The 18th annual JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New Japanese Film, North America’s largest festival dedicated to contemporary Japanese cinema, kicked off on July 10, 2025, with a splash, featuring Studio 4°C’s highly anticipated anime film, ChaO. This year’s festival, running until July 20th at Japan Society in New York City, promises a diverse lineup of over 30 films, showcasing the best in Japanese cinema, from award-winners to indie darlings, and everything in between.
A Mermaid Princess Steals the Show
ChaO, the opening night film, comes from the acclaimed animation production house Studio 4°C, known for its innovative and visually stunning works such as Tekkonkinkreet, Mind Game, and Children of the Sea. The film, directed by Yasuhiro Aoki, is described as a “wild romantic comedy” and a “fish out of water” story, blending elements of science fiction and fantasy.
The Plot Thickens
Set in a futuristic world where humans and mermaids coexist, ChaO tells the story of Stephan, a mild-mannered office worker at a shipbuilding company. Stephan’s life takes an unexpected turn when he is proposed to by ChaO, a princess from the mermaid kingdom. With little time to process the situation, Stephan finds himself living with the unpredictable and wholehearted ChaO. As her sincere love begins to break down his emotional barriers, an unexpected and touching romance unfolds.
Behind the Scenes
- Director: Yasuhiro Aoki (known for Batman: Gotham Knight and Kimagure Robot)
- Character Designer & Chief Animation Director: Hirokazu Kojima (Deadman Wonderland, Coyote Ragtime Show)
- Art Director: Hiroshi Takiguchi (Weathering With You, Children of the Sea)
- Music Composer: Takatsugu Muramatsu (Mary and the Witch’s Flower, Phoenix: Eden17)
- Voice Cast:
- Ouji Suzuka as Stephan
- Anna Yamada as ChaO
Studio 4°C has been working on ChaO for about seven years, combining classic freehand drawings with CGI to create a visually rich and engaging experience. The film boasts over 100,000 drawings, showcasing the studio’s dedication to detail and craftsmanship.
JAPAN CUTS: A Celebration of Japanese Cinema
JAPAN CUTS has become a significant event for film enthusiasts in North America, offering a curated selection of contemporary Japanese cinema. The festival includes a variety of genres and styles, from dramas and coming-of-age stories to action, avant-garde, and kaiju films.
What to Expect at the Festival
- Premieres: JAPAN CUTS is known for hosting international, North American, and U.S. premieres, providing audiences with the first look at exciting new films.
- Special Guests: The festival attracts major actors, directors, and other special guests, offering opportunities for Q&A sessions and discussions.
- Diverse Programming: In addition to feature films, JAPAN CUTS includes short film programs, documentaries, and classic film revivals.
- Awards: The festival presents the CUT ABOVE Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film to recognize influential figures in Japanese cinema. This year, the award will be presented to Kiyoshi Kurosawa.
Other Highlights of JAPAN CUTS 2025
While ChaO is the opening night headliner, JAPAN CUTS 2025 offers a wide range of other exciting films and events. Here are a few noteworthy mentions:
- Kiyoshi Kurosawa Retrospective: The festival will honor Kiyoshi Kurosawa with a retrospective of his work, including premieres of his latest films, Cloud and a remake of Serpent’s Path, as well as revivals of License to Live and a new 4K restoration of the original Serpent’s Path.
- Yuumi Kawai Appearance: Acclaimed actress Yuumi Kawai, winner of the Japan Academy Film Prize for Best Actress, will be present for Q&A sessions for her film A Girl Named Ann.
- Classics Section: The festival will feature classic Japanese films, including a rare 35mm screening of Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s License to Live and the International Premiere of a new 4K restoration of Shunji Iwai’s Love Letter.
- North American Theatrical Premiere: The festival will screen the North American theatrical premiere of the Gridman Universe anime film.
- World Premiere: The festival will host the world premiere of the live-action film adaptation of Jun Mayuzuki’s Kowloon Generic Romance manga.
Studio 4°C: A Legacy of Innovation
Studio 4°C has consistently pushed the boundaries of animation, experimenting with different styles and techniques to create unique and memorable films. Their work often explores complex themes and features distinctive visual aesthetics.
Notable Works by Studio 4°C
- Tekkonkinkreet (2006): A visually stunning and action-packed film about two orphaned street kids in a dystopian city.
- Mind Game (2004): A psychedelic and experimental film that defies easy categorization, known for its surreal visuals and unconventional storytelling.
- Children of the Sea (2019): A visually breathtaking film that explores the mysteries of the ocean and the connection between humans and nature.
- Mutafukaz (2017): A French-Japanese co-production blending science fiction, action, and comedy, set in a dark and gritty urban environment.
- Poupelle of Chimney Town (2020): A heartwarming and visually imaginative film about a young boy who befriends a creature made of garbage.
Anime on the Global Stage
The selection of ChaO as the opening night film for JAPAN CUTS highlights the growing popularity and recognition of anime on the global stage. Anime has evolved from a niche genre to a mainstream form of entertainment, attracting a diverse audience with its unique storytelling, diverse themes, and distinctive visual styles.
Anime’s Impact on Western Animation
Anime has had a significant impact on Western animation, influencing the style and storytelling of many popular animated series. Shows like Avatar: The Last Airbender, Steven Universe, and RWBY draw inspiration from anime in their character designs, action sequences, and narrative structures.
Anime Film Festivals in the US
JAPAN CUTS is not the only film festival in the United States that showcases anime. Other notable festivals include:
- Animation First: An annual animation festival in New York City that features a wide range of animated films, including anime.
- USA Film Festival: Held in Dallas, this festival includes animation among other film arts.
- Los Angeles International CINEVERSE Film Festival: Showcases a variety of films, including animated works.
- International Animation Festival: An annual event held at College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, CA.
These festivals provide a platform for anime filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with audiences, further contributing to the growth and appreciation of anime in the United States.
GKIDS Acquires North American Distribution Rights
GKIDS, a distributor known for bringing high-quality animated films to North American audiences, has acquired the distribution rights for ChaO. This ensures that the film will be widely available in theaters and on home video platforms across North America. GKIDS has a strong track record of success with anime films, having distributed acclaimed titles such as Spirited Away, Your Name, and Weathering With You.
Final Thoughts
The opening of JAPAN CUTS 2025 with Studio 4°C’s ChaO marks a significant moment for both the festival and the anime industry. ChaO‘s unique blend of romance, comedy, and science fiction, combined with Studio 4°C’s signature visual style, promises to captivate audiences and further solidify anime’s place as a major force in global cinema. As JAPAN CUTS continues to showcase the best in contemporary Japanese film, it plays a vital role in bridging cultures and fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of filmmaking.
