The Chiikawa anime will receive its first ever film adaptation, titled Chiikawa: Ningyo no Shima no Himitsu (The Secret of Mermaid Island, JP: 映画 ちいかわ 人魚の島のひみつ) , scheduled for release in summer 2026. Directed by Kei Oikawa, known for the Uma Musume Pretty Derby series, the film features an all-new script written by Chiikawa’s creator Nagano, with animation production by CygamesPictures.

Based on Nagano’s manga posted on X, Chiikawa began serialization in 2020. Its contrast between cute characters and a harsh underlying world quickly gained popularity among audiences of all ages. The franchise has earned the Grand Prix of the Japan Character Awards three times, and related merchandise ranked second in Nikkei Trendy’s 2022 Hit Products Top 30. The TV anime has been airing since April 2022.

The newly released teaser visual shows Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi riding a boat, wearing flower crowns and grass skirts as they gaze up at a beautiful night sky lit by a full moon.

Nagano commented on the announcement:

The film will adapt the “Siren Arc,” a long-form story written by Nagano specifically for the movie. The plot follows Chiikawa and friends as they receive an invitation to a “special island” and set out for a group retreat. Known as one of the series’ most beloved arcs that frequently trended on social media, this storyline will be brought to life on the big screen under Nagano’s complete supervision.

Nagano's Comment

“Chiikawa is officially becoming a movie. The title is The Secret of Mermaid Island. It is the story about traveling to an island that I posted on X from March to November 2023. This will be Chiikawa’s first adventure on a large theater screen. I hope you look forward to it.”

The newly released teaser visual shows Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi riding a boat, wearing flower crowns and grass skirts as they gaze up at a beautiful night sky lit by a full moon.

Movie Synopsis

One day, while Chiikawa and Hachiware relax in the plaza, Usagi suddenly appears with a flyer stuck to his face. When Hachiware checks it, he finds an invitation reading, “You are invited to a special island.”

Tempted by phrases like “Earn one hundred times the usual reward with easy island quests” and “Limited island ramen and sweets, everything practically free,” the trio decides to go on a training camp trip. Along with the cautious Rakko-sensei, they board a boat and land on the island. But what awaits them there?

Source : ORICON NEWS