Fans of Penguin Box’s charming “Odekake Kozame” (Little Shark’s Outings) are eagerly anticipating new animated adventures, though the next major project is an anime film slated for August 2025, rather than a second television season in April 2026. The beloved web manga, which previously received an original net animation (ONA) series, is set to make its big-screen debut with “Eiga Odekake Kozame Tokai no Otomodachi” (Little Shark’s Day Out The Movie: A Friend in A Big City).
The announcement of a new anime project came after the conclusion of the first ONA series in May 2024, which was later confirmed to be the upcoming film.
“Odekake Kozame” Heads to the Big Screen in August 2025
The feature film, titled “Eiga Odekake Kozame Tokai no Otomodachi,” is scheduled to premiere on August 22, 2025. This cinematic venture marks a significant expansion for the adorable shark’s universe. The movie will follow Kozame-chan’s journey to the city after being inspired by a glittering poster and a shark-shaped cloud. Her adventure begins as she boards a train to the bustling “Tokai” (Big City), where neon lights and crowds await.
Key Staff and Returning Cast for the Film
Chihiro Kumano is directing the film at ENGI, with Hiroaki Nagashima returning to write the script, a role he also held for the ONA series. Ayumi Takeuchi is handling character designs, while Kisuke Koizumi is the sound director and Yoshiaki Fujisawa is composing the music. Kadokawa is producing the film, with Kadokawa Animation managing its theatrical distribution.
Kana Hanazawa will reprise her role as the titular Kozame-chan. New cast members for the film include Megumi Han as Ankō-chan, Misaki Kuno as Usame-chan, Yūichirō Umehara as the Man with a Mohawk, Natsuki Hanae as Haruto, Manaka Iwami as Sora, Rin Kurusu as Miho, Toshiya Miyata as Big Brother Salaryman, Akira Takano as Mr. Bartender, and Kazuto Mokudai as Mr. Host.
The Preceding ONA Series and Manga Origins
The “Odekake Kozame” anime franchise began with an original net animation (ONA) series that streamed weekly on YouTube from August 1, 2023, to May 10, 2024. This initial adaptation spanned 60 episodes, each approximately one minute in length, capturing the everyday adventures of the baby shark in the nostalgic Yauo Town. Kana Hanazawa not only voiced Kozame-chan but also performed the anime’s theme song, “Yorimichi” (Detour).
The anime is based on Penguin Box’s popular manga series, which initially launched on Twitter/X in June 2021. The manga, depicting the innocent and heartwarming escapades of Kozame-chan, quickly gained a following. As of July 2025, seven compiled tankōbon volumes have been released by Chukei Publishing. The charm of “Odekake Kozame” lies in its simple yet heartwarming portrayal of a baby shark exploring the world, from enjoying cider on a summer day to participating in local festivals and making new friends.
