What Is Mirai About?
The premise of Mirai in 260 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a quiet suburban neighborhood of Yokohama, a modest house is built around a towering tree that seems to watch over the family living within its branches. The everyday rhythm of play, school runs, and quiet evenings is gently disturbed when a new member arrives: a baby sister whose name means “future.” The arrival brings a wave of attention that shifts the household’s focus, leaving the elder child to wrestle with feelings of displacement and curiosity about his changing role.
Kun, a bright‑spirit four‑year‑old, becomes the emotional core of the story. He navigates the bewildering mix of love and rivalry that a newborn often sparks, while his loyal dog, Yukko, provides a touchstone of comfort and wonder. As he grapples with jealousy and yearning for his parents’ affection, the house’s unique tree begins to reveal its quiet magic, opening fleeting windows to moments beyond the present. Through these glimpses, Kun encounters relatives at different stages of their lives, from a youthful mother to a teenage sister, each encounter offering a subtle lesson about the threads that bind a family together.
The film’s tone balances gentle humor with a poetic sense of wonder, inviting viewers into a world where the ordinary and the fantastical coexist seamlessly. The animation style captures the soft glow of domestic life while allowing the tree’s secret pathways to blossom into vivid, dream‑like sequences. Within this richly textured setting, Kun embarks on an internal journey of empathy and self‑discovery, hinting at the deeper connections that shape our identities without revealing the specific paths his adventure will take.
What Happens in Mirai?
The complete story of Mirai, from the first scene to the last, in 687 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 2 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Kun, a spirited 4-year-old boy, is the cherished son of an executive mother and an architect father. They reside in a unique stepped house located in Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, designed by Kun’s father around a grand tree. Kun enjoys delightful days filled with play alongside his pet dog, Yukko, and immersing himself in his colorful toy train sets. However, the arrival of his baby sister, Mirai, whose name translates to “future,” brings about a shift in dynamics. Initially, Kun welcomes her, but as time progresses, jealousy takes root as all the parental attention shifts to the newborn, leaving him to act out, particularly as his father, now working remotely, becomes preoccupied with his job.
One day, after a particular outburst, Kun retreats to the garden and encounters a peculiar man who claims to be the “prince” of the house. This man lamenting about losing everyone’s focus upon Kun’s arrival soon reveals himself to be none other than Yukko transformed into a human. Kun, intrigued and playful, finds a tail resembling Yukko’s on this stranger. Upon placing it on himself, a magical transformation occurs, turning him into a dog.
During Hinamatsuri (Girls Day), the family partakes in a special tradition by displaying traditional dolls to wish for Mirai’s happiness. However, as days pass and the dolls remain up post-holiday due to his father’s oversight, Kun’s frustration boils over again, leading him back to the garden. This time, he encounters a teenage girl who identifies herself as Mirai from the future. Kun recognizes her by a distinct birthmark on her hand. She reveals that her presence in the past is urgent; for every day the dolls linger, a year is added before she can wed. With the help of Future Mirai and the anthropomorphized Yukko, Kun assists in putting the dolls away.
In the garden once more, Kun’s journey transcends time as he is whisked back to snapshots of the past. He encounters a young version of his mother, who is grappling with her own childhood frustrations. Recognizing her from family photos, Kun sympathizes with her struggles, especially when he witnesses her messages to her grandmother regarding a desired pet cat. Although Kun returns to his own time with newfound understanding of his mother, his complaints persist.
One day, Kun leaves a note asking for a bicycle and is overjoyed when he receives one with training wheels. However, yearning to ride like the older kids, he struggles to maintain balance. His quest for mastery takes him back to the magical garden, catapulting him into a workshop in rural Japan, where he meets a young man with a wounded leg—his great-grandfather. This encounter culminates in a thrilling ride that instills confidence and knowledge in Kun, allowing him to eventually ride his bike independently. The revelation of his great-grandfather’s identity after returning to the present adds another layer to Kun’s understanding of family history.
