Netflix’s ‘Drawing Closer’ Teaser Offers a Glimpse into Heartfelt Japanese Romance

The novel, titled “Yomei Ichinen to Senkoku Sareta Boku ga, Yomei Hantoshi no Kimi to Deatta Hanashi” or “The story of how I, who was told I only had one year to live, met you, who only had half a year,” gained popularity on a self-publishing platform before being picked up by Poplar Publishing. Since then, the book series has sold over 450,000 copies and has become a viral sensation on social media.

The film follows the intertwined lives of Akito Hayasaka and Haruna Sakurai. Ren Nagase, in his first Netflix role, portrays Akito, a young man who has lost hope after a terminal diagnosis, until he meets Haruna, played by Natsuki Deguchi, who becomes his beacon of hope.

The teaser, directed by Takahiro Miki, beautifully captures the fleeting moments of joy between Akito and Haruna. Their smiles serve as a touching reminder to cherish the present moment. Tomoko Yoshida, known for “Let Me Eat Your Pancreas,” pens the screenplay, delicately exploring young love and life’s transient nature.

Seiji Kameda, who previously worked with Miki on “Even If This Love Disappears from the World Tonight,” composed the film’s emotional soundtrack. The teaser trailer features the song “Wakamono No Subete” by Fujifabric, perfectly capturing the essence of this bittersweet romance.

Ren Nagase expressed his thoughts on the completed film, saying, “I took on this role because I had never been in a classic love story like this. Looking back, I believe the film is filled with kindness. The songs in the film and the music by Kameda are wonderful. The final scene moved me to tears.”