It was initially screened at the Tokyo International Forum on February 10, 2013, though it was also shown alongside Shinkai's film The Garden of Words during its Japanese premier on May 31, 2013.

Dareka no Manazashi is a slightly futuristic story about the maturation of a recently independent young woman and her changing relationship with her father.

Akihisa Matsuura directed the music, and Kazusa wrote and sang the theme song, "Sore de Ii yo" (それでいいよ, lit.

Mii is an old cat, originally obtained as a kitten by Aya's father to help his young daughter cope with her mother's absence, and is now in poor health.

The narrator then reminisces about Aya's childhood and family life, particularly dwelling upon how her maturity and independence had created distance between her and her father, who is increasingly lonely yet happy for her.

[4] The short film was made with the support of Nomura Real Estate Group for its "Proud Box Appreciation Festival" (プラウドボックス感謝祭),[4] a home living exposition at the Tokyo International Forum.

[3][7] According to Shinkai, the greatest challenge in the project was to keep the animation both short and entertaining while also covering the two main themes: family bonds and the future.

[7] On January 23, Nomura Real Estate Group streamed the trailer,[2] and announced plans to screen the short film on February 10, during the "Proud Box Appreciation Festival".

[11] On March 28, 2014, Dareka no Manazashi was included with the "Extras" on the limited edition The Garden of Words DVD distributed by Kazé in Germany (subtitled in German).

[17] According to Curtis Stone at Geekenstein, the artwork was "vibrant and meticulous" and story was "exceptional", and along with its execution and character development, he felt that Dareka no Manazahshi was "utterly enrapturing" despite its shortness.