Ride Your Wave

Ride Your Wave

Year: 2019

Runtime: 94 mins

Language: Japanese

Director: Masaaki Yuasa

Echo Score: 89
DramaRomanceComedyFantasyAnimation

Hinako, a college student with a passion for surfing, relocates to a quiet coastal town. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she’s rescued from a sudden apartment fire by Minato, a charming firefighter. The pair quickly develop a close relationship, and their connection deepens into a tender romance.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Ride Your Wave (2019)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Ride Your Wave (2019). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Modern-day Japan

The events unfold in contemporary Japan during winter and the Christmas season. It follows Hinako's move to college life and her surfing, alongside Minato's duties as a firefighter. A supernatural thread allows Minato to linger as Hinako's steadfast memory.

Location

Oceanside town, Chiba Port Tower

The setting is a coastal town in Japan built around beaches and a vibrant surfing scene. It serves as Hinako's new home for college and a place where the ocean shapes daily life. The Chiba Port Tower anchors the town as a recognizable landmark during key moments of memory and celebration.

🌊 Coastal town 🗼 Iconic tower 🏖️ Beach culture

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 12:20

Main Characters – Ride Your Wave (2019)

Meet the key characters of Ride Your Wave (2019), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Hinako Mukaizumi (Rina Kawaei)

19-year-old Hinako Mukaizumi moves to an oceanside town to attend college and pursue surfing. She forms a bond with Minato, drawn to his capable and protective nature. After Minato dies while saving a jetski rider, Hinako confronts grief and gradually seeks independence by pursuing lifeguard training and finding her own path.

🏄 Surfing 💖 Romance 👩‍🎓 College student 🌊 Ocean

Minato Hinageshi (Ryota Katayose)

21-year-old firefighter with a strong sense of justice, Minato saves Hinako and becomes a guiding presence in her life. He dies during a rescue attempt, then returns as a water-bound spirit who cannot touch Hinako. His memory prompts Hinako to grow and eventually decide to move forward, even as he remains a ghostly presence.

🚒 Firefighter 💖 Love interest 🕊️ Spirit presence

Yōko Hinageshi (Honoka Matsumoto)

Minato's sister who supports Hinako and Wasabi. She reveals what inspired Minato to become a firefighter and helps Wasabi confront his own feelings. Her perspective ties Minato's memory to present choices and personal growth.

👩 Sister 🗣️ Confidant 💡 Inspiration

Wasabi Kawamura (Kentaro Ito)

Minato's co-worker who harbors feelings for Hinako and confesses to her. He also serves as a catalyst for Yoko's decision to return to school when bullied, showing how interconnected lives are. He helps Hinako navigate her grief and supports her growth.

🚒 Co-worker 💬 Confessor 🤝 Friend

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 12:20

Major Themes – Ride Your Wave (2019)

Explore the central themes of Ride Your Wave (2019), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

❤️ Love and Loss

Hinako and Minato's bond defines the emotional core of the film. Minato's death forces Hinako to confront grief and rebuild her sense of self. The story shows how love can endure beyond death and influence future choices.

🌊 Water and Memory

Water is a central symbol and conduit for connection. Minato's appearances occur when Hinako sings, tying memory to the sea. The waves act as refuge and instrument of rescue, culminating in moments of renewal.

🌱 Self-Discovery

Hinako's journey is one of growth and independence. Through lifeguard training and choosing her own path, she learns to stand on her own rather than rely on Minato. The arc emphasizes resilience and personal agency.

🕊️ Memory and Legacy

Memory and legacy shape the living characters' choices. Yoko's confession highlights how inspiration persists, and Wasabi's feelings intersect with the past. The message Ride Your Own Wave guides Hinako to honor the past while moving forward.

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 12:20

Unlock the Full Story of Ride Your Wave

Don't stop at just watching — explore Ride Your Wave in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Ride Your Wave is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Ride Your Wave Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Ride Your Wave, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Ride Your Wave Summary

Ride Your Wave Timeline

Track the full timeline of Ride Your Wave with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Ride Your Wave Timeline

Ride Your Wave Spoiler-Free Summary

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Ride Your Wave Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Ride Your Wave

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Explore More About Movie Ride Your Wave

Ride Your Wave (2019) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Ride Your Wave (2019) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Ride Your Wave (2019) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow