The highly anticipated CG anime short, Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express, is set to debut on July 3, 2025, on Tokyo MX and globally via YouTube, revealing additional cast members and its theme song. This sequel to Yohei Kameyama’s viral 2022 short, Milky☆Highway, promises another dose of chaotic space-train adventures under Kameyama’s singular creative vision.
A Return to the Milky Universe
Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express continues the eccentric universe established by Yohei Kameyama’s earlier independent work, Milky☆Highway. The original short, a 3D animated film released as Kameyama’s graduation project from Kadokawa’s Vantan Game Academy, garnered over 6.7 million views on YouTube, attracting a global following for its unique world-building and laid-back dialogue. Kameyama, a prolific solo creator, once again takes on nearly every role for the sequel, including director, screenwriter, character designer, modeler, animator, and editor, a feat that has consistently impressed fans worldwide.
The new installment is designed for a broad international audience, with plans for simultaneous global streaming on YouTube and dubbed versions available in 10 languages, including English, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Thai, Indonesian, French, Hindi, and Russian. This extensive localization effort aims to solidify Kameyama’s position as an exciting and accessible creator in the animation landscape.
Plot Synopsis: Chaos Aboard the Interplanetary Express
The narrative of Milky☆Subway picks up with the unlikely duo of Chiharu, a super-human, and Makina, a cyborg. Having been apprehended for violating space traffic laws, they are sentenced to community service: cleaning the “Milky☆Subway,” an antiquated interplanetary train. What was expected to be a straightforward task rapidly devolves into galactic pandemonium when the train inexplicably launches into deep space. The official synopsis teases a “never-before-seen space-train spectacle, powered by nothing but pure momentum!” The plot promises a high-speed, chaotic adventure devoid of clear purpose, principle, or a discernible point, embracing a spontaneous and unpredictable journey.
Expanding the Voice Cast Ensemble
The second trailer for Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express unveiled a robust lineup of additional voice actors, joining the previously announced lead cast. Momoka Terasawa, known for her role in Yuzuki-san Chi no Yonkyoudai, voices Chiharu, the genetically enhanced human. Anna Nagase, who played Makina in Summer Time Rendering, returns to voice the cyborg best friend, Makina. Both actors are expected to bring dynamic and humorous chemistry to their roles.
The newly revealed cast members and their respective roles include:
- Hisako Kanemoto as Akane
- Mikako Komatsu as Ryōko, the police officer who assigns the protagonists their community service
- Kōki Uchiyama as Kurt
- Makoto Koichi as Kanata
- Yoshitaka Yamaya as Max
These voice actors will embody the diverse crew of misfits who find themselves entangled in the unexpected journey aboard the Milky☆Subway, including the superhuman pair Akane and Kanata, and the cyborg pals Kurt and Max.
A Classic Soundtrack: Candies’ “Gingakei Made Tonde Ike!”
Adding a nostalgic touch to the futuristic setting, the theme song for Milky☆Subway is “Gingakei Made Tonde Ike!” (Fly to the Galaxy!), originally performed by the iconic 1970s Japanese girl group Candies. This 1977 track, with music composed by Takurō Yoshida and lyrics by Makoto Kitajō, promises to infuse the anime short with a retro-pop sensibility, creating a unique blend with its cutting-edge CG animation.
Production Details and Anticipated Release
Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express is a production of Titan Industries, with Shin-Ei Animation also listed among the partners for the project. The short is approximately 6 minutes in length per episode. Following its premiere on July 3, 2025, on Tokyo MX at 9:54 p.m. JST, the anime will be simultaneously available for global streaming on YouTube. This dual release strategy ensures maximum accessibility for both domestic Japanese audiences and the international fanbase that gravitated to Kameyama’s initial short. Fans are eagerly anticipating the continuation of Kameyama’s distinctive narrative and visual style in this new cosmic escapade.
