper look at his award-winning romance drama ‘5 Centimetres per Second’, along with the adventure movie ‘Children Who Chase Lost Voices’. Unsurprisingly, the reinterpretation, through literary prose, resonates with the same poetic beauty of the animated projects; capturing that sense of wonderment and longing that is deeply nostalgic within one’s informative years. The novel does act as idyllic companion piece; but it suits a visual medium far better.
Time Read: One Day.
→ Audiobook: No.
→ Audiobook Narrator: -
Re-Read: No.
→ -:
→ -:
Trigger Warnings: None.
→ -
→ -
→ -
September 19, 2021
This is the novelization of two different movies.
The first Part is 5 Centimeters per second, having watched the movie a few times and read the other side novel of it, I was familar with the story. It's a good, but kind of slow moving story, told in three parts. Those who saw the movie would like the retelling of the first two parts. The Third part missed the punch of the movie version.
The second part Children who chase lost voices, was one I was less Familiar with. I saw the movie many years ago. This was very good, lots of Action which is not the usual with a Mokoto Shinkai work. Made we want to watch the movie again.
The first Part is 5 Centimeters per second, having watched the movie a few times and read the other side novel of it, I was familar with the story. It's a good, but kind of slow moving story, told in three parts. Those who saw the movie would like the retelling of the first two parts. The Third part missed the punch of the movie version.
The second part Children who chase lost voices, was one I was less Familiar with. I saw the movie many years ago. This was very good, lots of Action which is not the usual with a Mokoto Shinkai work. Made we want to watch the movie again.
February 3, 2023
Ah this beautiful book! It contains two lovely novels in one paperback- a) 5 cm per second, and b) Children who chase lost voices
Usually books come before the movies. But against the tide, this is a novelization of the movies of the same name by world famous director Makoto Shinkai.
a) 5 cm per second is an utterly heartbreaking story, but in the most beautiful way. Takaki and Akira have been childhood best friends. Their bonding may mean even more which they don't understand yet. But they are forced to grow apart. Let me remind you it was before cellphones became an indispensable part of human lives. Will they continue to be each other's part of lives? To which extent? How much their adult lives are going to be affected by the small world they built together during their childhood?
This is written in a simplistic way, yet it is so enriched I can't describe its beauty.
"An ache I couldn’t put into words ran through me, as if someone had gently brushed a finger across my heart".
How do you get over that!
b) Children who chase lost voices is about an adventure taken by a little girl Asuna, her teacher Morisaki and a partly magical boy, Shin. They travel to a different world where it is believed to be true that dead people can be brought back to the living world again. This is a really enjoyable story. But it falls a bit flat in some places. I liked how amazingly some important messages are incorporated, such as-
"He said to embrace loss- to keep on living.
That is the curse of being human.
But I'm sure...
...it's a blessing as well."
I liked "5 cm per second" more. It reminds me why simplicity beats everything. I can't stop reading the beautiful lines over and over and keep sighing. The writing is so beautiful, the characters are so adorable and relatable. I can't get over this amazing story.
Usually books come before the movies. But against the tide, this is a novelization of the movies of the same name by world famous director Makoto Shinkai.
a) 5 cm per second is an utterly heartbreaking story, but in the most beautiful way. Takaki and Akira have been childhood best friends. Their bonding may mean even more which they don't understand yet. But they are forced to grow apart. Let me remind you it was before cellphones became an indispensable part of human lives. Will they continue to be each other's part of lives? To which extent? How much their adult lives are going to be affected by the small world they built together during their childhood?
This is written in a simplistic way, yet it is so enriched I can't describe its beauty.
"An ache I couldn’t put into words ran through me, as if someone had gently brushed a finger across my heart".
How do you get over that!
b) Children who chase lost voices is about an adventure taken by a little girl Asuna, her teacher Morisaki and a partly magical boy, Shin. They travel to a different world where it is believed to be true that dead people can be brought back to the living world again. This is a really enjoyable story. But it falls a bit flat in some places. I liked how amazingly some important messages are incorporated, such as-
"He said to embrace loss- to keep on living.
