GAZING AT THE STAR NEXT DOOR (aka STELLA NEXT TO ME) Press Notes and Images From Toho

Official Site: https://stella-eiga.jp/ (Japan)

Toho has provided press notes and photos for their live-action adaptation of the shojo manga Gazing at the Star Next Door (隣のステラ, Tonari no Sutera), which is now playing in Japanese cinemas. The film is being marketed in Japan as STELLA NEXT TO ME and internationally as GAZING AT THE STAR NEXT DOOR.

Introduction

The original work is the wildly popular manga Gazing at the Star Next Door by Ammitsu, currently serialized in Kodansha's Bessatsu Friend (別冊フレンド, Bessatsu Furendo), depicting the “close yet distant love” between two childhood friends who find themselves in the frustrating relationship of “a celebrity and an ordinary person.”

Chiaki Amano, the high school girl with a crush on her childhood friend, is portrayed by Riko Fukumoto, an award-winning rising star known for EVEN IF THIS LOVE DISAPPEARS FROM THE WORLD TONIGHT (今夜、世界からこの恋が消えても, Konya, Sekai kara kono Koi ga Kietemo, 2022), A GIRL & HER GUARD DOG (お嬢と番犬くん, Ojō to Banken-kun, 2025) and TRILLION GAME THE MOVIE (劇場版『トリリオンゲーム』, Gekijō-ban “Toririon Gēmu”, 2025). She recently co-hosted the opening of the attraction, "Godzilla The Ride: Great Clash" ( ゴジラ・ザ・ライドグレートクラッシュ, Gojira za Raido Gurēto Kurasshu), at Seibuen Amusement Park.

Chiaki's childhood friend, Subaru Hiiragi, who has begun his journey toward stardom as a popular young actor, is played by Yusei Yagi, vocalist of the nationally renowned dance & vocal group FANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE and an actor making remarkable strides with his roles in ICHIKEI’S CROW (イチケイのカラス, Ichikei no Karasu, 2023) and MR. YANO'S ORDINARY DAYS (矢野くんの普通の日々, Yano-kun no Futsu no Hibi, 2024).

Joining them is a cast bursting with fresh charm and unique personalities, including Yuki Kura (6 LYING UNIVERSITY STUDENTS), Mayu Yokota (RE/MEMBER), Sho Nishigaki (6 LYING UNIVERSITY STUDENTS), and Ririka Tanabe (DROP). Directing is Hana Matsumoto, who made her feature directorial debut in her teens and continues to showcase her youthful talent across diverse works such as the film THE END OF THE PALE HOUR (明け方の若者たち, Akegata no Wakamonotachi, 2021) and the televiison drama OSHI NO KO (推しの子, 2024). The theme song is “Always by Your Side” by FANTASTICS.

My childhood friend is now a popular celebrity. I know he's out of reach now...

A heart-fluttering, bittersweet story—this summer's freshest youth romance!

Story

Childhood friends Chiaki and Subaru live next door to each other. Once the closest of friends, Subaru was scouted and suddenly became a rising star as a young model and actor. Chiaki, who had secretly loved Subaru since childhood, hid her feelings, conscious of the gap between a popular celebrity and an ordinary high school girl.

But her feelings overflowed, and she finally confessed. But Subaru tells her, “I only see you as a friend,” and her heart is shattered. She resolves to support Subaru purely as a life-long friend, but her feelings for him won't fade easily...

This is Chiaki's love story, keeping her feelings hidden for Subaru—so close, yet so far.

Where will it lead?

Details

Release Date: Friday, August 22, 2025 (Japan)
Release Information: Nationwide Roadshow

CAST
Chiaki Amano: Riko Fukumoto
Subaru Hiiragi: Yusei Yagi
Yuki Kura
Mayu Yokota
Sho Nishigaki
Ririka Tanabe
Misa Shimizu
Tomu Miyazaki
Mahiru Konno
Maho Nonami
Kenta Hamano

STAFF
Original Work: Gazing at the Star Next Door by Ammitsu (Serialized in Kodansha's Bessatsu Friend)
Director: Hana Matsumoto
Screenplay: Sawako Kawamitsu
Music: Masaya Kitada
Theme Song: “Always By Your Side” by FANTASTICS (rhythm zone)

Production: Office Crescendo
Distributor (Japan): Toho

About Toho

Toho Company, Limited, is a Japanese entertainment studio focused on the development, production, exhibition, and distribution of powerful content for motion pictures, television and theater. Founded in 1932, it remains a prominent force in bringing brands and original storytelling with versatile talents to audiences worldwide. Its subsidiaries include Toho Cinemas, the highest grossing exhibition company in Japan. To learn more, visit toho.co.jp/en.