Tokyo, Japan – The highly anticipated CG anime short, Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express, has released its second full trailer, unveiling a significant expansion of its voice cast, confirming its theme song, and solidifying its global debut on July 3. This sequel to the viral 2022 short Milky☆Highway promises another distinctive adventure crafted primarily by the visionary animator Yōhei Kameyama.
A Visionary Returns: Yōhei Kameyama’s Solo Endeavor
Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express sees the return of Yōhei Kameyama at the helm, whose singular creative vision drives nearly every aspect of the project. Kameyama is credited not only as the director and writer but also as the character designer, modeler, animator, editor, and even sound producer. This comprehensive, almost one-man production approach was a hallmark of his previous work, Milky☆Highway, which gained widespread acclaim and amassed over 6.7 million views across its English-subtitled and original versions, stemming from his graduation project at Kadokawa’s Vantan Game Academy. His continued dedication to a handcrafted, yet technologically advanced, CG animation style remains a core appeal of the “Milky☆Universe.”
The production of Milky☆Subway is a collaborative effort between Titan Industries and the renowned animation studio Shin-Ei Animation, known for its extensive portfolio including beloved series. This partnership suggests a blending of Kameyama’s unique independent spirit with established industry backing, aiming for a polished and far-reaching final product.
Expanding the Interstellar Crew: New Voice Talent Introduced
While Momoka Terasawa and Anna Nagase were previously confirmed to reprise their roles as the main duo, Chiharu and Makina, the second trailer has brought forth an exciting roster of new voice actors joining the cosmic journey.
The newly announced cast members and their respective roles are:
- Hisako Kanemoto as Akane
- Mikako Komatsu as Ryōko
- Kōki Uchiyama as Kurt
- Makoto Koichi as Kanata
- Yoshitaka Yamaya as Max
These additions bring considerable talent to the cast, promising dynamic character interactions and performances that will enhance the short’s quirky narrative. Momoka Terasawa, known for her role as Chiharu, a genetically enhanced human, and Anna Nagase, portraying Makina, her cyborg best friend, have already established a “fast, funny chemistry” that fans of Milky☆Highway will recognize and appreciate. The expanded cast ensures a richer ensemble as the story unfolds.
Plotting a Course for Cosmic Chaos
The synopsis for Milky☆Subway sets the stage for another hilariously unpredictable space escapade. The story centers on the superhuman Chiharu and the cyborg Makina, who find themselves in hot water after violating space traffic laws. Their punishment: community service, tasked with cleaning the “Milky☆Subway,” an old interplanetary train.
However, what should have been a straightforward task quickly spirals into galactic pandemonium when the train unexpectedly hurtles into deep space. The newly introduced characters, including the superhuman pair Akane and Kanata, and cyborg pals Kurt and Max, are among the “crew of misfits” caught up in this sudden, unplanned journey. Ryoko, a police officer, is also implicated in their community service assignment, adding another layer of intrigue and potential conflict to the burgeoning chaos. The official description teases a “never-before-seen space-train spectacle, powered by nothing but pure momentum!” This suggests a narrative driven by spontaneous events and character reactions rather than a meticulously planned plot, maintaining the improvisational and fun spirit of its predecessor.
Nostalgic Rhythms: Candies’ Classic Theme Song
A surprising yet fitting revelation from the second trailer is the choice of theme song: “Gingakei Made Tonde Ike!” (Fly to the Galaxy!), a 1977 hit by the iconic Japanese girl group Candies. This selection infuses the futuristic CG anime with a distinct touch of retro charm, creating an intriguing juxtaposition that could very well become a signature element of the Milky☆Subway experience. The song’s upbeat and liberating tone seems perfectly aligned with the short’s premise of unexpected journeys and chaotic freedom. The original song’s composition is credited to Takurō Yoshida, with lyrics by Makoto Kitajō.
Global Take-Off: July 3 Debut
Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express is set to premiere on July 3 on Tokyo MX in Japan at 9:54 p.m. JST. Crucially for international fans, the short will also be simultaneously streamed worldwide on YouTube, ensuring broad accessibility. To further cater to a global audience, the anime will feature dubbed versions in ten languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Thai, Indonesian, French, Hindi, and Russian, highlighting the project’s ambitious international reach. This global release strategy positions Milky☆Subway to potentially replicate or even exceed the viral success of its predecessor, making it a noteworthy event in the summer anime calendar.
