Shoji Kawamori, the acclaimed creator behind iconic series like Macross and Aquarion, has unveiled additional cast details for his first original feature-length anime film, Meikyū no Shiori, officially titled Labyrinth in English. The film is set to premiere in Japanese theaters in January 2026, with a new teaser providing a closer look at the digital escape drama.
Leading the Cast in a Digital Maze
The recently announced main cast features a blend of established talent and fresh faces, bringing to life the film’s unique premise.
- Suzuka from the popular pop group Atarashii Gakko! will make her voice acting debut, taking on the dual roles of the protagonist, Shiori Maezawa, and her mysterious alternate self, SHIORI@REVOLUTION. This marks a significant first for the performer, stepping into the anime world under a celebrated director.
- Veteran actor Taizo Harada joins as Komori, a distinctive rabbit stamp character that Shiori encounters within the alternate world.
- Aoi Ito is cast as Kirara Kurashina, Shiori’s schoolmate who is also a high school influencer.
- Jun Saito will voice Kento Yamada, another of Shiori’s classmates.
The new cast members are expected to add depth to the narrative, which delves into themes of identity and the digital self.
The Premise of Labyrinth: A Smartphone’s Other Self
Labyrinth centers on Shiori Maezawa, an ordinary high school girl whose life takes an extraordinary turn when her smartphone suddenly breaks. She finds herself transported to a deserted, parallel version of Yokohama. Adding to the mystery, Shiori discovers unfamiliar photos of herself appearing on her social media accounts, leading her to the startling realization that an “other self” is acting independently in the real world.
Kawamori has stated that the film’s concept originated from the idea that smartphones, ubiquitous in modern life, function as an “another self” that accumulates vast amounts of personal data. The story explores the profound relationship between one’s digital persona and their physical reality, asking what happens when the lines blur. To reclaim her life and stop her alternate self from spiraling out of control, Shiori must navigate this perplexing digital labyrinth.
Production Details and Creative Vision
The film is directed by Shoji Kawamori, marking his first original theatrical anime film. Kawamori is renowned for his innovative mecha designs and storytelling across numerous anime franchises.
The production team includes:
- Character Design: Risa Ebata, known for her work on Macross Frontier and AKB0048.
- Scriptwriter: Taichi Hashimoto, who has contributed to titles such as Listeners and Gate Keepers 21.
- Animation Production: SANZIGEN, an acclaimed studio known for its CG animation.
- Original Story Concept, Planning, and Production: Credited to a collaborative effort by Slow Curve, Vector Vision, GAGA, and Fuji Television.
Kawamori aims to deliver an “emotional, pop entertainment piece that combines song and horror,” promising a unique blend of genres for audiences. With its intriguing premise, an experienced creative team, and a newly revealed cast, Labyrinth is poised to be a highly anticipated release in January 2026.