That is the curse of being human.
But I'm sure...
...it's a blessing as well."
I liked "5 cm per second" more. It reminds me why simplicity beats everything. I can't stop reading the beautiful lines over and over and keep sighing. The writing is so beautiful, the characters are so adorable and relatable. I can't get over this amazing story.
February 9, 2024
this book consisted of two stories that were originally anime movies. though haven’t watched them yet
the first story which was 5cm per second was about two childhood friends who later get separated. this story itself is divided into three parts, and my favourite was the first part which had two inseparable best friends Takaki and Akari. this was cute but heartbreaking at the same time. the second part felt a bit out of place. Its told from the POV of a girl named Kanae who has a crush on Takaki during their last year of highschool. and finally the last part which was mostly gloomy is about adult Takaki and his failed relationships. 3/5 stars
meanwhile the second story was about a girl named Asuna who goes on to an adventure with her teacher to this underground magical place called Agartha. Agartha was only known as a myth to Asuna, but after meeting with Shun- a native of that land and becoming friends with him, her thoughts said otherwise. but then Shun vanishes and Asuna meets with Shin who looks like Shun. And together they all set towards Agartha. 3/5 stars
Both the stories were different from one another but I did think they had the same lesson/ moral of the story which was about “moving on” after loosing someone. overall a nice read which took me a bit longer than expected. since these are the novelisation of anime movies, i’m curious to see how the movie played these stories out. will see them some point in future
3-3.5/stars
the first story which was 5cm per second was about two childhood friends who later get separated. this story itself is divided into three parts, and my favourite was the first part which had two inseparable best friends Takaki and Akari. this was cute but heartbreaking at the same time. the second part felt a bit out of place. Its told from the POV of a girl named Kanae who has a crush on Takaki during their last year of highschool. and finally the last part which was mostly gloomy is about adult Takaki and his failed relationships. 3/5 stars
meanwhile the second story was about a girl named Asuna who goes on to an adventure with her teacher to this underground magical place called Agartha. Agartha was only known as a myth to Asuna, but after meeting with Shun- a native of that land and becoming friends with him, her thoughts said otherwise. but then Shun vanishes and Asuna meets with Shin who looks like Shun. And together they all set towards Agartha. 3/5 stars
Both the stories were different from one another but I did think they had the same lesson/ moral of the story which was about “moving on” after loosing someone. overall a nice read which took me a bit longer than expected. since these are the novelisation of anime movies, i’m curious to see how the movie played these stories out. will see them some point in future
3-3.5/stars
March 3, 2023
This review is for 5 cm per second.
I have yet to read Children Who Chase Lost Voices.
I'm torn between 2 and 4 stars, thus the current rating.
The novel is an experience.. after the read, it felt like living through someone else's regular life. Being real, nothing went on. We watched a man go through various stages of his life, creating memories... which stays as memories. In the end you'll have no idea what to think.
but Somehow, it was very interesting... but I can't really place it anywhere.
I have no idea which part got me interested.. but I was.
I was looking forward to more Sumida, and maybe a reunion with Akari? but the way the story went, one would expect that I'll be disappointed... which I'm not.
...
As for the MC, it's not that I dislike him.. I just feel detached to him, he wasn't relatable. I found myself looking forward to Sumida's life.
With a chapter all for her perspective, I thought that I loved that section of the book the most.
The other character I feel attached too was Muzino...
and it's kinda bad to know that the reader got attached to the side characters who barely appeared in the novel.
I have every reason to lean towards the 2 stars. But I felt satisfied towards the end.
I have yet to read Children Who Chase Lost Voices.
I'm torn between 2 and 4 stars, thus the current rating.
The novel is an experience.. after the read, it felt like living through someone else's regular life. Being real, nothing went on. We watched a man go through various stages of his life, creating memories... which stays as memories. In the end you'll have no idea what to think.
but Somehow, it was very interesting... but I can't really place it anywhere.
I have no idea which part got me interested.. but I was.
