Theme song and insert songs of 5 Centimeters per Second
Makoto Shinkai’s 2007 animated film “5 Centimeters per Second.”
It follows the protagonist, Takaki Tōno, from elementary school to adulthood, telling a story centered on his first love from his grade school days.
Warm, bittersweet, and heartrending—a work that makes your chest ache—many fans say that among Shinkai’s films, “5 Centimeters per Second” is their favorite.
And one of the hallmarks of Shinkai’s works—excellent music—is very much present here.
From Masayoshi Yamazaki’s “One more time, One more chance” to piano-centered pieces, the songs are as deeply moving as the story itself.
In this article, we’ll introduce, all at once, the pieces related to “5 Centimeters per Second,” focusing on the tracks that appear in the film.
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Theme and Insert Songs of 5 Centimeters per Second (1–10)
KissHeaven's Gate
A track that beautifully fuses the power of Masayoshi Yamazaki’s theme song “One more time, One more chance” with the softness of the piano.
It opens with a gentle piano tone, then transitions into the familiar theme melody, building as strings join in.
The modulation brings the piece to its peak, and eventually the quiet of the solo piano returns to lead it to a close.
The grandeur of the original is expressed here as an instrumental.
Poem of the Sky and SeaHeaven's Gate
This piece is marked by the gentle tones of piano and strings and an expansive development that gradually unfolds.
It plays during the scene in “Cosmonaut” where the protagonist, Kanae, strengthens her resolve and faces the waves, conveying a moving atmosphere.
While “5 Centimeters per Second” often evokes a strong image of winter, “Cosmonaut” depicts the late summer, and the music also conveys a grand, expansive feeling—like the wide blue summer sky and the vast ocean.
The way the piece builds in intensity is captivating, expressing how a wavering heart is gradually cleared away, and how rising emotions and firm determination are conveyed by the majestic, powerful mood of the latter half.
impatienceHeaven's Gate
“Anxiety,” with its poignant strings and piano melodies, leaves a strong impression.
The highlight of this piece is that, within its roughly one-minute runtime, a minimal ensemble of just strings and piano weaves a streamlined, beautiful melody.
Without a dramatic rise and fall, the music feels as if it’s floating from start to finish—there’s even something quietly soothing about it.
When you’re tired from studying or work, why not take a one-minute break with this track?
Theme and insert songs of 5 Centimeters per Second (11–20)
Snow FireworksRappubito
It’s not a main theme or insert song from the film, but I’d like to introduce a track connected to 5 Centimeters per Second.
The song is produced and performed by Rapbit, who is also active as a Nico-rapper.
It’s said to be a piece created with 5 Centimeters per Second as its motif, and the track—built around a bittersweet yet beautiful piano melody that resonates with the other songs featured in the film—leaves a strong impression.
The lyrics contain words that evoke the story, and it’s said that quite a few people discovered 5 Centimeters per Second through this song.
One more time, One more chance PIANO ver.Masayoshi Yamazaki
“One more time, One more chance,” the theme song of 5 Centimeters per Second.
Did you know that this deeply stirring song by Masayoshi Yamazaki is included on the soundtrack in a piano arrangement? This version is a clear departure from a simple piano cover, offering a mysterious feeling that differs from the original’s image.
Listening to this arrangement makes me feel as if I’m slowly sinking to the bottom of a cold, sorrowful sea, and I can’t help but shed tears.
Since it’s the same length as the original, I recommend closing your eyes and immersing yourself in its world for the five minutes it plays.
dreamHeaven's Gate
A piece with a piano melody that is gentle on the ears.
This is a song called “Yume” (Dream), one of the insert tracks from “5 Centimeters per Second.” It begins to play on Kanae’s way home after she folds her course preference survey into a paper airplane and sends it flying.
A finely crafted piece that reflects the hearts of teenagers who are uncertain about their dreams and paths, holding vague anxieties and hopes.
Just as Takaki, now grown, imagines himself standing beside Akari, the song fades away like scattering stars.
It expresses both Kanae’s unfulfilled feelings and Takaki’s unrequited love for Akari.
Kanae's feelingsHeaven's Gate
A track that conveys both warmth and wistfulness through the guitar’s timbre.
“Kanae’s Feelings” plays during the scene where Kanae speaks about her feelings for Takaki.
Ever since Takaki transferred to her school, Kanae has had a crush on him, studying desperately so she could attend the same high school.
The guitar’s tone reflects the warm, sincere love of someone who cares deeply and straightforwardly.
In scenes where she cherishes the time spent with Takaki yet feels heartache because his feelings are directed toward someone else, the guitar also delivers a poignant, heart‑tightening melody.
A song that brings back memories of the bittersweet loves of youth.