Yoshitoshi Shinomiya’s directorial debut, A New Dawn, has generated significant buzz following the release of its first teaser trailer, key visual, and primary cast announcement. The upcoming anime film, a French-Japanese co-production, is slated for release in Japan in 2025. Shinomiya, known for his work as a Japanese-style painter and contributions to acclaimed anime films, is directing and writing the script for A New Dawn, adding to the anticipation surrounding his first feature-length project.
A Glimpse into the World of A New Dawn
The film’s official Japanese title, Hanarokusho ga Akeru Hi ni, translates to “On the day when Paris Green dawns.” This title alludes to the Paris Green pigment, historically used in fireworks, which is a key element of the story. The teaser trailer and key visual showcase the film’s gorgeous visuals and suggest a story rich with emotion and visual storytelling. The artwork evokes the style of watercolor painting, hinting at the blend of traditional artistic elements with modern animation techniques.
The Story of Three Young People
A New Dawn centers around the story of three young individuals connected to the Obinata Fireworks Shop. The synopsis, as revealed at the 77th Cannes International Film Festival’s Annecy Animation Showcase, highlights a compelling narrative: the Obinata Fireworks Shop factory is facing imminent confiscation. It has been six years since Keitaro Obinata, the second son of the shop, has secluded himself within the dilapidated factory, driven by the illusion of his vanished father and working tirelessly to recreate a legendary firework.
Meanwhile, Kaoru Shikimori, Keitaro’s childhood friend, has left their hometown to pursue her aspirations in Tokyo. When she returns, she reunites with Keitaro and they embark on a surprising plan. The film’s narrative explores themes of overcoming adversity, identity, and the pursuit of dreams in the face of environmental challenges and disasters. It loosely draws inspiration from the changes in the Japanese landscape following the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011.
The Creative Minds Behind A New Dawn
Yoshitoshi Shinomiya’s background is as a Japanese-style painter, and he has contributed to renowned anime films, such as Makoto Shinkai’s The Garden of Words (poster illustrator) and Your Name (recollection scene key animator and unit director) and Sunao Katabuchi’s In This Corner of the World (watercolor painter). He is also known for his short-form works like Tokino Kousa and the Chiaki Mayumura music video “Boukentai ~Heroes of the old forest~”. Shinomiya’s diverse experience as an artist makes him a unique voice in the world of animation.
Key Staff
The film boasts a talented team, including:
- Character Designer: Utsushita (Minamigata Laboratory), known for their work on Heavenly Delusion is designing the characters.
- Animation Director: Shohei Hamaguchi is overseeing the animation.
- Art Director: Ryoko Majima, who also worked on Your Name as co-art director, is in charge of the visual aesthetics.
- Music Composer: Shuta Hasunuma is crafting the film’s score.
The collaboration of these talented individuals ensures a high-quality production for A New Dawn. The film is a co-production between ASMIK Ace and the French studio Miyu Productions, known for Ghost Cat Anzu.
Meet the Main Cast of A New Dawn
The film marks the voice acting debut for both leads. The main cast includes:
- Riku Hagiwara as Keitaro Obinata: Hagiwara, known for his roles in live-action dramas such as My Beautiful Man, Meguru Mirai, and Den’ei Shōjo ~Video Girl Mai 2019~, will voice the character of Keitaro. Keitaro is the second son of the Obinata Fireworks Shop, who is striving to complete a spectacular fireworks display in place of his absent father.
- Kotone Furukawa as Kaoru Shikimori: Furukawa, recognized for her roles in live-action series such as Yu Yu Hakusho, Idol, and Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy, will voice Kaoru. Kaoru is a childhood friend of Keitaro who left their hometown to seek her future in Tokyo.
The casting of Riku Hagiwara and Kotone Furukawa brings a fresh dynamic to the film, as both actors have extensive experience in live-action work and are embarking on their first voice acting roles in an anime film.
Themes and Production Insights
A New Dawn explores themes such as overcoming extreme weather, disasters, environmental problems and establishing one’s identity. The narrative is set against the backdrop of a 330-year-old fireworks factory facing imminent eviction. This element adds a layer of historical and cultural significance to the story. The film delves into the stories of young people who grew up around the factory, and the challenges they face.
The story revolves around Keitaro’s quest to perfect the legendary “Shuhari” firework, an endeavor inspired by his missing father. The reunion between Keitaro and Kaoru leads to an unexpected plan to uncover the secret of the long-lost firework. The film’s selection for the 2024 Annecy Animation Showcase at the Cannes International Film Festival further underscores the film’s potential impact and artistic merit.
A Highly Anticipated Release
With its blend of traditional artistry, compelling narrative, and talented cast and crew, A New Dawn is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated anime releases of 2025. Yoshitoshi Shinomiya’s unique perspective as both a painter and animator promises a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film. The focus on young people facing contemporary issues, coupled with the captivating story of fireworks and lost legacies, is certain to make A New Dawn a memorable cinematic experience.
