is a Japanese light novel written by Kaori Mado and illustrated by Akamoku. The novel was originally serialized online on the Note website from August 4 to October 27, 2025. It was later acquired by Shogakukan, who released it in print under its Gagaga Bunko imprint on December 18 of the same year. A manga adaptation illustrated by Yomiya Ririura began serialization on Shogakukan's Sunday Webry service in March 2026 and has been compiled into a single volume as of July 2026. An anime film adaptation produced by Shin-Ei Animation and animated by SynergySP and The Answer Studio premiered in Japan in July 2026.
Plot Makoto Natsume, a first-year junior high school student in Chōfu, Tokyo, is suddenly confessed to by a fellow freshman named Aki Hayama. Aki told him that her grandmother once told her about meeting a boy named Makoto Natsume in the future. Having never met before, Makoto is convinced that Aki is mistaken. When Aki brings up a painting of a fireworks, Makoto decides to help her find the Makoto Natsume she is looking for. The following year, the two head to Nagaoka, Niigata, to attend the city's famed fireworks festival, suspecting that the painting is linked to it.
Characters
Media Light novel
Manga A manga adaptation illustrated by Yomiya Ririura began serialization on Shogakukan's Sunday Webry service on March 26, 2026. The first volume was released on July 10, 2026.
Anime film An anime film adaptation was announced on January 25, 2026. Produced and planned by Shin-Ei Animation, the film is animated by SynergySP and The Answer Studio and directed by Kei Suzuki, from a screenplay written by Kōhei Mori, characters designed by Yūji Watanabe, and music composed by Arisa Okehazama. It was released in Japan by Shochiku and Shin-Ei Animation on July 17, 2026. The theme song is performed by Timelesz.
Reception Writing for Bookstand, Yayoi Saginomiya praised the novel, stating that while the novel had a light-hearted feel typical of light novels, it also leaves the reader deep feelings, given the connection between the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival and World War II. The novel was included in a list by Real Sound of the best upcoming light novels to be released in December 2025.
The anime film adaptation received poor reviews. A two-star review in The Japan Times described it as a low-rent version of Your Name.
References
External links Manga official website at Sunday Webry Anime film official website