Distributor
GKIDS announced it has acquired North American distribution rights for the new
anime film ChaO, produced by renowned Japanese studio Studio 4°C. The film will
have its world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival,
which will take place in France from June 8 to 14 (local time).
The story,
described as a futuristic romantic comedy, presents a society where humans and
mermaids coexist. The protagonist is Stephan, a quiet office worker at a
shipbuilding company, whose life changes completely when the mermaid princess
Chao unexpectedly proposes to him. From there, the two begin to live together,
giving way to a relationship filled with chaos, tenderness, and emotional
discovery.
An
Outstanding Cast and a Top-Notch Crew
The
character of Stephan will be played by Ōji Suzuka (Kimi ni Todoke, The Tunnel
to Summer), while Anna Yamada (Golden Kamuy, Saki) will play the effusive Chao.
The film is directed by Yasuhiro Aoki (Tweeny Witches), with Hirokazu Kojima
serving as character designer and chief animation director. The art will be
supervised by Hiroshi Takiguchi, and the music will be composed by Takatsugu
Muramatsu, known for his work on Mary and the Witch's Flower.
Distribution
in Japan will be handled by Toei, and the Japanese theatrical release is
scheduled for August 15 (local time).
Seven Years
of Secret Development
As reported
by Oricon, Studio 4°C has been secretly working on the film for seven years.
During a press conference in January, producer Eiko Tanaka revealed that ChaO
was entirely hand-drawn, utilizing over 100,000 illustrations in its creation,
reaffirming the studio's commitment to handcrafted animation.
ChaO is
shaping up to be one of the most anticipated anime films of 2025, combining
romance, fantasy, and comedy in a universe where emotions and scales
intertwine.