I was looking forward to more Sumida, and maybe a reunion with Akari? but the way the story went, one would expect that I'll be disappointed... which I'm not.
...
As for the MC, it's not that I dislike him.. I just feel detached to him, he wasn't relatable. I found myself looking forward to Sumida's life.
With a chapter all for her perspective, I thought that I loved that section of the book the most.
The other character I feel attached too was Muzino...
and it's kinda bad to know that the reader got attached to the side characters who barely appeared in the novel.
I have every reason to lean towards the 2 stars. But I felt satisfied towards the end.
January 13, 2022
***This may contain spoliers***
Ok.... I have completely fallen into the world of Makoto Shinkai and his novels. They are all so heart breaking and lovely.
The Children Who Chase Lost Voices was not an exception. The story tells about a 6th grade girl who travels down to a different world with a teacher who is wanting to find a way to rebirth his decreased wife. As they journey together thruogh this underground world, both face many dangers of the world including monsters and citizens that want to chase the 2 humans away. In the end, th girl returns home with her mother, the teacher continues too stay in the world and find a different way to help restore his beloved wife.
After a year, when walking to school, the girl sees a blue light reminding her of a friend she meet in the world below. Hoping to meet him agin she rushes to the mountain.....
Over all, this book was very heart warming and peaceful. I would recommend this too anyone <3.
5 🌟s for this novel.
Ok.... I have completely fallen into the world of Makoto Shinkai and his novels. They are all so heart breaking and lovely.
The Children Who Chase Lost Voices was not an exception. The story tells about a 6th grade girl who travels down to a different world with a teacher who is wanting to find a way to rebirth his decreased wife. As they journey together thruogh this underground world, both face many dangers of the world including monsters and citizens that want to chase the 2 humans away. In the end, th girl returns home with her mother, the teacher continues too stay in the world and find a different way to help restore his beloved wife.
After a year, when walking to school, the girl sees a blue light reminding her of a friend she meet in the world below. Hoping to meet him agin she rushes to the mountain.....
Over all, this book was very heart warming and peaceful. I would recommend this too anyone <3.
5 🌟s for this novel.
November 3, 2023
Two books in one, what a treat. As a disclaimer, I haven't seen either of the movies these stories are based on, maybe I will afterwards.
5 centimetres per second
A story about first love and that it doesn't always turn out how we want it to go. It gives us both uplifting and nostalgic and melancholic feelings about love and life. That even finding your way in life or a good purpose can be a challenge. You feel for the characters and in the end hope it will turn out for the better. It gives us descriptions of scenery that you can pictures immediately. I can understand that the movie will be beautiful to look at and capture the right feeling. Probably better than the book can, but you can't have everything.
Children who chase lost voices
This is more of a fantasy story that I am used to. Other worlds, pieces of mythology. The resurrection of the dead, immortality. It gives us questions on what it means to be human, but also on the acceptance of death. It comes inevitably. The way it read, reminded me very much of a Ghibli movie (although it is not). The atmosphere that it manages to convey. I enjoyed this one as well, but in a different way. It is some escapism.
I recommend both of them, and probably also the movie versions of them.
5 centimetres per second
A story about first love and that it doesn't always turn out how we want it to go. It gives us both uplifting and nostalgic and melancholic feelings about love and life. That even finding your way in life or a good purpose can be a challenge. You feel for the characters and in the end hope it will turn out for the better. It gives us descriptions of scenery that you can pictures immediately. I can understand that the movie will be beautiful to look at and capture the right feeling. Probably better than the book can, but you can't have everything.
Children who chase lost voices
This is more of a fantasy story that I am used to. Other worlds, pieces of mythology. The resurrection of the dead, immortality. It gives us questions on what it means to be human, but also on the acceptance of death. It comes inevitably. The way it read, reminded me very much of a Ghibli movie (although it is not). The atmosphere that it manages to convey. I enjoyed this one as well, but in a different way. It is some escapism.
I recommend both of them, and probably also the movie versions of them.
