By the End of the Day (2026)

By the End of the Day (2026) is an upcoming Japanese drama film directed by Takahiro Miki, with a screenplay by Rirou Honda. The movie is adapted from the novel of the same name by Amne Nagatsuki and stars Mion Hamabe and Ren Meguro in leading roles. It serves as a poignant exploration of life, death, and human connection through the lens of funeral services.

The narrative follows Shimizu Miku, a young woman who struggles to find her place in society during her job hunting phase. She possesses a secret ability to hear the voices of the deceased, which leads to a fateful encounter with Urushihara Rei, a seasoned funeral planner. Recognizing her unique gift, Rei invites Miku to intern at the Bandou Funeral Home, where she learns the solemn responsibilities of guiding families through their grief while confronting her own past and potential.

As Miku and Rei work together, they face various bereaved families dealing with profound loss, including couples who have lost children or spouses. Through these interactions, Miku grows under Rei's strict but sincere guidance, eventually aspiring to become a funeral planner herself. The story delves into the emotional complexities of saying goodbye, culminating in revelations about Rei’s hidden history that test the trust between the two protagonists.

• The film is produced by Toho and began principal photography in February 2025, concluding in March 2025.
• It marks the first major big-screen adaptation of Amne Nagatsuki's popular novel series.
• Mion Hamabe and Ren Meguro, both prominent figures in contemporary Japanese cinema, deliver lead performances that highlight the film's emotional depth.
• The screenplay was supervised by Keiwa Okada, known for his sensitive handling of family dramas, ensuring fidelity to the source material's tone.
• Upon its release, the film aims to address themes of mental health and societal pressure on young job seekers within the context of end-of-life care.