The highly anticipated CG anime short, Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express, is set to launch on July 3, 2025, following the release of its second trailer, which unveiled additional cast members and its retro-inspired theme song. This sequel to Yohei Kameyama’s viral 2022 hit, Milky☆Highway, promises an unprecedented space-train spectacle driven by pure momentum and a unique comedic narrative.
A Visionary’s Solo Journey: Yohei Kameyama’s Creative Universe
At the heart of Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express lies the singular vision of Yohei Kameyama. Kameyama, a prolific animator and creator, is not only the director and screenwriter but also the original creator, character designer, sound director, animator, and editor for this project. This near one-man production approach has garnered international attention and solidified Kameyama’s reputation as a distinct voice in the animation industry. His previous work, Milky☆Highway, a short 3D animated film released in 2022, gained immense popularity on YouTube, amassing over 6.7 million views globally with its quirky world-building and relaxed dialogue. Milky☆Highway originated as Kameyama’s graduation project from Kadokawa’s Vantan Game Academy CG Animator major, demonstrating his early talent and innovative approach to CG animation. The success of the original paved the way for this eagerly awaited sequel, which seeks to expand upon its predecessor’s unique charm and chaotic energy.
The production of Milky☆Subway is a collaborative effort between Shin-Ei Animation, handling the planning production, and Titan Industries, credited with the overall production. This partnership underscores the growing recognition of independent animators’ works within larger industry frameworks, enabling broader reach and higher production values while retaining the creator’s artistic integrity.
Plotting a Course for Galactic Anarchy
The narrative of Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express centers on two unlikely protagonists: Chiharu, a genetically enhanced human, and Makina, her cyborg best friend. Their journey begins with a rather mundane punishment for violating space traffic laws: community service. Along with a motley crew of fellow misfits, also caught breaking similar laws, Chiharu and Makina are tasked by the police officer Ryōko to clean the “Milky☆Subway,” an old interplanetary train. What should have been a straightforward and uneventful job quickly devolves into cosmic pandemonium when the train inexplicably hurtles into deep space.
The official synopsis teases a “never-before-seen space-train spectacle, powered by nothing but pure momentum!” It emphasizes a story with “no purpose! No principle! No point!” This sets the stage for a high-speed, chaotic, and presumably comedic adventure, where the characters must scramble to navigate unforeseen challenges without any clear plan or strategy. This unpredictable premise suggests a blend of science fiction and slapstick comedy, characteristic of Kameyama’s distinctive style seen in Milky☆Highway.
A Stellar Ensemble: The Expanded Voice Cast
The second trailer for Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express provided exciting updates regarding its voice cast, introducing several prominent talents who will bring the new characters to life.
Reprising their roles from the original teaser and already established in the sequel are:
- Momoka Terasawa as Chiharu: Terasawa, known for her role in Yuzuki-san Chi no Yonkyoudai, voices the genetically enhanced human protagonist, Chiharu. Her performance is expected to capture Chiharu’s dynamic and fast-paced chemistry with Makina.
- Anna Nagase as Makina: Nagase, recognized for her work in Summer Time Rendering and as Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad ISEKAI, lends her voice to Makina, the strong cyborg best friend. Nagase has commented on the natural and chaotic comedic performance required for Makina.
Joining the core duo and expanding the narrative’s depth are the newly announced cast members:
- Hisako Kanemoto as Akane: Kanemoto, whose credits include Zenith Greyrat in Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, takes on the role of Akane, part of another superhuman pair onboard the runaway train.
- Mikako Komatsu as Ryōko: Komatsu, known for Fels in Is It Wrong to Try to Pick up Girls in a Dungeon?, voices Ryōko, the police officer who sentences the unruly crew to their unusual community service.
- Kōki Uchiyama as Kurt: Uchiyama, recognized for Rin Itoshi in BLUE LOCK, portrays Kurt, one of the cyborg pals joining the misadventure.
- Makoto Koichi as Kanata: Koichi, known for Lloyd in I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince, voices Kanata, the other half of the superhuman duo alongside Akane.
- Yoshitaka Yamaya as Max: Yamaya, known for Itsuki Kawasumi in The Rising of the Shield Hero, completes the new additions as Max, the other cyborg companion.
This diverse and talented cast is expected to inject vibrant personalities into the already quirky world of Milky☆Subway, enhancing the comedic timing and character interactions that were a highlight of the original short.
The Retro Rhythms of “Gingakei Made Tonde Ike!”
A notable revelation from the second trailer is the anime’s theme song: “Gingakei Made Tonde Ike!” (Fly to the Galaxy!) performed by the iconic Japanese girl group Candies. This choice is particularly interesting as the song dates back to 1977, offering a nostalgic, retro-pop sound that contrasts with the futuristic CG animation. The lyrics for the song were penned by Makoto Kitajō, with music composed by Takurō Yoshida.
The integration of a classic track like “Gingakei Made Tonde Ike!” suggests a deliberate artistic choice by Kameyama to blend old and new, creating a unique auditory experience that complements the visual style. This blend of retro aesthetics with modern animation could become a signature element of the Milky☆Subway universe, appealing to both seasoned anime fans and newcomers. The upbeat and lighthearted nature of the song is also likely to perfectly encapsulate the chaotic yet joyful spirit of the anime’s unexpected galactic journey.
Global Premiere and Accessibility
Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express is poised for a significant global launch. It will premiere in Japan on July 3, 2025, on the Tokyo MX channel at 9:54 p.m. JST. Critically, for its international audience, the anime will simultaneously stream on YouTube.
Further demonstrating its commitment to global accessibility, Milky☆Subway will be available with dubbed versions in an impressive ten languages on YouTube. These languages include English, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Thai, Indonesian, French, Hindi, and Russian. This wide range of language options ensures that the anime’s unique brand of space-faring comedy and character-driven chaos can reach a diverse international viewership, fostering a broader community around Kameyama’s work. The decision to release globally on YouTube also reflects a strategic approach to leverage the platform that contributed to the original Milky☆Highway‘s viral success.
Anticipation for a Singular Spectacle
As the debut date approaches, anticipation for Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express continues to build within the anime community. The short promises to deliver a fresh, unpretentious, and entertaining experience, leaning into its strengths of fast-paced humor and vibrant animation without getting bogged down by overly complex plots or deep philosophical undertones. The blend of Yohei Kameyama’s distinctive directorial style, the expanded cast bringing new dynamics to the forefront, and the surprising yet fitting choice of a classic theme song, all contribute to what could be a memorable addition to the CG anime landscape.
Fans of Milky☆Highway and those looking for an animated adventure that prioritizes pure momentum and unadulterated fun will undoubtedly find themselves on board for this galactic limited express. The global availability and multi-language dubs also ensure that this unique vision transcends geographical boundaries, inviting a worldwide audience to hop on for what promises to be a wild, unpredictable, and thoroughly enjoyable ride.
