Studio 4°C’s upcoming anime film, ChaO, has revealed a new trailer featuring the theme song “ChaO!” by Japanese singer Kumi Koda. The film is set to premiere in Japanese theaters on August 15, 2025, and GKIDS has already secured the North American distribution rights. The movie will also be making its world premiere next week at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France. Additionally, ChaO will be screened at the 29th annual Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal.
A “Fish Out of Water” Story
ChaO is described as a “wild romantic comedy” about a future where humans and mermaids coexist. The story follows Stephan, a mild-mannered office worker at a shipbuilding company, whose life is turned upside down when he’s proposed to by Chao, a mermaid princess. With little time to adjust, Stephan finds himself living with Chao, whose sincere love begins to break down his emotional barriers, leading to an unexpected romance.
The Creative Team
The film is directed by Yasuhiro Aoki, known for his work on Batman: Gotham Knight and Kimagure Robot. Hirokazu Kojima, who worked on Deadman Wonderland and Coyote Ragtime Show, is handling character design and serving as chief animation director. Hiroshi Takiguchi (Weathering With You, Children of the Sea) is the art director. The soundtrack is composed by Takatsugi Muramatsu. Toei will distribute the movie in Japan.
The Cast
The voice cast includes:
- Anna Yamada as Chao
- Ōji Suzuka as Stephen
- Cookie! as Ambassador Omede
- Anna Tsuchiya as Editor-in-Chief
- Shunsei Ota as Juno
- Kenta Miyake as King Neptune
- Kavka Shishido as Maibei
- Yuichiro Umehara as Robert
- Ryota Yamasato as Sea President
Production Details
Studio 4°C has been working on ChaO for about seven years. The film is hand-drawn, featuring over 100,000 drawings, and also incorporates CGI.
Studio 4°C: A Legacy of Innovation
Studio 4°C, founded in 1986 by Eiko Tanaka and Kōji Morimoto, is known for its unique and visually stunning anime productions. The studio’s name comes from the temperature at which water is most dense, symbolizing their aim for depth and substance in their work.
Notable Works by Studio 4°C
Studio 4°C has produced a variety of acclaimed anime films and series, including:
- Memories (1995): An anthology film showcasing different animation styles and storytelling approaches.
- Spriggan (1998): An action-packed film based on the manga of the same name, known for its detailed animation and intense fight sequences.
- Mind Game (2004): A surreal and experimental film directed by Masaaki Yuasa, praised for its innovative visuals and unconventional narrative.
- Tekkonkinkreet (2006): A visually stunning film set in a dystopian city, directed by Michael Arias.
- Children of the Sea (2019): A visually mesmerizing film that explores the mysteries of the ocean.
- Poupelle of Chimney Town (2020): A heartwarming story about friendship and believing in the impossible.
- Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko (2021): A slice-of-life film about a mother and daughter and their unconventional life.
- Phoenix: Eden17 (2023): A science fiction series based on Osamu Tezuka’s Phoenix manga.
- The Animatrix (2003): A collection of animated short films that expand on the world of The Matrix.
- Batman: Gotham Knight (2008): A series of Batman animated shorts.
Studio 4°C also produced animated segments for Kamikaze Girls (2004) and opening animations for Lincoln (2005) and Kurosagi (2006).
Kumi Koda: A J-Pop Icon
Kumi Koda is a popular Japanese singer known for her versatility and energetic performances. She has released numerous hit songs and albums, and her music has been featured in various anime series and films.
Kumi Koda’s Anime Theme Songs
ChaO! is not the first time Kumi Koda has contributed her music to anime. Her song “Go to the Top” was used as the opening theme for the anime series Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse.
A Summer Release
ChaO is set to be released in Japan on August 15, 2025. The film’s world premiere will be at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, followed by a screening at the Fantasia International Film Festival. GKIDS has acquired the North American distribution rights, so fans in North America can look forward to seeing the film as well.
