The highly anticipated anime film adaptation of Kazuyoshi Takeda’s acclaimed manga, “Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise,” has unveiled its main cast and additional staff, alongside a new teaser that previews the emotional depth of the upcoming historical drama. The film is set to premiere in Japan on December 5, 2025, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Star-Studded Voice Cast Brings Historical Figures to Life
The teaser officially confirmed the lead voice actors for the adaptation. Actor Rihito Itagaki will portray Tamaru Hitoshi, a kind-hearted aspiring manga artist and soldier who chronicles the final moments of his comrades on the battlefield. Joining him is Tomoya Nakamura, cast as Yoshiki Keisuke, Tamaru’s steadfast partner. Itagaki reportedly visited Peleliu Island, the real-world setting of the brutal Pacific War battle, to prepare for his role, emphasizing the profound responsibility he feels in bringing the character of Tamaru to life for this significant anniversary.
Production Team Behind the Evocative Adaptation
The newly revealed staff members promise a high-quality production to honor the critically acclaimed manga. Goro Kuji, known for his work on series such as “Mato Seihei no Slave,” is set to direct the feature film, marking his feature directorial debut. Original manga author Kazuyoshi Takeda is deeply involved in the project, co-writing the screenplay alongside veteran animation director Junji Nishimura.
Animation production is a collaboration between Shin-Ei Animation, renowned for “Doraemon” and “Crayon Shin-chan,” and the emerging studio Fugaku (also referred to as Tomioka in some reports), known for “Dog Signal.” Ryōji Nakamori is credited with character designs, while the musical score will be composed by Kenji Kawai. Takeda has expressed confidence that the lengthy scriptwriting process has resulted in a film that will resonate deeply with fans of the original work, ensuring it is not a mere “digest-style adaptation.”
The Story: A Glimpse into the Battle of Peleliu
“Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise” is based on the historical Battle of Peleliu, a fierce and devastating engagement during World War II in the Pacific. The manga and subsequent film delve into the harrowing experiences of young Japanese soldiers deployed to Peleliu Island, where out of an estimated 10,000 troops, only 34 reportedly survived. The narrative explores their thoughts, struggles, and resilience amidst the brutality of war, seen through the unique perspective of a soldier who aspires to be a manga artist.
Kazuyoshi Takeda’s original manga, “Peleliu: Rakuen no Guernica,” was serialized in Hakusensha’s Young Animal magazine from 2016 to 2021, spanning 11 volumes. It has garnered significant critical acclaim, including winning the Japan Cartoonists Association Excellence Award in 2017 and receiving nominations for the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize. A spin-off manga, “Peleliu Gaiden,” also ran in the same magazine until July 2025.
The film’s release date of December 5, 2025, intentionally aligns with the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, aiming to provide a poignant reflection on the sacrifices and realities faced during that period.
