Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island Opens July 24, First Footage Reveals Journey to a Mysterious Island

Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island is set to open in theaters on July 24, marking the first ever feature film adaptation of the beloved anime Chiikawa. The first footage from the main feature has now been revealed.

The newly released 30 second teaser begins with a single flyer that sets the story in motion. Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi board a ship and set sail toward a certain island. What awaits them at their destination, and what is the secret of the island? The teaser showcases cinematic visuals unique to a theatrical release. It also features a grand orchestral arrangement of the fan favorite song Hitorigotsu, hinting at the beginning of an epic adventure for the trio.

In addition, three scene cuts have been unveiled for the first time. The images show Chiikawa and Hachiware excitedly boarding a ship bound for the island, while Usagi is seen lying on a tree stump. Another still captures a dignified back shot of Chiikawa and Hachiware just before setting off on their adventure, holding their beloved sasumata polearms. The teaser will begin screening sequentially in theaters nationwide starting tomorrow, the 27th.

Originally launched in 2020, Chiikawa is based on a manga series by illustrator Nagano that began on X, formerly known as Twitter. The franchise has won the Japan Character Award Grand Prix three times. The short anime adaptation, which began airing in 2022, has surpassed 400 million total views on YouTube catch up streaming.

The film adapts one of the most distinctive and popular long form story arcs in the series, commonly known as the Siren Arc. Animation production is handled by CygamesPictures, known for the theatrical film Uma Musume Pretty Derby Beginning of a New Era. Under the full supervision of Nagano, the adventure of Chiikawa and friends will be brought to life with sweeping music and powerful visuals.

Source : ORICON NEWS