'Drawing Closer' Ending Explained: Does Akihito Hayasaka die?
Contains spoilers for 'Drawing Closer'
OSAKA, JAPAN: Directed by Takahiro Miki, Netflix's drama movie, 'Drawing Closer' takes viewers into the intricate realm of life's unpredictability as Akihito Hayasaka (Ren Nagase) is shaken by a diagnosis of a terminal illness.
Akihito's hope diminishes completely until a glimmer of light appears, and he encounters Haruna Sakurai (Natsuki Deguchi), who has only half a year left to live.
Their bond thrives amidst Akihito's inner conflict and Haruna's challenge with her illness, providing a dynamic where they both find comfort and empathy in each other's presence.
However, Haruna soon succumbs to her illness, leaving a heartfelt message for Akihito behind.
What was Haruna Sakurai's last message for Akihito Hayasaka in 'Drawing Closer'?
During the funeral, Akihito breaks down in front of his mother, expressing his remorse for not being able to be with Haruna during her final moments and not being able to reveal his own illness to her.
On the contrary, Haruna's mother supports him and hands over her drawing book, which she wants to show him.
In the following scene, Akihito is in the hospital room, opening the drawing book, where Haruna expresses her gratitude for his presence and wishes him a long and happy life.
Inspired by her words, Akihito passionately starts drawing and diligently takes his treatment seriously. The following montage depicts his efforts to overcome his illness.
Did Haruna Sakurai know about Akihito Hayasaka's illness in 'Drawing Closer'?
Later on, Ayaka Miura (Mayu Yokota) is observed at the flower shop purchasing gerbera flowers for Akihito, and the florist reveals a social media account has shared the photo.
Next, she meets Akihito, whose health condition is visibly deteriorating. He informs Ayaka that he is creating the final painting of his second life, and she quickly shows the picture of flowers.
Shocked, he attempts to use the password to continue reading, and after several tries, he successfully deciphers it and is amazed after reading the post.
It transpired that Haruna was actually interested in him from the beginning and knew about his illness but chose to remain silent about it.
She had also penned a note saying she would carry his pain and sketched three gerberas to express her love for him, causing him to become overwhelmed.
In the conclusion, Ayaka's voiceover notes that Akihito has passed away and his and Haruna's death anniversaries are on the same day.
Afterward, she reads Akihito's response to Haruna's post, where he mentioned being nervous but a part of him being excited to see her.
He additionally notes how Ayaka paints three flowers on his nails and thinks that she may not understand their significance.
Ayaka hints that she does, as two different bouquets of gerbera flowers are placed next to her, likely in memory of her two deceased friends.
The film concludes by featuring Akihito's final artwork on display at an exhibition.
'Drawing Closer' trailer