Given

In the poignant world of 'Given,' viewers are introduced to the introspective character of Mafuyu Satou, voiced by Shogo Yano. As he steps out of the shadows of his dark apartment, clutching his beloved Gibson guitar, it's clear that Mafuyu is on the brink of a transformative journey. This opening scene marks the beginning of his high school life, where his struggle with loneliness and the weight of his past is palpable. His encounter with music serves as both an escape and a lifeline, hinting at the deeper emotional undercurrents that will unfold throughout the film.

Everything changes for Mafuyu when he takes an impromptu nap on the gym staircase, leading to a fateful meeting with Ritsuka Uenoyama, brought to life by the talented voice of Yuma Uchida. Uenoyama's initial reaction is one of annoyance as he chastises Mafuyu for neglecting his guitar, which has rusted strings that threaten to break. This moment is pivotal; it showcases not just Uenoyama's expertise with the instrument but also sets the stage for a budding friendship that is central to the narrative. Recognizing the potential within Mafuyu, Uenoyama reluctantly agrees to help, igniting a spark of hope in Mafuyu's otherwise muted existence.

As the story unfolds, Uenoyama invites Mafuyu to join a jam session with his bandmates, bassist Haruki Nakayama and drummer Akihiko Kaji, leading to a series of emotional revelations and musical exploration. This immersive experience in music provides Mafuyu with the opportunity to confront his inner turmoil while forming meaningful connections with others. As the boys navigate their personal struggles, the film beautifully interweaves themes of love, loss, and the healing power of music, making 'Given' a touching and resonant story that resonates with a wide audience.

Full Cast of Given

Shogo Yano delivers a compelling and emotionally resonant performance as Mafuyu Satou in the anime series "Given." His voice work beautifully captures the complexities of Mafuyu's character—a quiet, reserved teenager who is grappling with unresolved grief and a burgeoning sense of identity. Yano's portrayal is nuanced, conveying Mafuyu's subtle shifts in emotion with a delicate touch that ranges from his hesitant, soft-spoken interactions to the raw intensity of his musical performances. As Mafuyu slowly opens up and begins to express himself through music, Yano's voice acting allows audiences to feel the character's cathartic journey and the poignancy of his growth. His performance is a standout feature of the show, infusing Mafuyu with a vulnerability and depth that makes the character both relatable and deeply memorable. Yano's vocal nuances, paired with the series' evocative soundtrack, contribute significantly to the emotional core of "Given," making Mafuyu's story one that resonates long after the final notes have been played.

Yuma Uchida delivers a compelling and emotionally resonant performance as Ritsuka Uenoyama in the anime television series "Given." Uenoyama is a guitarist whose passion for music is rekindled when he encounters the introverted violinist, Mafuyu Sato. Uchida's voice acting beautifully captures the nuances of Uenoyama's character, from his initial apathy and disinterest to his gradual transformation as he opens up and connects with Mafuyu on a deeper level. Uchida's portrayal is marked by a raw vulnerability that makes Uenoyama's journey relatable and poignant, as he navigates complex emotions and the challenges of adolescence. His interactions with the other characters, particularly the protagonist Mafuyu, are laced with a mix of affection, frustration, and camaraderie that Uchida conveys with authenticity and depth. Uchida's performance is a testament to his ability to breathe life into characters, making Uenoyama not just a voice on screen but a fully realized individual whose growth and relationships captivate the audience. Through his nuanced delivery, Yuma Uchida contributes significantly to the emotional landscape of "Given," making Uenoyama's story one that resonates long after the final notes of the series have played.

Masatomo Nakazawa delivers a poignant and emotionally resonant performance as Haruki Nakayama in the television anime series 'Given.' As the mature and stoic member of the band, Nakazawa's voice work brings a sense of stability and wisdom to the group dynamic, effectively conveying Haruki's internal struggle between his responsibilities and his own desires. His performance is nuanced, capturing the subtleties of Haruki's character with a depth that allows viewers to empathize with his quiet yearning for a life beyond the expectations placed upon him. Nakazawa's interactions with the other characters, particularly his bandmates, are filled with a warm camaraderie that underscores the themes of found family and personal growth that are central to 'Given.' His vocal inflections and timing add layers to the character, making Haruki a relatable and endearing presence throughout the series. Nakazawa's portrayal is a testament to his skill as a voice actor, as he breathes life into Haruki, making him a memorable and standout character in the anime.

Takuya Eguchi's portrayal of Akihiko Kaji in the anime series 'Given' is a masterclass in voice acting, capturing the nuanced emotional journey of the character with a depth that resonates with viewers. As the older, more experienced member of the band Given, Akihiko is a complex individual, carrying the weight of past trauma and unresolved feelings. Eguchi's voice work imbues Akihiko with a compelling blend of maturity and vulnerability, seamlessly transitioning between the cool, detached facade he presents to the world and the raw, heartfelt moments shared with his bandmates and love interest, Uenoyama. His performance is characterized by a rich timbre that conveys Akihiko's internal struggle and gradual emotional awakening, making the character's development both believable and deeply moving. Eguchi's nuanced delivery of dialogue, filled with subtle inflections and pregnant pauses, adds layers to the character, allowing viewers to feel the intensity of Akihiko's passion, both for his music and for the people he cares about. Through Eguchi's adept vocal skills, Akihiko Kaji emerges as a memorable and multifaceted character, making his portrayal one of the standout performances in 'Given'.

Fumiya Imai delivers a compelling and emotionally resonant performance as Hiiragi Kashima in the television anime adaptation of 'Given.' As the vocalist of the eponymous band, Kashima is a character brimming with charisma and underlying complexity, and Imai captures this duality with finesse. His voice acting exquisitely conveys Kashima's energetic and outgoing exterior, which often masks his deeper insecurities and longing for genuine connection. Imai's nuanced portrayal shines in the tender moments where Kashima's guard drops, revealing the character's vulnerability and his struggle with unrequited love. The emotional depth Imai brings to the role is particularly evident in the pivotal scenes where Kashima's sorrowful reflections and poignant interactions with other characters unfold, endearing him to the audience and adding a layer of heartfelt sincerity to the narrative. Through Imai's performance, Hiiragi Kashima emerges as a relatable and endearing character whose journey of self-discovery and emotional growth is one of the highlights of the 'Given' series.

Crew of Given