The Happy Science Organization’s latest animated feature film, “Dragon Heart – Adventures Beyond This World,” is slated to make its debut at AnimeJapan 2025, ahead of its theatrical release in May. This announcement has generated significant buzz, with the film’s unique storyline and the organization’s controversial background sparking considerable discussion within the anime community.
AnimeJapan 2025 Exhibition
AnimeJapan 2025, one of the world’s largest animation trade shows, will be held at Tokyo Big Sight from March 22nd to 25th. The event is a major platform for showcasing new anime projects, and this year’s lineup includes a dedicated exhibition for “Dragon Heart – Adventures Beyond This World.” The exhibition will offer attendees a first look at the film’s animation, characters, and story, and is expected to generate interest in the movie’s May release.
The convention, which attracts both industry professionals and fans, will be open to the general public on March 22nd and 23rd. This provides an opportunity for anime enthusiasts to learn more about “Dragon Heart,” alongside other highly anticipated series such as Jujutsu Kaisen, Hunter x Hunter, and Frieren.
Film’s Plot and Storyline
“Dragon Heart – Adventures Beyond This World” follows the journey of two teenagers, Ryusuke and his cousin Tomomi. Ryusuke, a junior high school student from Tokyo, visits his cousin in Tokushima during his summer vacation. While on an outing to the Anabuki River, the cousins are swept away by the current. As they sink to the riverbed, a dragon appears and rescues them, taking them to a mysterious old man.
The old man reveals that they are, in fact, dead but he offers them a chance to return to life if they explore the spirit world and discover their life’s mission. Thus begins a perilous journey into the unknown. Their adventure takes them through a dark, 1960s-esque town before they realize they have descended into hell, where they face terrifying trials. The two must confront fear-ridden rogues, witnessing violence and macabre scenes. Their journey continues beyond the confines of hell as they seek their individual purpose in life.
The Creative Team Behind “Dragon Heart”
The film is produced by the Happy Science Organization with Ryuho Okawa credited as the executive producer and original story creator. Although Okawa, the founder of Happy Science, passed away, his work continues through this film. Isamu Imakake directs the film. Imakake has previously worked on “Neon Genesis Evangelion” as a key animator and “Captain Tsubasa” as a storyboard artist, and also directed several past Happy Science Films such as “The Mystical Laws”, “The Laws of Eternity”, and “The Laws of the Universe” series. The theme song for the film, also titled “Dragon Heart,” is written and composed by Ryuho Okawa and performed by kouta.
Voice Cast
The main characters are brought to life by well-known voice actors. Yusuke Kobayashi voices Ryusuke, and Chinatsu Hirose plays Tomomi. The cast also features veteran voice actors Shigeru Chiba, Shunsuke Takeuchi, and Shinichiro Miki in key roles.
Happy Science Organization and its Films
The Happy Science Organization is a controversial religious group that has been actively producing anime films for many years. These films often serve as a medium to promote their religious beliefs and spiritual concepts. Past productions include:
- Hermes – Winds of Love (1997)
- The Laws of the Sun (2000)
- The Golden Laws (2003)
- The Laws of Eternity (2006)
- The Rebirth of Buddha (2009)
- The Mystical Laws (2012)
- The Laws of the Universe Part 0 (2015)
- The Laws of the Universe: The Age of Elohim (2021)
These films often explore themes of spirituality, the afterlife, and the search for purpose, mirroring the core tenets of Happy Science’s teachings. However, their association with a religious organization often raises questions about their intentions and reception within the broader anime community.
Controversies Surrounding Happy Science
The Happy Science Organization, founded by the late Ryuho Okawa in 1986, has faced scrutiny and criticism for its practices and is often described as a cult. The group has been criticized for its recruitment methods, the vast amount of influence wielded by its founder, and its political stances. Okawa’s son, Hiroshi Okawa, has become an outspoken critic of the organization, describing it as a “cult” and denouncing his father’s actions as “nonsense”.
Despite the criticisms, Happy Science claims to promote a “New World” through spiritual teachings, open to people of all backgrounds, and boasts a global following with numerous branches and members. The organization also runs a university, Happy Science University, which aims to develop leaders that will contribute to this new civilization.
“Dragon Heart” – Reception and Expectations
The release of “Dragon Heart – Adventures Beyond This World” has stirred considerable debate online. Some critics have labeled the film as “cult anime” due to its association with Happy Science. Others are intrigued by the dark, fantastical plot and the involvement of notable anime talent like director Isamu Imakake and voice actors Yusuke Kobayashi and Chinatsu Hirose.
Despite the controversy, the film’s premise and the history of previous Happy Science anime productions have drawn attention from anime enthusiasts. The blend of adventure, spiritual themes, and dark imagery could resonate with audiences looking for unique and thought-provoking stories. The film’s performance at the box office will be watched closely by many interested parties, including those eager to see how the late Ryuho Okawa’s teachings will be interpreted in the film.
Conclusion
“Dragon Heart – Adventures Beyond This World” promises to be one of the more talked about anime films of 2025. Its debut at AnimeJapan 2025 will provide a vital platform to engage with audiences and gauge reception ahead of its May release. The film’s unique blend of fantasy, spiritual themes, and the controversial background of its producers, make it a notable entry in the anime landscape this year. It remains to be seen whether the film will be able to transcend its controversial origins and gain broader acceptance among anime fans.
