Is Whereabouts of Tomorrow: Ashita no Arika Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2025)

📖 The Core Premise

Whereabouts of Tomorrow: Ashita no Arika returns to the screen in 2025, bringing a fresh narrative to the Animation genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "In 2021, Asumi, a salesperson at Kobe Steel, was having a difficult time finding meaning in her job while she felt helpless in the face of the company’s numerous issues. Just as Asumi was about to tell her boss that she wanted to quit, a mystical ray of light came out of a corporate history book and led her to Kobe in 1905. There she encountered visionary, high-spirited people from Kobe Steel's founding period. Torasuke was among them; he was a clumsy but enthusiastic young man from the Meiji era who dreamed big and believed in the potential of industrial development. Guided by the Kobelco Group's history, two persons from different eras set out on a journey across time, from its beginning to the present. They witness people get through tough times and continue to take on challenges with hope for a better future. After coming into contact with the founders’ spirits, they each choose their own path for the future."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Whereabouts of Tomorrow: Ashita no Arika, Nao delivers a performance that anchors the emotional weight of the film. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Animation. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Whereabouts of Tomorrow: Ashita no Arika worth your time? If you appreciate Animation films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 2025, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Whereabouts of Tomorrow: Ashita no Arika is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 54 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.