June 25, 2022
Ich bin ohne Vorwissen an den Roman rangegangen und ich denke, das war auch ganz gut so.
Es ist eine bittersüße Erzählung zweier Personen, die sich in der Grundschule getroffen und unterbewusst ineinander verliebt haben. Durch familiäre Umstände (Umzüge in andere Städte) verlieren sie sich jedoch mit der Zeit aus den Augen und bestreiten alleine ihr weiteres Leben.
Mehr möchte ich gar nicht mehr zur Story erwähnen, da es sonst ggf spoilern würde.
Die Charaktere wirken aber sehr real und man kann sich immer wieder sehr gut in sie hineinversetzen. Nichts klingt zu weit hergeholt und oft dachte ich "oh ja, das kann ich echt gut verstehen". Ich mag die Charakterentwicklung und wie die Ereignisse beschrieben werden und bin gespannt, wie der Anime und Manga das Ganze umsetzt.
Es ist eine bittersüße Erzählung zweier Personen, die sich in der Grundschule getroffen und unterbewusst ineinander verliebt haben. Durch familiäre Umstände (Umzüge in andere Städte) verlieren sie sich jedoch mit der Zeit aus den Augen und bestreiten alleine ihr weiteres Leben.
Mehr möchte ich gar nicht mehr zur Story erwähnen, da es sonst ggf spoilern würde.
Die Charaktere wirken aber sehr real und man kann sich immer wieder sehr gut in sie hineinversetzen. Nichts klingt zu weit hergeholt und oft dachte ich "oh ja, das kann ich echt gut verstehen". Ich mag die Charakterentwicklung und wie die Ereignisse beschrieben werden und bin gespannt, wie der Anime und Manga das Ganze umsetzt.
October 28, 2021
I would go with 4½ stars.
I really liked how the novelization of 5 Centimeters Per Second helped me see things from different perspectives. I particularly liked the ending vs just having seen the movie and read the manga. I am looking forward to finding a copy of the additional stuff.
Children Who Chase Lost Voices was interesting. I went in to it cold, not knowing anything about it and did enjoy it. It did make me think about world myths and how so many of them do have similarities.
Anyhow -- I did enjoy the book quite a bit (hence the rating) but I'm glad I got it from the library. I don't think I'd be reading this one often.
I really liked how the novelization of 5 Centimeters Per Second helped me see things from different perspectives. I particularly liked the ending vs just having seen the movie and read the manga. I am looking forward to finding a copy of the additional stuff.
Children Who Chase Lost Voices was interesting. I went in to it cold, not knowing anything about it and did enjoy it. It did make me think about world myths and how so many of them do have similarities.
Anyhow -- I did enjoy the book quite a bit (hence the rating) but I'm glad I got it from the library. I don't think I'd be reading this one often.
July 9, 2022
This is the novelization version of two different anime's. I watched both anime's well before I had ever read this book. The anime, 5 Centimeters per Second I loved it and enjoyed it's written story even more. I would give 5 Centimeters per Second novel 5 stars. Children Who Chase Lost Voices, I didn't enjoy the anime, I did like the written version more, but still not a lot. It is hard for me to say what it was about it that I didn't really like. I guess I felt the story was good, but written too simply. I would give Children Who Chase Lost Voices novel 2 stars, so I averaged it out to 4 stars for both stories combined.
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June 30, 2025five centimeters per second: 4.75
i really enjoyed this story, though i don’t know if i can properly describe it. i felt as if the story came to life in a way, the descriptions, the imagery, the feelings of the characters, it felt as if i was apart of that, like i was able to feel their feelings. it was all very beautiful, it made me cry but i wouldn’t said it was sad, it was bittersweet!
the only downside was that i wish there was more of kanae, i know she wasn’t really apart of the whole story, but i really enjoyed her character and i related to her character, so i wish there was more to her story.
i really enjoyed this story, though i don’t know if i can properly describe it. i felt as if the story came to life in a way, the descriptions, the imagery, the feelings of the characters, it felt as if i was apart of that, like i was able to feel their feelings. it was all very beautiful, it made me cry but i wouldn’t said it was sad, it was bittersweet!
the only downside was that i wish there was more of kanae, i know she wasn’t really apart of the whole story, but i really enjoyed her character and i related to her character, so i wish there was more to her story.
