Celebrated anime director Masaaki Yuasa, known for his distinct visual style and surreal storytelling, has announced his next feature film, Daisy’s Life, slated for release in 2026. This Japanese-French co-production marks the debut project from Yuasa’s newly established animation studio, ame pippin.
A New Chapter for Masaaki Yuasa
Masaaki Yuasa, born on March 16, 1965, is a prominent figure in the world of Japanese animation. He co-founded Science SARU in 2013 with Eunyoung Choi and served as its president until 2020. Yuasa’s filmography includes acclaimed works such as:
- Mind Game (2004)
- The Tatami Galaxy (2010)
- Kick-Heart (2013)
- Ping Pong the Animation (2014)
- Night Is Short, Walk On Girl (2017)
- Lu Over the Wall (2017)
- Devilman Crybaby (2018)
- Ride Your Wave (2019)
- Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! (2020)
- Japan Sinks: 2020 (2020)
- Inu-Oh (2021)
Yuasa’s works often exhibit an idiosyncratic art style, imaginative visuals, and experimental animation techniques. In February 2025, Yuasa launched ame pippin with the goal of pushing artistic boundaries in the animation world. The studio is backed by industry heavyweights Asmik Ace, Inc., Aniplex Inc., and CoMix Wave Films.
What We Know About Daisy’s Life
Daisy’s Life is based on the novel Hinagiku no Jinsei (Daisy’s Life) by Banana Yoshimoto, published in 2006. The film will feature original character designs by Yoshitomo Nara. Sachiko Tanaka, known for her work on Before We Vanish and Asaki I & II, is writing the screenplay, marking her first anime project. ASMIK Ace is producing the film, with French studio Miyu Productions co-producing.
The story of Daisy’s Life revolves around Daisy, a six-year-old girl who experiences the tragic loss of her mother. As she navigates life with her aunt, she encounters a mysterious girl named Dahlia one sleepless night. Their encounters begin to transcend time and space, bringing a cosmic perspective to Daisy’s life in a yakisoba restaurant.
Exploring the Themes and Narrative
Daisy’s Life will explore themes of grief, adaptation, and the power of connection in the face of loss. The film promises to blend realistic emotional journeys with surreal and imaginative elements, which is a signature style of Yuasa. The collaboration with Banana Yoshimoto and Yoshitomo Nara suggests a strong emphasis on character development and visual storytelling.
Banana Yoshimoto: The Novelist
Banana Yoshimoto is a celebrated Japanese author known for her poignant and introspective works. Her writing often explores themes of loss, love, and the search for meaning in contemporary Japanese society. Her notable works include Kitchen, Moonlight Shadow, and Amrita.
Yoshitomo Nara: The Artist
Yoshitomo Nara is a contemporary artist known for his distinctive and emotionally evocative illustrations. His works often feature children and animals with large, expressive eyes, conveying a sense of vulnerability and resilience. Nara’s art has been exhibited internationally and is widely recognized for its unique aesthetic.
Masaaki Yuasa’s Impact on Anime
Masaaki Yuasa has made significant contributions to the anime industry through his innovative and visually striking works. His unique approach to animation and storytelling has earned him a dedicated following and critical acclaim. Some of his notable achievements include:
- Winning the Annecy Cristal for Best Feature Film for Lu Over the Wall in 2017.
- Receiving a Golden Globe nomination for Inu-Oh in 2022.
- Winning Anime of the Year and Director of the Year at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards for Devilman Crybaby in 2018.
Yuasa’s influence extends beyond his directorial work. He has also worked as an animator, screenwriter, and storyboard artist on various projects, including Crayon Shin-chan and Adventure Time.
Other Anime Featuring “Daisy”
It is important not to confuse the upcoming film with other anime with “Daisy” in the title. One example is Don’t Leave Me Alone, Daisy ( Misutenaide Deijī), a manga series written and illustrated by Noriko Nagano. It was adapted into an anime series by Studio Deen in 1997. The story revolves around Techno, a gifted scientist who has lived in a bomb shelter his entire life. When he sees a girl for the first time, he names her Daisy and tries to win her over. The anime series was not well received.
There is also Dengeki Daisy, a shōjo manga series written and illustrated by Kyousuke Motomi. The manga was serialized in Shogakukan’s Betsucomi magazine from May 2007 to October 2013. The story follows Teru, a high school student who relies on messages from “Daisy” on her cellphone after her brother’s death.
Anticipation for Daisy’s Life
Daisy’s Life is already generating buzz among anime fans and industry professionals. With Masaaki Yuasa at the helm and a talented team of creators, the film promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience. The collaboration with Banana Yoshimoto and Yoshitomo Nara adds further to the anticipation, as their unique artistic voices are sure to enrich the film’s narrative and aesthetic. As we await its release in 2026, Daisy’s Life is poised to be a significant addition to Masaaki Yuasa’s impressive filmography and a memorable contribution to the world of anime.