As the family plans a day trip, Kun’s irritation re-emerges regarding his clothing. During this escapade into the garden, he discovers a train station, where an older young man warns him against boarding a train. Disregarding the advice, Kun finds himself at Tokyo Station, overwhelmed and lost. A kind attendant offers assistance, but Kun realizes he cannot even recall his parents’ names. The atmosphere intensifies when the attendant mentions a bullet train leading to “Lonely Land,” which symbolizes despair; however, when he spots baby Mirai ready to board the train, he instinctively rescues her, finally acknowledging his role as her older brother.
In a breathtaking turn, Future Mirai arrives to transport Kun home, soaring through the air and landing in the family tree. Here, he witnesses moments from their past—his father’s childhood struggles, Yukko’s choice to become a pet, his mother’s lost fascination with cats, and the impact of World War II on his great-grandfather. He is then confronted with glimpses of the future, where he recognizes the older man at the station as a vision of his future self.
Back in the present, having gained profound insights and empathy, Kun is now ready to join his family on their adventure, embracing the bonds that connect them all.
Mirai Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Kun's Happy Beginnings” to “Joining Family Adventures”. 10 events name a place, across 5 locations.
- 1
Kun's Happy Beginnings
Kun, a lively 4-year-old, enjoys a joyful life with his architect father and executive mother in a uniquely designed stepped house. He spends his days playing with his pet dog Yukko and engaging in imaginative adventures with his toy train sets.
Where:Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama
- 2
Arrival of Baby Sister Mirai
The peaceful dynamic of Kun's life changes with the arrival of his baby sister, Mirai. Initially excited, Kun soon feels neglected as parental attention shifts to the newborn, leading to feelings of jealousy.
- 3
A Frustrated Outburst
After a particularly frustrating day, Kun has an outburst and retreats to the garden for some solitude. There, he meets a mysterious man who claims to be the ‘prince’ of the house, soon revealing himself to be Yukko transformed into a human.
Where:Garden
- 4
The Magical Transformation
Intrigued by the 'prince', Kun playfully puts on a tail resembling Yukko's, triggering a magical transformation that turns him into a dog. This whimsical change sparks a series of imaginative adventures in Kun's mind.
Where:Garden
- 5
Celebrating Hinamatsuri
The family celebrates Hinamatsuri, a special day where they display traditional dolls to wish for Mirai's happiness. However, as days pass, Kun feels frustrated that the dolls have not been put away, resulting in another outburst that sends him back to the garden.
When:Hinamatsuri
- 6
Meeting Future Mirai
In a surprising turn, Kun meets a teenage girl who identifies herself as Mirai from the future. She explains the urgency of returning the dolls to avoid delaying her wedding, and the two work together, alongside Yukko, to resolve the situation.
Where:Garden
- 7
Time Travel to the Past
Kun ventures into the garden once again, enabling him to journey back in time. He encounters a younger version of his mother, allowing him to witness her childhood struggles and to connect more deeply with her experiences.
Where:Garden
- 8
Learning to Ride a Bicycle
Kun receives a bicycle with training wheels after leaving a heartfelt note. Eager to ride like the older kids, his determination leads him back to the magical garden, where he meets his great-grandfather and learns valuable lessons.
Where:Garden / Rural Japan
- 9
Adventures at the Train Station
During a family outing, Kun's frustration about his clothing leads him to explore the garden once more. He discovers a train station and, despite a warning from an older young man, he boards a train and finds himself lost at Tokyo Station.
Where:Tokyo Station
- 10
A Realization of Responsibility
While at the train station, Kun struggles to remember his parents' names but realizes he must rescue baby Mirai when she is about to board a train to 'Lonely Land'. This incident marks a pivotal moment in Kun’s acceptance of his responsibility as an older brother.
Where:Tokyo Station
Show the other 4 events of Mirai Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Return Journey with Future Mirai
Kun is greeted by Future Mirai, who returns him home in a spectacular fashion, soaring through the air to land safely in their family tree. This experience provides Kun with a broader perspective on family and the connections they share.
Where:Family Tree
- 12
Glimpses of the Past and Future
In the family tree, Kun witnesses pivotal moments from his family's past, including his father's challenges, Yukko's choice to become a pet, and the historical impact on his great-grandfather. He also catches a glimpse of his future self.