September 23, 2021
This is a two stories in one book bind up and so I’ll speak about each.
5 Centimeters Per Second was split into three parts. The first part was really great and I really vibes with it. The second part was dull and I struggled a bit to get through it. The third part while better than the second part was only slightly better than average.
Children Who Chase Lost Voices, much like the movie it’s based on feels both rushed and overlong. The story is very unfocused and the character arc feel really lacking.
Overall I’d give both stories an even 3/5 and so the bind up also gets a 3/5.
5 Centimeters Per Second was split into three parts. The first part was really great and I really vibes with it. The second part was dull and I struggled a bit to get through it. The third part while better than the second part was only slightly better than average.
Children Who Chase Lost Voices, much like the movie it’s based on feels both rushed and overlong. The story is very unfocused and the character arc feel really lacking.
Overall I’d give both stories an even 3/5 and so the bind up also gets a 3/5.
February 4, 2023
kitaptaki ikinci hikayeyi okumadım henüz ama 5 centimeters per second'ı yorumlayayım. çok güzeldi. animesini izlediyseniz görüntüleri müzikleri ne kadar güzeldi hatırlarsınız zaten ama animesinde konunun işleyişiyle alakalı bi yavanlık/boşluk hissetmiştim tam o keyfi alamamıştım. sonrasında mangayı okudum çok daha iyiydi, şimdi bunu okuyunca daha da iyi geldi diyebilirim. ufak tefek, konuyla alakasız olsa bile detayları öğrenmek bana keyif veriyor ve bunlardan bir sürü vardı bence. sonlara doğru da hafiften bi içine oturtuyor insanın ama keyfi de orada zaten.. okuyalım okutalım
January 28, 2025
It was a mistake to publish these two stories in one volume - or not, if you're a dedicated Makoto Shinkai fan and will buy anything *waves hand*. 5 Centimeters per Second is an adept and evocative rendition of the film, as one would expect since it was written by Shinkai. It was thoughtful, poignant, vivid as to setting. Children Who Chase Lost Voices was die cut cardboard and if I hadn't seen and loved the film I wouldn't have been able to stagger through to the end. 4 stars for the first, 2 stars for the second.
April 20, 2024
5 Centimeters Per Second was okay, to me, but Children Who Chase Lost Voices was great! The first story was slow and not what I'd been hoping, I'm just glad the second story made up for that with its adventure into another world.
May 6, 2024
It was alright to pass the time with but I don’t think they were my favourite of Shinkai’s stories. Particularly, the latter was a bit difficult to follow and confusing. Perhaps it’s because authored by someone other than Shinkai himself.
April 5, 2025
The five stars refers to 5 Centimeters per Second.
Going into this, I thought I would be disappointed by a novelization of one of my favorite movies: how could words match that? Though, of course, Makoto Shinkai never disapoints.
Going into this, I thought I would be disappointed by a novelization of one of my favorite movies: how could words match that? Though, of course, Makoto Shinkai never disapoints.
August 14, 2021
Novelizations can be hit or miss, but these are well worth a read and the films are well worth the watch.
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January 16, 2022idk
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2022
5CPS was a fantastic story 5/5 for that one , CWCLV was a good story but was a 4/5 for me, overall a great read for both stories.
May 23, 2022
overall 2.5 ⭐
5 centimetres per second ⭐⭐⭐
children who chase lost voices ⭐⭐
5 centimetres per second ⭐⭐⭐
children who chase lost voices ⭐⭐
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June 27, 2022DNF at 36%
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January 17, 2023REVIEW COMING SOON....
August 12, 2023
Both are worth a read.
March 9, 2024
A wonderful narration of depression, growing up and losing a love.
Sadly I wasn't totally happy with the ending of "5 cm per second"
Sadly I wasn't totally happy with the ending of "5 cm per second"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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