The official website for the upcoming anime film adaptation of Kazuyoshi Takeda’s manga, “Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise,” recently unveiled a new trailer and visual, which notably features a preview of the film’s theme song, “Kiseki no Yō na Koto” (Something Like a Miracle), performed by Mone Kamishiraishi. The film is slated to premiere in Japanese theaters on December 5, 2025.
Delving into the Brutality of War: The “Peleliu” Narrative
“Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise” is a poignant historical drama set during World War II, focusing on the harrowing Battle of Peleliu. The story follows Private Tamaru, a young soldier who dreams of becoming a mangaka, as he finds himself in the heart of a brutal conflict where 10,000 Japanese soldiers were instructed to resist an onslaught of 40,000 American soldiers until the last man. This infamous battle, fought on Peleliu Island, was a strategic location in the Pacific War in 1944. Out of the 10,000 Japanese troops stationed there, only 34 survived, making it a stark portrayal of the war’s devastating impact. The film aims to capture the thoughts, struggles, and resilience of the young soldiers amidst this brutal chapter of history.
The Creative Minds Behind the Adaptation
The anime film is being produced by Shin-Ei Animation, known for popular titles like “Doraemon” and “Crayon Shin-chan,” and Fugaku. Gorō Kuji is directing the film, marking his feature directorial debut, with the screenplay co-written by the original manga author Kazuyoshi Takeda and Junji Nishimura. Kenji Kawai, a renowned composer known for his work on “Ghost in the Shell,” is responsible for the film’s music. Toei Company is handling the distribution.
Key Cast Members Bringing the Story to Life
Rihito Itagaki lends his voice to the kindhearted aspiring manga artist, Hiroshi Tamaru, while Tomoya Nakamura voices his reliable comrade, Keisuke Yoshiki. Both actors have expressed a profound sense of meaning and responsibility in being involved with a project that commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
“Kiseki no Yō na Koto”: A Thematic Anthem
The newly previewed theme song, “Kiseki no Yō na Koto” by Mone Kamishiraishi, is expected to encapsulate the emotional core of the film. While only a preview has been released with the latest trailer, the song’s title, translating to “Something Like a Miracle,” hints at themes of hope, resilience, or perhaps the miraculous survival amidst unimaginable devastation, aligning with the grim yet human-focused narrative of the manga.
A Highly Anticipated Release
The “Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise” manga, serialized from 2016 to 2021, garnered significant acclaim, including the Japan Cartoonists Association Excellence Award in 2017. It is regarded as one of the great manga depicting the horrors of World War II, alongside works like Shigeru Mizuki’s “Onward Towards Our Noble Deaths” and Osamu Tezuka’s “Message to Adolf.” The anticipation for its anime film adaptation, set to release on December 5, 2025, which marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, is high among fans and critics alike. The creators are confident that the film’s screenplay will satisfy fans of the original work, delivering a deep and impactful experience rather than a superficial adaptation of the 11-volume manga.
