It has been ten years since A Silent Voice (映画『聲の形』), the anime film adapted from Yoshitoki Oima‘s manga, opened in Japanese theaters in 2016. Despite launching in just 120 cinemas, the film became a word-of-mouth phenomenon, ultimately grossing 2.3 billion yen in a remarkable long run.

To celebrate the milestone, members of the voice cast and aiko — the artist behind the theme song 「恋をしたのは」 — have shared anniversary messages. Each also reflected on what they would tell their past selves from ten years ago. Starting October 30, the film will return to theaters, including its first-ever screening in Dolby Cinema format.

Messages from the Cast and Artist

Yui Ishikawa (Miyoko Sahara)

Ishikawa described A Silent Voice as a work that “gently places a hand on the back of someone too afraid to take a step forward,” and said its power has not faded in ten years. To her past self, she would say: “You’re happy now. Things have worked out somehow, so it’s okay.” She added with a laugh that ten years fly by terrifyingly fast.

Toshiyuki Toyonaga (Satoshi Mashiba)

Toyonaga said the film keeps reminding him of the importance of genuinely trying to understand others. He would tell his younger self, “You’re fine just as you are,” noting that all the confusion and indecision of that era ultimately led him to where he is today.

Megumi Han (Miki Kawai)

Han expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the anniversary and invited audiences to come to theaters to receive the emotions the film carries — feelings that go beyond what can be neatly categorized. She hopes viewers will leave the cinema feeling as though the metaphorical X-marks in their hearts have begun to peel away.

Aoi Yuuki (Yuzuru Nishimiya)

Yuuki said A Silent Voice remains deeply embedded in her heart. She reflected that “people are always making mistakes, suffering, and struggling — but that’s because they desperately want to find a better tomorrow,” a truth she feels is as relevant now as it was a decade ago. To her past self, she would say that current worries will be resolved, but new ones will take their place — and that’s all right.

Yuki Kaneko (Naoka Ueno)

Kaneko said she is still surprised that ten years have passed, and that many people around her still name this as their favorite film. She is proud to have been part of such a lasting work and encouraged new viewers to discover which character they connect with most.

Kensho Ono (Tomohiro Nagatsuka)

Ono said Nagatsuka remains one of the most memorable roles of his career, and that he is looking forward to experiencing the film again in Dolby Cinema. His message to his younger self: “It’ll work out somehow,” along with advice not to worry too much about the future — and to take care of his health.

Mayu Matsuoka (Young Shoya Ishida)

Matsuoka opened by thanking Oima, director Naoko Yamada, and everyone involved in making the film, saying it still supports her to this day. She recalled that she had initially considered turning down the role out of self-doubt, but Yamada spoke with her directly and gave her the resolve to accept. Her message to her past self: go see a vocal coach right away — because ten years later, a major challenge involving 33 performances will be waiting.

aiko (Theme Song Artist)

aiko recalled crying so hard while reading the manga that turning the pages felt painful. When she was chosen to perform the theme song, she was so overwhelmed she could barely believe it. She said that every time she sings 「恋をしたのは」, the first image that comes to mind is Shoya and Shoko smiling, and she always sings it as if sending the song directly to them. For her message to her past self, she quoted her own lyrics: “今も昔もずっと同じままだよ (I’m still the same, now and back then)” — a line she feels she wrote, without realizing it, as a message to her future self.

Returning to Theaters in Dolby Cinema

A Silent Voice will return to Japanese cinemas from October 30, with the landmark addition of a Dolby Cinema version — a first for the film. Both longtime fans and first-time viewers will have the chance to experience the story on the big screen with premium picture and sound quality.