In cooperation with the Japanese Cultural Institute Cologne (The Japan Foundation) and the Japanese-German Centre Berlin, we are showing you "The Place Promised in Our Early Days" by the exceptional director Makoto Shinkai, who became known worldwide for "Your Name." and "Weathering With You", among others. (Image: © Makoto Shinkai / CoMix Wave Films)
In a fictional parallel world, Japan is divided between the Japanese Union and the United States after the Second World War. Friends Hiroki, Takuya and Sayuri are captivated by a mysterious giant tower on the other side of the border. They make a promise to each other: they will build an aeroplane and fly it across the border to uncover the secret of the tower. When young Sayuri disappears without a trace, the childhood friends' plan dies. Years later, a divided Japan is once again on the brink of war - and Hiroki finds Sayuri, who has been in a coma since her disappearance. Hiroki forges a plan to free his friend. Little does he know that Sayuri's coma is linked to the mysterious tower. Sayuri becomes the key that can open the door to world peace. Hailed by critics around the world as the new MIYAZAKI, director Makoto SHINKAI shines with his first feature film, a masterpiece about growing up, giving up ideals, the power of friendship and the pain of war.