Japan Cuts Film Festival Launches with Studio 4°C’s ChaO Anime Premiere
Join us on July 10 for an exclusive film screening event—don't miss this exciting opportunity to experience the latest in cinema entertainment.
Studio 4°C's New Anime Film ChaO to Premiere at JAPAN CUTS Festival
©2025「ChaO」製作委員会
Film Kicks Off Festival on July 10
Studio 4°C’s latest anime feature film, ChaO, will open the prestigious JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New Japanese Film in New York City on July 10. The film is scheduled to debut in Japanese theaters on August 15.
International Screenings and Distribution
- GKIDS has acquired North American distribution rights for ChaO.
- The film premiered at France’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival (June 8-14).
- Next, ChaO will screen at the 29th Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal (July 16 - August 3).
Story Overview
GKIDS describes ChaO as:
From the acclaimed Studio 4°C comes a wild romantic comedy and a true 'fish out of water' tale. In a futuristic world where humans and mermaids coexist, ChaO follows Stephan, a mild-mannered office worker at a shipbuilding company. His life turns upside-down when he is suddenly proposed to by ChaO, a princess from the mermaid kingdom. As Stephan moves in with the unpredictable and wholehearted ChaO, her love begins to break down his emotional barriers, and their touching, unlikely romance unfolds.
Read more from GKIDS.
Cast and Staff
Main Cast:
- Ōji Suzuka (Kimi ni Todoke, The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes) as Stefan, a salaryman.
- Anna Yamada (live-action Golden Kamuy, Saki) as ChaO, the pure-hearted mermaid princess.
Production Staff:
- Director: Yasuhiro Aoki (Kimagure Robot, Tweeny Witches)
- Character Design/Chief Animation Director: Hirokazu Kojima (Deadman Wonderland, Coyote Ragtime Show)
- Art Director: Hiroshi Takiguchi (Ajin, The Case of Hana & Alice, The Garden of Words)
- Composer: Takatsugu Muramatsu (Mary and The Witch's Flower, Phoenix: Eden17)
- Distributor: Toei
JAPAN CUTS Festival Highlights
The JAPAN CUTS festival will run from July 10 to July 20 and also feature:
- Yūmi Kawai (voice of Fujino in Look Back) hosting Q&A panels for:
- A Girl Named Ann (July 13)
- She Taught Me Serendipity (July 12)
- North American theatrical premiere of Gridman Universe anime film
- World premiere of the live-action adaptation of Kowloon Generic Romance manga by Jun Mayuzuki
For more information, visit the festival's official website.
Sources: Japan Cuts, Deadline (Sara Merican)