Mamoru Hosoda’s highly anticipated new anime feature film, Scarlet (Japanese: Hateshinaki Sukāretto, lit. ‘Endless Scarlet’), has unveiled its ending theme, “Hateshinaki” (“Endless”), in a special promotional video. The song is performed by actress Mana Ashida, who also takes on the role of the film’s protagonist, Princess Scarlet. This revelation comes ahead of the film’s Japanese premiere on November 21, 2025.
“Hateshinaki”: The Voice of Princess Scarlet
The ending theme, “Hateshinaki,” was first revealed in a special teaser broadcast following a showing of Hosoda’s earlier film Wolf Children on the Japanese TV program Friday Road Show. Subsequently, a dedicated promotional video featuring the song was released, offering viewers an early glimpse into the world of Scarlet.
Mana Ashida, known for her acting prowess, makes her singing debut for a film’s theme song with “Hateshinaki.” Director Mamoru Hosoda himself penned the lyrics for the song, envisioning it as an integral part of the film’s narrative. The composition was handled by Taisei Iwasaki, who previously worked with Hosoda on the acclaimed film Belle and served as the sound supervisor for Scarlet.
Hosoda expressed his intent for the song to reflect the protagonist’s journey, stating that Ashida performs not as the vengeance-driven Scarlet but as the compassionate princess who seeks peace, embodying her character until the film’s conclusion with her clear and gentle voice. Iwasaki noted the unique recording process, where Ashida was given freedom within the melody’s framework, resulting in a performance only she could deliver.
About Mamoru Hosoda’s Scarlet
Scarlet marks a significant departure for director Mamoru Hosoda, known for his emotionally resonant and often family-centric works like The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Summer Wars, Wolf Children, The Boy and The Beast, and Mirai. This new film is described as a dark revenge fantasy.
The story centers on Princess Scarlet, who embarks on a journey into the Land of the Dead to confront her nemesis after failing to avenge her father’s murder. Hosoda has stated that his aim was to create “a powerful film that questions what it means to live and invites the audience to think about this theme together.” The film is produced by Studio Chizu, which celebrates its 10th anniversary with this release.
Creative Team and Production
Beyond Hosoda’s direction and lyrics, the film boasts a strong creative team. Taisei Iwasaki, who composed the ending theme, oversees the entire soundscape as sound supervisor, encompassing music, dialogue, and sound effects to complement Hosoda’s new visual direction.
The film had its international premiere out of competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 4, 2025. Following its Japanese release on November 21, 2025, Toho will distribute the film in Japan. Sony Pictures Classics is set to handle the North American release, initially with an awards-qualifying run later in 2025, followed by a wider theatrical release on February 6, 2026.
