A new heartwarming flipbook animation by Tekken—comedian and renowned flipbook artist—has been released on YouTube to commemorate Disney’s live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch, premiering on June 6, 2025. Set to the iconic track “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride,” the short vividly portrays the emotional journey of Lilo, Nani, and the misfit alien Stitch as they discover the meaning of “ohana”—family. Through Tekken’s signature gentle illustrations and emotionally resonant music, the video encapsulates the irreplaceable bonds formed through love, grief, and healing.

Tekken’s Unique Touch in Depicting “Ohana”

The animation tells the story of Lilo, a young girl who lost her parents in a tragic accident, and her older sister Nani, who struggles to care for her sibling while suppressing her own dreams. Into their lives bursts Stitch, a genetically engineered alien designed for destruction who has never known love. Though chaotic at first, their unexpected encounter sparks a transformation, revealing the deep, emotional bonds of chosen family.

Tekken captures their evolving relationship with expressive character motion and attention to detail—especially in Stitch’s subtle ear movements and facial expressions. The flipbook animation builds on his previous collaborations with Disney, including Big Hero 6 and Star Wars: The Force Awakens, both of which became viral sensations in Japan.

Artist’s Personal Connection with the Story

Tekken shared that his own experience of losing his mother early in life and being supported by friends and family helped shape the emotional tone of this project. “I wanted to express that feeling through the animation,” he explained, drawing parallels between his journey and that of Lilo and Nani.

He also noted the design challenges between the animated and live-action versions of Stitch. “The outline of Stitch in the live-action version is wider, so I paid close attention to that. I especially focused on how his ears move and how his face expresses emotion,” Tekken said.

Family Bonds Beyond Cuteness

Tekken encourages families to watch the live-action film together, emphasizing that it’s not just cute—it’s about real emotions. “They fight, get scolded, cheer each other up, and support one another. That’s what family is,” he reflected. The live-action adaptation highlights even more nuanced emotional portrayals than the original animation, making it an ideal film for shared viewing.

FAQ – Lilo & Stitch Flipbook Animation by Tekken

What is the flipbook animation by Tekken about?
It is a hand-drawn flipbook short film created by Japanese comedian and artist Tekken to celebrate the live-action release of Disney’s Lilo & Stitch. The animation depicts the evolving “ohana” (family) bond between Lilo, Nani, and Stitch.

Who is Tekken?
Tekken is a Japanese comedian and flipbook artist known for his emotionally moving hand-drawn animations. He previously collaborated with Disney on projects like Big Hero 6 and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

When was the flipbook animation released?
The animation was released on YouTube in early June 2025 to coincide with the theatrical release of Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch in Japan.

What song is used in the animation?
The animation is set to “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride,” a well-known song featured in the original Lilo & Stitch film.

What themes are depicted in the animation?
The animation explores the emotional journey of a girl who lost her parents, her older sister’s dedication, and the arrival of an alien named Stitch, culminating in a heartfelt story about grief, healing, and the unbreakable bonds of chosen family.

How is the live-action version of Stitch different from the animated one?
According to Tekken, the live-action version has a slightly wider outline. He paid special attention to Stitch’s facial expressions and ear movements to ensure accuracy and emotional depth.

Why did Tekken take on this project?
Tekken expressed that he relates personally to Lilo and Nani’s story, having lost his own mother at a young age. He wanted to express the theme of support and emotional recovery through his artwork.

Is the video suitable for families?
Yes, the flipbook and the live-action Lilo & Stitch film both highlight themes of family, resilience, and emotional growth, making them ideal for family viewing.

Source : ORICON NEWS