Where:Family Tree
- 13
A Newfound Empathy
After his journey through time, Kun emerges with profound insights and understanding of his family’s dynamics. He recognizes the importance of empathy and connections, feeling more ready than ever to embrace his family.
- 14
Joining Family Adventures
Equipped with newfound wisdom, Kun rejoins his family for an adventure, now fully accepting his role as an older brother. This marks a meaningful change in his attitude, reflecting a deepening of familial bonds.
Who Are the Main Characters in Mirai?
4 characters, among them Kun, Yukko and Mirai: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Kun
Played by Jaden Waldman
Kun is a spirited and imaginative 4-year-old boy grappling with the challenges of becoming an older brother. His initial jealousy towards his baby sister Mirai leads him on a transformative journey where he learns about family and compassion. His character evolves from a self-centered child to one who embraces his role within the family.
- 👶 Childhood
- 🐶 Playful
-
Yukko
Played by Crispin Freeman
Yukko is Kun's beloved pet dog who embodies loyalty and companionship. Transformed into a human, he represents the bridge between the magical and the mundane. Yukko's perspective helps Kun navigate his emotions and offers wisdom on the significance of family love.
- 🐕 Loyalty
- 💖 Friendship
-
Mirai
Played by Haru Kuroki
Mirai, Kun's baby sister, symbolizes the future and the changes that come with new family dynamics. Through her character, Kun learns the importance of acceptance and responsibility. She serves as a catalyst for his emotional growth and understanding of familial bonds.
- 👶 New Beginnings
- 🌟 Family
-
Father
Played by John Cho
Kun's father is dedicated to his work, which often takes away from family time. His remote work adds to Kun's feeling of neglect, but he represents the struggles of modern parenting. Through the story, the father’s journey reflects changing priorities as the family grows.
- 👨👦 Parent
- 💼 Responsibility
Where and When Is Mirai Set?
Mirai is set in Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama and Tokyo Station (Contemporary, possibly around the 2010s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Contemporary, possibly around the 2010s
The film is set in a contemporary period, reflecting modern family dynamics, where the challenges of parenting and sibling relationships are explored. The story captures the nuances of childhood, as well as the lasting effects of family history, making it relevant to audiences of today.
Where
Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Tokyo Station
Kanazawa-ku in Yokohama is known for its unique architectural designs, blending modernity with tradition. The family residence, built around a grand tree, serves as a central setting for the film, representing stability and growth. Tokyo Station, a bustling hub of travel, contrasts this intimate home environment, encapsulating the theme of exploration and the emotions associated with being lost.
- 🏡 Home
- 🚉 Transportation
What Are the Themes of Mirai?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Family Growth, Time Travel and Imagination.
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01
Family Growth
The theme of family growth is central to the film, as it explores the changes that come with the arrival of a new sibling. Kun's journey from jealousy to understanding highlights the complexities of familial love. Through magical encounters, he learns to appreciate his family's history and connections, ultimately embracing his role as an older brother.
-
02
Time Travel
Time travel serves not only as a plot mechanism but also as a conduit for Kun to explore his family's past and future. Encounters with younger family members and future versions shed light on the impacts of choices through generations. This theme underscores the importance of history in shaping personal identity.
-
03
Imagination
Imagination plays a crucial role in Kun's story, allowing him to navigate his feelings of jealousy and confusion. The anthropomorphized Yukko and encounters with Future Mirai spark creativity and wonder, reflecting how children cope with their emotions. This whimsical approach emphasizes the value of imagination in understanding family dynamics.
What Kind of Film Is Mirai?
Whimsical in tone, with variable pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Whimsical
- Pacing
- Variable
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Low
- Ending
- Happy
A gentle, whimsical journey through time that uses magical family encounters to explore a young boy's perspective, resulting in a heartwarming and reflective viewing experience.
- whimsical
- nostalgic
- heartwarming
- magical
- reflective
- childlike
- family relationships
- sibling jealousy
- time travel
- coming of age
Quiz
How well do you remember Mirai? Test yourself on the story.
