ChaO: Studio 4°C’s New Anime Film Aims to Charm Global Audiences

Yasuhiro Aoki and Studio 4°C unveiled their original anime feature, ChaO, on Friday, revealing plans for screenings in 16 countries and regions. While the exact territories haven’t been disclosed, fans can expect broad international reach.

Global Screenings and Highlights

The opening-day meet-and-greet featured creator Yasuhiro Aoki and Studio 4°C as ChaO entered the world. The film’s 16-country rollout was announced without a full list of territories.
Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival in Sitges, Spain will screen ChaO from October 9–19, 2025.
GKIDS has licensed North American rights for ChaO. The distributor describes the story as a wild romantic comedy set in a futuristic world where humans and mermaids coexist.

Story summary (per GKIDS): In a future where mermaids and humans share society, Stephan, a mild-mannered office worker at a shipbuilding company, is suddenly proposed to by ChaO, a mermaid princess. He ends up living with the unpredictable ChaO, and her earnest love gradually breaks down his emotional barriers, sparking a touching romance.

Cast and Creative Team

Stephan is voiced by Ōji Suzuka, known for Kimi ni Todoke and The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes.
ChaO is voiced by Anna Yamada, known for Golden Kamuy and Saki.
Supporting cast includes:
- Yūichirō Umehara as Roberta
- Ryōta Yamasato as President Shi
- Kavka Shishido as Maibei
- Cookie! as Ambassador Omede
- Kenta Miyake as King Neptunus
- Shunsei Ōta as Juno
- Anna Tsuchiya as Editor-in-Chief

Creative Team and Distribution

Yasuhiro Aoki (Kimagure Robot, Tweeny Witches) directed the film at Studio 4°C.
Character design and chief animation direction by Hirokazu Kojima (Deadman Wonderland, Coyote Ragtime Show).
Art direction by Hiroshi Takiguchi (Ajin, The Garden of Words, The Case of Hana & Alice).
Music composed by Takatsugu Muramatsu (Mary and The Witch's Flower, Phoenix: Eden17).
Toei is handling distribution.
The opening theme song, “ChaO!,” is performed by Kumi Kōda, written specifically for the film.

Festival Run and Accolades

ChaO premiered at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France (June 8–14) and won the Jury Prize.
JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New Japanese Film screened ChaO on its opening night in New York on July 10.
The film appeared at Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal (July 16–August 3).
ChaO will compete for the Grand Prize for Feature Animation at the Ottawa International Animation Festival (September 24–28).

Source

Source: Eiga.com

Images: The feature image is credited to ChaO film’s X/Twitter account. Image details: <em>“chao-visual.jfif”</em> with the caption linking to ChaO film’s X account.