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The Garden of Words

Original title: Koto no ha no niwa
  • 2013
  • TV-14
  • 46m
IMDb RATING
7.4/10
57K
YOUR RATING
The Garden of Words (2013)
Trailer for The Garden of Words
Play trailer1:27
1 Video
86 Photos
Adult AnimationAnimeComing-of-AgeHand-Drawn AnimationIyashikeiSlice of LifeTeen DramaTeen RomanceAnimationDrama

On a rainy morning in Tokyo, 15-year-old Takao, an aspiring shoemaker, decides to skip class to sketch designs in a beautiful garden. This is where he meets Yukari, a beautiful yet mysteriou... Read allOn a rainy morning in Tokyo, 15-year-old Takao, an aspiring shoemaker, decides to skip class to sketch designs in a beautiful garden. This is where he meets Yukari, a beautiful yet mysterious woman. They strike an unlikely friendship.On a rainy morning in Tokyo, 15-year-old Takao, an aspiring shoemaker, decides to skip class to sketch designs in a beautiful garden. This is where he meets Yukari, a beautiful yet mysterious woman. They strike an unlikely friendship.

  • Director
    • Makoto Shinkai
  • Writer
    • Makoto Shinkai
  • Stars
    • Miyu Irino
    • Kana Hanazawa
    • Fumi Hirano
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.4/10
    57K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Makoto Shinkai
    • Writer
      • Makoto Shinkai
    • Stars
      • Miyu Irino
      • Kana Hanazawa
      • Fumi Hirano
    • 138User reviews
    • 45Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 2 wins & 2 nominations total

    Videos1

    The Garden of Words
    Trailer 1:27
    The Garden of Words

    Photos86

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    Top cast34

    Edit
    Miyu Irino
    Miyu Irino
    • Takao Akizuki
    • (voice)
    Kana Hanazawa
    Kana Hanazawa
    • Yukari Yukino
    • (voice)
    Fumi Hirano
    Fumi Hirano
    • Takao's Mother
    • (voice)
    Gou Maeda
    • Takao no ani
    • (voice)
    Takeshi Maeda
    • Takao's Brother
    • (voice)
    Yuka Terasaki
    • Takao's Brother's Girlfriend
    • (voice)
    Takanori Hoshino
    • Itou-sensei
    • (voice)
    Suguru Inoue
    • Matsumoto
    • (voice)
    Megumi Han
    Megumi Han
    • Satou
    • (voice)
    Mikako Komatsu
    • Aizawa
    • (voice)
    Yûki Hayashi
    • Moriyama
    • (voice)
    • (as Yuki Hayashi)
    Wataru Sekine
    • Young Takao
    • (voice)
    Risa Mizuno
      Hiroshi Shimozaki
        Kuniko Ishijima
          Taishi Murata
            Azusa Tadokoro
              Crash Buist
              Crash Buist
              • Takao's Brother
              • (English version)
              • (voice)
              • Director
                • Makoto Shinkai
              • Writer
                • Makoto Shinkai
              • All cast & crew
              • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

              User reviews138

              7.456.9K
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              Featured reviews

              8mhaqs

              Visually stunning with a good story

              I've seen most of Makoto Shinkai's anime. When I first saw 5cm per second, I was amazed at how well the emotions of the characters dwell in the environment around them.

              Garden of words is no exception. The refined use of environment and ambient effects (sound, music, weather etc) contribute greatly to the film's story. There isn't much to say about how Makoto does it and if you're going to like the style but give it a watch and you'll know.

