by Rory J. Bolivar and Robespierre L. Bolivar
This book review was published in The Manila Standard online's Lifestyle Section on July 03, 2021 (read here) and in the print edition of the Sunday Life Section on July 04, 2021 (photo at the end of the article).
Makoto Shinkai is arguably the preeminent anime creator of the last decade, with massive international box office hits like “Kimi no Na wa” (Your Name) and “Tenki no Ko” (Weathering with You) under his belt. Through his stunning visuals and distinctive brand of storytelling, he has captured our imaginations and rekindled our childlike sense of wonder. In 2016, Variety magazine called him “the next Miyazaki”, comparing him to the legendary animator – and co-founder of Studio Ghibli – behind the classics “Howl’s Moving Castle”, “My Neighbor Totoro” and the Academy Award-winning “Spirited Away”.
“5 Centimeters per Second” is both an award-winning film and best-selling novel (English language version published in 2021, Yen Press). It is one of Shinkai-san’s earliest works and the Japanese novelization of the movie is, in fact, the first novel he has written. Since it does not delve into the magical realism for which his later works are known, there are no jaw-dropping twists nor characters with paranormal abilities.
It is a pure and straightforward, if melancholic, tale about the unbreakable ties that bind us. This narrative purity, devoid of any artifice or fantastical plot points which have become literary fashion in recent years, is where it draws its considerable emotional power.
Through its companion novel “5 Centimeters per Second one more side” (2019, VERTICAL), he offers readers a rare experience. While either book already delivers a satisfying read, both books taken together present a unique nuance: a story of memorable childhood romances told in two distinct voices.
At its core, “5 Centimeters per Second one more side” is about the things we regret leaving unsaid. The novel reminds us that language, despite its inherent limitations, can bridge the distance between people.
Both books are divided into three similarly-titled parts, corresponding to significant periods in a person’s life. “On Cherry Blossoms” represents the wide-eyed wonder of childhood, symbolized by the blossoming of Sakura trees. “Cosmonaut” signifies the spirit of adventure in our awkward and tentative adolescent years. And the eponymous third part, “5 Centimeters per Second”, uses the rate at which a Sakura petal falls to the ground as a metaphor for how our adult life settles into a more predictable but comforting pattern.
Makoto Shinkai’s experiment on storytelling technique succeeds in drawing us in and heightening our emotional investment in the characters’ journeys. While he could have chosen to tell Akari, Kanae, and Takaki’s whole story in one book, with chapters alternating between the two points of view, separating them into two novels affords us a deeper appreciation of each character’s thoughts and internal struggles.
Written as if they were meant to be storyboards, the books offer an illuminating look into film-making and of how an award-winning story-teller like Makoto Shinkai creates the exquisite and stunning visuals for which he is celebrated.
In “5 Centimeters per Second one more side” especially, Shinkai-san proves himself a master of discovering the magic in everyday life. A considerable part of the story is told through introspection rather than dialogue and the novel beautifully mimics the way we process our thoughts, emotions, and memories. The narrative structure seamlessly shifts in style from streams of consciousness to almost telegraphic one-sentence musings.
Akari, Kanae, and Takaki are sympathetic and relatable. Their individual stories are a testament to Shinkai-san’s ability to tug at our heartstrings while provoking us to think deeply about life.
At its core, “5 Centimeters per Second one more side” is about the things we regret leaving unsaid. The novel reminds us that language, despite its inherent limitations, can bridge the distance between people.
In our social media-infused world, we find ourselves in a rush to post new photos or the latest memes and jokes. Despite our extensive online networks, the flood of information that inundate us make it difficult to truly connect with people. The ease at which we can exchange messages these days has ironically engendered by-products such as haste and emotional detachment. The ubiquitous “like” button has oftentimes replaced words as a staple of our interaction.
Stories like “5 Centimeters per Second one more side” remind us that our words, if used properly and to full effect, have the power to enlighten, gladden, and comfort. The right words spoken at the right time could spell the difference in someone’s life.
In this era when our ability to meet up in person is hampered, social media has become the go-to venue for much-needed human contact. This technology is a boon to our lockdown-weary lives. So instead of just scrolling through newsfeeds and exchanging perfunctory messages, perhaps we can maximize every opportunity that social media offers and have more meaningful, if virtual, conversations until we are able to enjoy each other’s company again.
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The front page of The Manila Standard's Sunday Life section print edition published on July 04, 2021.