About Ride Your Wave (Japanese Audio)

Ride Your Wave is a heartwarming and breathtakingly-visualized animated film directed by Masaaki Yuasa. Released in 2019, the movie beautifully illustrates the story of a passionate surfer named Hinako and a firefighter named Minato who fall in love. However, their blissful life takes a tragic turn when Minato drowns while rescuing a swimmer. Devasted by his loss, Hinako starts seeing Minato in water whenever she sings their favorite song, leading to a journey full of emotions, self-discovery, and an exploration of grief and loss.

Making / Production

Production of Ride Your Wave was led by Science SARU, a Tokyo-based animation studio. The impeccable art direction and screenplay were managed by Masaaki Yuasa and Reiko Yoshida respectively. Yuasa’s direction and empathetic storytelling, along with vivid animations, provide both a visual treat and an immersive narrative experience for the audience.

Actors

• Ryôta Katayose as Minato Hinageshi: A dedicated firefighter, Minato’s character is the backbone of this story. His tragic demise serves as the central plot of the movie. Katayose’s voice acting beautifully captures Minato’s charm and devotion.
• Rina Kawaei as Hinako Mukaimizu: As the movie’s protagonist, Kawaei had the challenging role of portraying a character dealing with loss and longing. Her performance effectively brings out Hinako’s strength and vulnerability.
• Honoka Matsumoto as Yōko Hinageshi: Portraying Minato’s sister Yōko, Matsumoto successfully injects a dose of realism and sibling love in the emotionally charged movie.
• Kentaro Ito as Wasabi Kawamura: Ito lends voice to the character Wasabi, who plays the role of Minato's best friend and coworker.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Ride Your Wave was Blitz Ambassador's first animated movie score.
• The movie had a limited theatrical release in North America by GKIDS.
• Ride Your Wave was Masaaki Yuasa’s third directorial venture in less than two years.

Quotes

• "I thought that if I died, I wanted it to be in the sea"
• "I'm in the water whenever I can be."
• "Even if we’re apart, we’re together."

Music, Soundtrack

• "Brand New Story" by Generations from Exile Tribe: This uplifting track served as theme song of the movie. Its beats perfectly encapsulate the thrilling surfing scenes.
• "Koi no Uta feat. Hiroko(THE BOOM)" by Taisei Iwasaki: This soft melody plays a pivotal role in the movie bringing Hinako and Minato together.