The upcoming anime film "Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise," based on Kazuyoshi Takeda’s award-winning manga, has released its full trailer and main visual ahead of its December 5, 2025 premiere. The theme song, titled “A Miracle-like Thing,” is performed by singer and actress Mone Kamishiraishi, with lyrics by MONGOL800’s Kiyosaku and composition by Kazuyo Suzuki.

Quick Summary

- The anime film "Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise" will open in Japan on December 5, 2025.
- Based on Kazuyoshi Takeda’s manga, the story depicts soldiers’ friendship during the Battle of Peleliu in 1944.
- Rihito Itagaki voices protagonist Tamura, while Tomoya Nakamura plays Yoshiki, his superior and close friend.
- The theme song “A Miracle-like Thing” is performed by Mone Kamishiraishi, written by Kiyosaku, and composed by Kazuyo Suzuki.
- A 90-second trailer and new poster visual have been released, highlighting the film’s emotional and human focus.

Overview of Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise

The anime film "Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise" is set to open in Japan on December 5, 2025. Adapted from Kazuyoshi Takeda’s manga serialized in Young Animal (Hakusensha), the story portrays the harsh realities of war and the fragile bonds formed on the battlefield of Peleliu Island during World War II. The original manga, known for its contrast between cute character designs and the brutality of everyday warfare, received the Excellence Award at the 46th Japan Cartoonists Association Awards.

Story and Characters

Set during the Battle of Peleliu, which began on September 15, 1944, the film follows Japanese soldiers stationed on the island as they face overwhelming odds. The protagonist Tamura, voiced by Rihito Itagaki, is assigned to record and report the heroic deaths of his comrades. His superior and close ally Yoshiki, voiced by Tomoya Nakamura, stands beside him through the brutal fighting. The narrative highlights the soldiers’ struggle to survive, their internal conflict over duty and humanity, and the friendship that sustains them amid despair.

Trailer Highlights and Visual Details

The newly released 90-second trailer begins with the serene landscape of a tropical paradise, quickly shifting as bombs fall and the island turns into a hellish battlefield. The visuals contrast bright greenery with explosions, gunfire, and smoke. Tamura’s internal conflict deepens as he struggles to find words to describe the deaths around him. Scenes of fleeting daily life—blowing bubbles or sharing brief laughter—underscore the soldiers’ humanity. The final poster visual shows Tamura and Yoshiki supporting each other on a devastated battlefield, surrounded by fallen comrades, enemy tanks, and a crimson sunset, symbolizing both tragedy and enduring bonds.

Theme Song “A Miracle-like Thing” by Mone Kamishiraishi

The film’s theme song, titled “A Miracle-like Thing,” is performed by singer and actress Mone Kamishiraishi. The song was written by Kiyosaku of MONGOL800 and composed by Kazuyo Suzuki. Its gentle yet powerful melody and lyrics explore themes of love, life, and the will to survive, resonating deeply with the film’s core message. In the trailer, Kamishiraishi’s clear, soothing voice follows Yoshiki’s determined line, “I can’t afford to die,” creating a poignant emotional climax.

Comments from the Cast and Singer

Mone Kamishiraishi expressed her joy at being part of the project, saying she was honored to deliver the film and song in the 80th year since the end of the war. She noted that the composition by Kazuyo Suzuki and lyrics by Kiyosaku evoked the island’s wind and waves, inspiring her to sing with deep reflection on the story’s legacy. She also shared that reading the manga made her feel close to the characters, emphasizing that the film portrays the lives of real people rather than distant history.
Rihito Itagaki, who voices Tamura, described the song as deeply moving, saying it captured the emotions of those who fought and those who waited for them. He expressed gratitude to Kamishiraishi for her tender and heartfelt performance, noting that her voice brought comfort even to Tamura’s character within the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When will "Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise" be released in theaters?
A1: The anime film "Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise" is scheduled to open in Japanese theaters on December 5, 2025.

Q2: Who performs the theme song for the film?
A2: The theme song, titled “A Miracle-like Thing,” is performed by Mone Kamishiraishi, with lyrics by Kiyosaku of MONGOL800 and music by Kazuyo Suzuki.

Q3: Who are the main voice actors in the film?
A3: Rihito Itagaki voices the main character Tamura, and Tomoya Nakamura voices his superior and ally Yoshiki.

Q4: What is the story about?
A4: The film depicts the Battle of Peleliu in 1944, focusing on the soldiers’ friendship, survival, and humanity amid the horrors of war.

Q5: What award did the original manga receive?
A5: The manga "Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise," written by Kazuyoshi Takeda, won the Excellence Award at the 46th Japan Cartoonists Association Awards.

Source : ORICON NEWS