              Overall, Garden of words is a really good piece of art. It's definitely filled with Makoto's signature style and a definite recommendation to watch.
              Kirpianuscus

              the rain

              ...was the basic fascinating aspect of film, for me. the plot is the second. and, as teacher, the feel to see a too familiar story about vulnerability, need of the other and dreams. I am only insignificant viewer of Japanese animation and its importance is result of the meeting with it after the fall of Romanian Comunist regime. so, I am not in measure to define schools, directors art or techniques. but this film is real admirable. for the manner to define characters. for the small pieces of story. for the feeling as air. and for a form of profound , delicate honesty.
              9nickrick66

              Lovely art and beautiful scenery and tone

              this movie has such a nice mellow story to it very true to life, it does motivate you and shows you how real life is , it is truly a beautiful film that i would love to see more of similar to 5 cm per second.

              i think this shows that a story can be told in the right ways no matter how long it takes, this shows determination to reach a goal that we need to gain in this tough world.

              I recommend this movie because the art is so beautiful and the soundtracks also, it truly is wonderful. This movie is a work of art. and this needs some awards.
              8cherold

              Shinkai's best film to date.

              I've always had mixed feelings about the works of Makoto Shinkai. Movies like 5 Centimeters per second are visually striking and evocative, but they are also essentially illustrated radio plays, where the story is told through words.

              Garden of Words, surprisingly, is a movie that lets the images speak. While there's still a fair amount of narration, much of the story is told through its gorgeous visuals.

              Thoughtful and touching, this movie proves I was right to keep watching Shinkai's films in spite of continual frustration and disappointment. I did it because I knew what he was trying for could work beautifully if he just learned to allow silence, and now he has. I hope this is a sign that he has matured into the animator I always hoped he'd be.
              10hillaryishere

              Absolutely stunning.

              I have no words that can describe how in love I am with this movie. I stumbled upon it randomly, thought the art looked lovely, and decided to give it a view. I'm so glad I did. The artwork and animation is just breathtaking. The landscapes and city scenes are almost photo realistic, attention being given to the tiniest of details. I would consider it on par with Studio Ghibli at least. I consider myself very critical when it comes to animations, and it takes a lot to really wow me, but this took the cake. I came with no expectations, and left wondering why this movie isn't more widespread and the need to tell everyone I know to watch it. Though the film is only 46 minutes long, it feels like a feature length film. I was captivated for every second of it, and will be watching it many times in the future.

              Too long, didn't read? Watch this movie.

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              Storyline

              Edit

              Did you know

              Edit
              • Trivia
                According to Makoto Shinkai, the film's central theme is loneliness. This was inspired by the Man'yoshu, Japan's oldest collection of poems; in that volume, love was represented by the word "koi", or "lonely sadness"; more accurately, a longing for someone in solitude. Shinkai described the film as a love story towards people who feel lonely or incomplete in their social relations, but who don't feel that they need to fix this loneliness.
              • Goofs
                During the last scene after the credits, especially 45:35, there are no footprints from outside towards the sunshade.
              • Quotes

                Takao Akizuki: A faint clap of thunder / Even if rain comes or not / I will stay here / Together with you.

              • Crazy credits
                There is a final scene after the credits.
              • Connections
                Featured in MsMojo: Top 10 Most Beautiful Animated Movies (2022)
              • Soundtracks
                Rain
                Lyrics and Music by Senri Ôe

                Performed by Motohiro Hata

                Arrangement: Makoto Minagawa & Akifumi Tada

                © 1988 by Sony Music Artists Inc.

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              FAQ19

              • How long is The Garden of Words?Powered by Alexa
              • Is there a manga adaptation?

              Details

              Edit
              • Release date
                • May 31, 2013 (Japan)
              • Country of origin
                • Japan
              • Official site
                • Official site (Japan)
              • Languages
                • Japanese
                • English
              • Also known as
                • Khu Vườn Ngôn Từ
              • Production companies
                • CoMix Wave
                • Nova Media
              • See more company credits at IMDbPro

              Box office

              Edit
              • Gross worldwide
                • $850,609
              See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

              Tech specs

              Edit
              • Runtime
                46 minutes
              • Color
                • Color
              • Sound mix
                • Dolby Digital
              • Aspect ratio
                • 1.85 : 1

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