Visionary director Shoji Kawamori, renowned for his work on the Macross and Aquarion series, is set to release his first completely original feature-length animated film, titled Labyrinth (Meikyū no Shiori, or “Shiori of the Labyrinth” in Japan), in January 2026. The announcement, made on July 2, 2025, included the revelation of the film’s title, key staff, and an initial teaser visual and trailer.
A Modern Sci-Fi Fantasy Rooted in Smartphones and Identity
Labyrinth is described as a sci-fi fantasy that integrates modern themes, particularly the pervasive use of smartphones, into a pop-colored, slightly horror-tinged escape adventure set in an alternate dimension. Kawamori aims to explore themes of identity, digital technology, and personal data, blending sci-fi with psychological and fantasy elements. The core concept originated from the idea of smartphones serving as an “another self,” a vessel holding one’s history and personal data. The narrative suggests that if a smartphone breaks, it might symbolize a fracture in one’s heart, leading to a dramatic clash between the digital and real selves.
The film’s story centers on Shiori Maezawa, an ordinary high school girl whose life takes a surreal turn after her smartphone suddenly shatters. She awakens in a deserted, alternate version of Yokohama, discovering her social media filled with photos she never took. A parallel version of herself then emerges and begins to act wildly in the real world, drawing Shiori into a strange labyrinth within her smartphone. Shiori’s goal is to navigate this digital maze to confront her digital doppelgänger and find her way back.
Key Staff Bringing Labyrinth to Life
The production of Labyrinth brings together a stellar team, with Shoji Kawamori himself taking on the roles of director, screenwriter, and storyboard artist for his first entirely original theatrical film.
Director and Original Concept
Shoji Kawamori, celebrated for his distinct visual storytelling and richly imagined worlds in series like Macross and Aquarion, helms this new project. He also conceived the original story concept, credited to companies including Slow Curve, Vector Vision, GAGA, and Fuji Television, with Slow Curve also handling planning and production.
Screenplay
The screenplay for Labyrinth is penned by Taichi Hashimoto, known for his work on Revisions and HUMAN LOST.
Character Design
Risa Ebata is responsible for character design, having previously collaborated with Kawamori on Macross Frontier and its theatrical installment, The False Songstress.
Animation Production
Animation production for Labyrinth is being handled by SANZIGEN.
Release and Thematic Elements
Labyrinth is set for a theatrical release in Japan in January 2026. The film incorporates three signature themes that have defined Kawamori’s previous hits: music, sci-fi, and love triangles, presenting them with a modern twist. The newly released teaser visual features Shiori being drawn into her phone against a Yokohama backdrop, while the teaser trailer opens with light-hearted moments before shifting to a darker tone as Shiori becomes trapped in the smartphone world. The trailer teases mysterious figures, a pink rabbit, and peculiar airborne creatures navigating skies filled with missiles, hinting at the surreal and suspenseful fantasy that awaits audiences.
