Children Who Chase Lost Voices

Asuna lives with a quiet ache, listening to strange music that leaks from a crystal radio her late father left behind. The sounds pull her toward secret places and unanswered questions. One day she is attacked by a fierce creature on her way home, only to be rescued by a mysterious boy called Shun. After he vanishes, Asuna decides to trace his path and seeks the truth behind the music by crossing into a mythic land called Agartha, accompanied by her patient mentor Morisaki. Along the way she meets strange beings, faces harsh realities, and discovers moments of fragile beauty that reveal how loss can reshape a person. The world she enters feels both fragile and inviting.

Directed by Makoto Shinkai, this 2011 anime feature marks another original screenplay from the creator rather than an adaptation. It was released in Japan by Toho, showcasing Shinkai's signature blend of lush landscapes and emotional depth, and it later reached international audiences through festival screenings, home video, and streaming.

Animation was handled by CoMix Wave Films, the studio behind many Shinkai projects. The film uses an original story with voice cast including Hisako Kanemoto as Asuna Watase and Miyu Irino as Shin/Shun, with visuals blending 2D art and CG to render Agartha. Lighting and color choices heighten the tone.

Critics welcomed the film for its calm pacing and emotional resonance, noting its exploration of memory, longing, and loss without melodrama. Viewers see how encounters with beauty and danger reshape a person and test bonds. The themes include isolation and connection with an introspective mood.

Among fans, Asuna and Morisaki are remembered as part of Shinkai’s cadre of travelers who cross thresholds between ordinary life and fantastical realms. Its lush visuals and memorable music have earned praise in fan circles, contributing to ongoing discussion around loss and resilience.