Standing tall among these titles is The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes (Natsu e no Tunnel, Sayonara no Deguchi). Originally a light novel by Mei Hachimoku, adapted into a stunning anime film in 2022, this story captures the beauty and terror of regret better than almost anything else I’ve seen recently.
The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes is not a flashy blockbuster. It is a quiet, mournful, and ultimately hopeful meditation on what we sacrifice when we try to outrun pain. It will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever wished to redo a moment – and then realises that the cost is the life they have now.
Anzu’s wish—to become a successful manga artist—is technically achievable. But if she takes the shortcut, she’ll lose the years of struggle, growth, and human connection that make art meaningful. The tunnel would give her a published book but erase the person who could write the next one. natsu e no tunnel sayonara no deguchi full
The emotional weight of the story relies entirely on its two central characters:
Unlike the "love at first sight" tropes often found in shonen romance, the relationship between Kaoru and Anzu feels earned. They are both outcasts, bonded by trauma and a shared, dangerous goal. Standing tall among these titles is The Tunnel
Anzu’s arc highlights the isolation felt by creators. Her willingness to give up her youth for artistic validation reflects the real-world sacrifices made by artists.
The film’s most powerful metaphor is the tunnel itself. Time becomes a tangible resource. A few minutes outside might be a week inside. This creates agonising choices: how much of your remaining life is a wish worth? It is a quiet, mournful, and ultimately hopeful
He is joined by Anzu Hanaki, a brilliant but socially isolated classmate who dreams of becoming a manga artist and escaping her suffocating small-town life. Together, they experiment with the tunnel, seeking answers and wishes – Kaoru wanting to see Sae again, Anzu wanting recognition for her art. As they delve deeper, they must confront a devastating truth: every use of the tunnel exacts a price measured in lost youth, missed relationships, and irreversible change.
Deep within the tunnel, Kaoru briefly reunites with the spirit or manifestation of his sister, Karen. However, he realizes that holding onto the past is destroying his future—and his present connection with Anzu. Turning back, he runs toward the exit. Anzu enters the tunnel from the outside world to rescue him.
Given the high search volume for free streams, it’s important to note legal options: