Yōhei Kameyama’s Milky☆Highway, the independently produced CG anime short that gained a significant online following, is getting a sequel. Titled Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express, the new series is set to debut on television and streaming platforms in July 2025. This announcement has generated excitement among fans of the original short and anime enthusiasts alike.
What to Expect From Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express
The sequel promises to expand upon the world and characters introduced in Milky☆Highway, offering viewers a new and exciting adventure.
Story and Premise
- Continuing the Adventure: Milky☆Subway picks up after the events of Milky☆Highway.
- Community Service: Chiharu and Makina, the main characters, are sentenced to community service for reckless space driving.
- Cleaning the Subway: Their task involves cleaning the Milky Subway, an old interplanetary train line.
- Unexpected Incident: The seemingly simple job takes a chaotic turn when the train suddenly embarks on a high-speed journey, entangling them in a large-scale incident.
Production and Characters
- Creator at the Helm: Yōhei Kameyama is once again directing, writing, and producing the sequel.
- Multi-Talented: Kameyama is also handling character designs, modeling, animation, and editing, showcasing his comprehensive skillset.
- New Voice Cast: Momoka Terasawa voices Chiharu, while Anna Nagase voices Makina, bringing fresh talent to the lead roles.
The Origins of Milky☆Highway
Understanding the origins of Milky☆Highway provides context for the excitement surrounding its sequel.
Kameyama’s Graduation Project
- Vantan Game Academy: Kameyama created the original Milky☆Highway short as his graduation project for Kadokawa’s Vantan Game Academy CG Animator major in 2022.
- Independent Success: The short film garnered substantial attention online, with millions of views across platforms.
- DIY Animation: Kameyama single-handedly created the original short film using Blender (software), marking a trend of emerging independent Japanese animators leveraging free 3D software to create innovative artistic content.
Synopsis of Milky☆Highway
- Interplanetary Road Trip: The story follows Makina, a cyborg, and Chiharu, a super human, as they embark on a drive along the Milky☆Highway, an interplanetary road.
- Troublesome Duo: Their weekend drive is filled with danger and chaos, reflecting the short’s fast-paced and unconventional nature.
- Unique Description: The short is described as “Not smart, not tear-jerking, not touching. The only two words that can describe this discount cyberpunk story is Speedy and Unprecedented!!”
Where to Watch Milky☆Highway and Milky☆Subway
Milky☆Highway is currently available for viewing on YouTube, allowing audiences to experience the short that started it all. Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express will be available on television and streaming in July 2025.
Reception and Community
- Online buzz: The original short became a hot topic online, sparking discussions on platforms like Reddit.
- Positive reviews: Many viewers found Milky☆Highway to be “crazy, cute, & comfy,” praising its unique style and charm.
- Anticipation: The announcement of Milky☆Subway has further fueled community interest, with fans eagerly awaiting the sequel’s release.
