Suzume (Japanese: すずめの戸締まり, Suzume no Tojimari) is a 2022 Japanese animated coming-of-age fantasy adventure film written and directed by Makoto Shinkai. Following in the footsteps of Your Name and Weathering With You, this emotional road movie blends real-world tragedy with magical realism. It centers around a teenage girl named Suzume Iwato and a mysterious young man named Souta Munakata as they race to close supernatural doors across Japan that are unleashing chaos in the form of devastating earthquakes.
The film is both a gripping adventure and a tender reflection on grief, memory, and the scars left by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. Featuring music by Radwimps and Kazuma Jinnouchi, Suzume offers breathtaking visuals, stirring music, and heartfelt storytelling, solidifying Shinkai’s place as one of anime’s most influential contemporary filmmakers.
Suzume – Official Trailer
Key Questions About Suzume
What is Suzume About?
The story follows 17-year-old Suzume Iwato, a high school girl from Kyushu who becomes entangled in a supernatural mission after encountering a mysterious man named Souta. Together, they must seal magical doors across Japan that, if left open, allow a colossal worm-like force to escape—one that causes massive earthquakes. Along the way, Suzume confronts her past, mourns lost places, and revisits the trauma of her childhood during the 2011 disaster.
What Inspired Suzume?
Director Makoto Shinkai was inspired by his travels across Japan and his personal reflections on the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake. The story reflects a desire to remember and mourn spaces abandoned or destroyed over time. Shinkai wanted to address the earthquake not as a metaphor, as he did in past films, but head-on—sharing his emotional experiences with younger generations.
How Does Suzume Fit Into Shinkai’s Body of Work?
Suzume continues Shinkai’s exploration of youth, love, loss, and time. However, it moves away from romantic themes to focus more on familial bonds, trauma, and collective memory. It is also his most directly political and socially grounded work, examining real disasters through a fantastical lens.
Is Suzume Worth Watching?
Yes—Suzume is a breathtaking blend of magical realism and grounded emotional storytelling. While it has slightly fewer romantic elements than Shinkai’s previous films, it makes up for it with rich symbolism, visual splendor, and poignant reflections on grief and disaster. With strong performances from its voice cast, an epic musical score, and deeply resonant themes, Suzume is a cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
It’s especially impactful for viewers interested in stories about healing, growing up, and the bonds that connect people through shared loss and memory.
Suzume Watch Order
Standard Watch Guide:
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- Suzume (2022 Film)
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- Runtime: 122 minutes
- Director: Makoto Shinkai
- Studio: CoMix Wave Films
- First Premiered: November 7, 2022 (IMAX), Nationwide November 11, 2022
- Available on: Blu-ray, DVD, and various international streaming platforms (pending regional availability)
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- Suzume (2022 Film)
Optional Reads Before/After:
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- Suzume: The Novel – Written by Makoto Shinkai as a companion to the film.
- Suzume Manga – Illustrated by Denki Amashima, began publication before the film’s release.
Suzume – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Suzume Based on a True Story?
No, but it is heavily inspired by real events—particularly the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. Shinkai uses fantasy to process real trauma and collective memory.
What Is the Worm in Suzume?
The worm is a supernatural embodiment of destructive seismic energy. It escapes through magical doors left open in abandoned locations, and its appearance correlates with massive earthquakes across Japan.
Who Voices the Main Characters?
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- Suzume Iwato – Voiced by Nanoka Hara (JP), Nichole Sakura (EN)
- Souta Munakata – Voiced by Hokuto Matsumura (JP), Josh Keaton (EN)
- Supporting cast includes Eri Fukatsu, Kana Hanazawa, and Lena Josephine Marano.
How Much Did Suzume Earn?
Suzume grossed over $318 million worldwide, making it the fourth highest-grossing Japanese film of all time and the fourth highest-grossing film of 2022 in Japan.
Where Was the Music Recorded?
Parts of the soundtrack were recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London. The score was composed by Radwimps and Kazuma Jinnouchi, with vocals by TikTok artist Toaka.
Conclusion: A Story of Closure—In Every Sense
Suzume is more than a fantasy road trip—it is a film of remembrance. Through the act of physically and emotionally “closing doors,” Suzume heals not only herself but symbolically honors the loss experienced across a nation. Whether it’s her journey into the Ever-After or her confrontation with her childhood self, every moment is crafted to show the resilience of the human spirit in the face of grief.
By combining visual poetry with a grounded emotional core, Suzume succeeds in capturing something profoundly real through fantastical means. It may be about earthquakes and magic doors, but at its heart, it’s a story about moving forward—and remembering where we’ve been.
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