The highly anticipated CG anime short, Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express, has unveiled its second trailer, offering a deeper look into its chaotic space-faring adventure and revealing additional voice cast members and its theme song ahead of its July 3 debut. This sequel to Yōhei Kameyama’s viral 2022 short, Milky☆Highway, promises an expanded universe with new characters and high-octane hijinks, set to launch across Japanese television and globally via YouTube.
The Journey Continues: A Synopsis of Milky☆Subway
Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express picks up where Milky☆Highway left off, continuing the saga of superhuman Chiharu and her cyborg companion Makina. The duo, having been arrested for violating intergalactic traffic laws, find themselves sentenced to community service: cleaning an antiquated interplanetary train known as the “Milky☆Subway.” What should have been a straightforward task quickly spirals into pandemonium when the train unexpectedly takes off into the depths of deep space. The narrative is described as a “never-before-seen space-train spectacle, powered by nothing but pure momentum,” emphasizing its comedic and unpredictable nature.
The original Milky☆Highway short gained significant traction, garnering approximately 6.75 million views combined for its English-subtitled and original versions, captivating audiences with its distinctive world-building and relaxed, witty dialogue. This viral success paved the way for the sequel, allowing Kameyama to further explore his unique vision.
A Stellar Ensemble: New and Returning Voices
The second trailer for Milky☆Subway has confirmed several prominent additions to its voice cast, joining the returning talents of Momoko Terasawa as Chiharu and Anna Nagase as Makina. The newly announced cast members, set to bring more vibrant personalities to the cosmic train, include:
- Hisako Kanemoto as Akane
- Mikako Komatsu as Ryōko
- Kōki Uchiyama as Kurt
- Makoto Koichi as Kanata
- Yoshitaka Yamaya as Max
These esteemed voice actors are expected to contribute to the short’s lively and engaging character interactions, which were a highlight of its predecessor.
The Retro Beat: A 1977 Classic as Theme Song
Adding a unique nostalgic flair to the futuristic setting, the theme song for Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express has been revealed as “Gingakei Made Tonde Ike!” (Fly to the Galaxy!). This track is a 1977 song by the iconic Japanese girl group Candies, a choice that infuses the contemporary CG animation with a touch of retro charm. The unexpected pairing of a classic pop hit with a modern sci-fi narrative aligns with the quirky and unconventional spirit of Kameyama’s work.
The Visionary Behind the Express: Yōhei Kameyama’s Singular Role
Yōhei Kameyama, the animator and visionary creator behind the original Milky☆Highway, returns to helm the sequel in a multifaceted capacity. Kameyama is credited not only as the director and writer but also as the producer, handling a significant array of responsibilities including character designs, modeling, animation, and editing. This highly independent approach to animation production, where a single individual oversees nearly every aspect of the project, has garnered considerable attention and praise for its distinctive artistic integrity and efficiency.
The production of Milky☆Subway is presented by Shin-Ei Animation, with Titan Industries Production also involved, indicating a collaboration that supports Kameyama’s ambitious creative endeavors.
Global Accessibility: Premiere and Streaming Details
Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express is scheduled to premiere on July 3, 2025, on Tokyo MX channel at 9:54 p.m. JST. In a move that highlights its global appeal and the growing accessibility of anime, the short will also be simultaneously streamed worldwide on YouTube. This global distribution strategy includes dubbed versions available in ten languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Thai, Indonesian, French, Hindi, and Russian, ensuring a broad international audience can experience the chaotic cosmic journey. The release of the second trailer and main visual has further amplified anticipation for what promises to be a fresh and exhilarating addition to the anime landscape.
