Japanese comedian and flipbook artist Tekken has created a touching short anime film titled “Ohana” to celebrate the release of Disney’s live-action “Lilo & Stitch” movie. The animated short, which focuses on the theme of family, captures the emotional core of the “Lilo & Stitch” story through Tekken’s signature heartwarming style.
A Story of Family, Loss, and Healing
The “Ohana” short film is just under two minutes long and portrays the journey of Lilo, a young girl who has lost her parents, and her older sister Nani as they navigate their grief and struggle to stay together. The animation begins with Lilo and Nani looking sadly at a family photo, setting a poignant tone for the story. Their lives are then changed forever when they encounter Stitch, a mischievous alien who knows nothing about family or love.
Through Tekken’s gentle illustrations and set to the tune of “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride,” the anime beautifully depicts the evolving bond between Lilo, Nani, and Stitch. The short showcases how they learn to embrace each other, forming an unbreakable “ohana” built on love, support, and acceptance.
Tekken’s Personal Connection
Tekken shared that his own personal experiences with loss deeply influenced his work on the “Ohana” animation. Having lost his mother at a young age, he understands the feelings of loneliness and grief that Lilo and Nani experience. He explained, “I also lost my mother at an early age and felt lonely, but I got better with the support of my family and friends. We have something in common, so I tried to express those feelings as much as possible in the animation.” By incorporating these personal emotions, Tekken created an animation that resonates with authenticity and heartfelt sincerity.
Attention to Detail
Tekken paid close attention to detail to ensure that his animation accurately reflected the characters and their unique characteristics. He noted that Stitch’s design in the live-action version is slightly different from the animated version, with a wider horizontal outline. “Stitch’s contours are slightly different between the animated and live-action versions (the live-action version is longer horizontally), so I took care when drawing him,” Tekken explained. He also focused on capturing Stitch’s expressive facial expressions and ear movements, adding depth and personality to the character.
A History with Disney
This is not Tekken’s first collaboration with Disney. He previously created promotional videos for “Big Hero 6” (2014) and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015), which gained significant attention in Japan. Tekken expressed his excitement about working with Disney again, saying, “I never thought it would happen when I did ‘Big Hero 6’ and ‘The Force Awakens,’ but I never thought it would happen a second or third time…I’m really surprised. I love Disney, so I’m very honored.”
The Live-Action “Lilo & Stitch” Film
The live-action “Lilo & Stitch” film, directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, premiered in Japan on June 6, 2025. It is a reimagining of the 2002 animated classic, with some elements also based on the film’s animated sequel films and TV shows. The film stars Maia Kealoha as Lilo, with Chris Sanders reprising his role as the voice of Stitch. The cast also includes Sydney Elizebeth Agudong as Nani, Billy Magnussen as Agent Pleakley, and Zach Galifianakis as Jumba.
The live-action adaptation aims to honor the original film’s spirit while modernizing the story for a new generation. Director Dean Fleischer Camp stated, “We tried to adapt it in a way that paid loving tribute to the original, but wasn’t a one-to-one literal translation. We were very clear-eyed about the fact that animation and live action are two completely different mediums; there are things you can well in live-action that you can’t in animation, and vice versa. It was always our goal to make something that rhymed spiritually with the original film but was a little modernized.”
Cast and Characters
The live-action film features a mix of new and returning cast members. Maia Kealoha makes her film debut as Lilo Pelekai, bringing the beloved character to life. Chris Sanders, who co-wrote and co-directed the original animated film, reprises his role as the voice of Stitch, ensuring continuity and authenticity.
Sydney Elizebeth Agudong plays Nani Pelekai, Lilo’s older sister and guardian. Billy Magnussen voices Agent Pleakley, while Zach Galifianakis takes on the role of Jumba Jookiba. Courtney B. Vance plays Cobra Bubbles, a former CIA agent who serves as Lilo’s social worker.
Original cast members Tia Carrere, Amy Hill, and Jason Scott Lee, who voiced characters in the animated film, appear in new roles in the live-action adaptation, adding to the film’s connection to its source material.
Differences from the Original
While the live-action film aims to stay true to the heart of the original “Lilo & Stitch” story, there are some differences between the two versions.
- Cobra Bubbles’ Role: In the animated film, Cobra Bubbles is a social worker and former CIA agent. In the live-action film, he is still an active CIA agent who goes undercover as a social worker to investigate Stitch.
- Stitch’s Abilities: In the live-action film, Stitch gains mass when he gets wet, which becomes a plot point.
Despite these differences, the live-action film retains the core themes of family, acceptance, and the importance of “ohana.”
A Heartwarming Tribute
Tekken’s “Ohana” short anime film is a beautiful and touching tribute to the “Lilo & Stitch” story. Through his signature style and personal connection to the themes of family and loss, Tekken has created an animation that captures the emotional essence of the beloved Disney film. The short serves as a reminder of the importance of “ohana” and the power of love and acceptance to heal and bring people together.
