Get ready to be swept away by a mesmerizing tale of love and fantasy! Studio 4°C’s upcoming anime film, ChaO, has unveiled its official trailer, showcasing the enchanting theme song “ChaO!” by the renowned J-pop artist Kumi Koda. Prepare for a visual and auditory feast as this unique mermaid princess story unfolds on the big screen.
A Symphony of Sight and Sound: What We Know About ChaO
ChaO promises a fresh and heartfelt narrative, blending romance with a touch of the fantastical. Here’s a breakdown of what’s been revealed:
The Story
Set in a futuristic world where humans and mermaids coexist, the film centers on Stefan, a shipbuilding company employee. His ordinary life takes a plunge when he’s proposed to by ChaO, a mermaid princess. This sets off a 100% pure love story as Stefan navigates the unfamiliar waters of living with a mermaid.
The Talent Behind the Screen
- Director: Yasuhiro Aoki (known for Batman: Gotham Knight and Tweeny Witches)
- Character Designer & Chief Animation Director: Hirokazu Kojima (Deadman Wonderland, Coyote Ragtime Show)
- Art Director: Hiroshi Takiguchi (Weathering With You, Children of the Sea)
- Animation Studio: Studio 4°C (Tekkonkinkreet, Children of the Sea)
- Distribution (Japan): Toei
- Distribution (North America): GKIDS
The Voice Cast
- Ōji Suzuka (Kimi ni Todoke, The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes) as Stefan
- Anna Yamada (Golden Kamuy, Saki) as ChaO
- Yūichirō Umehara as Roberta
- Ryōta Yamasato as President Shi
- Kavka Shishido as Maibei
- Cookie! as Ambassador Omede
- Kenta Miyake as King Neptunus
- Shunsei Ōta as Juno
- Anna Tsuchiya as Editor-in-Chief
Release Dates and Festival Premieres
ChaO is slated to open in Japanese theaters on August 15, 2025. Before its theatrical release, the film will grace several prestigious film festivals:
- Annecy International Animation Film Festival (France): June 8-14, 2025 – World Premiere
- Fantasia International Film Festival (Montreal): July 16 – August 3, 2025
Kumi Koda’s “ChaO!”: A Theme Song Tailored for the Deep Blue
Kumi Koda, a celebrated J-pop artist, has lent her vocal talents to ChaO, crafting a theme song that perfectly captures the film’s essence. The song, titled “ChaO!,” was written specifically for the movie.
Kumi Koda: A Star in the J-Pop Galaxy
Kumiko Kōda (倖田 來未, Kōda Kumi), born November 13, 1982, is a multifaceted Japanese artist known for her singing, songwriting, dancing, acting, and entrepreneurial ventures. Since her debut in 2000, Koda has become a prominent figure in the J-pop scene, celebrated for her urban and R&B influences.
Koda’s career took off in 2003 when her songs “Real Emotion” and “1000 no Kotoba” were featured in the video game Final Fantasy X-2. This exposure broadened her fanbase, leading to greater success with her fourth studio album, Secret (2005), and her hit single “Butterfly” (2005).
She is also known for setting fashion trends, particularly the “ero-kakkoii” (erotic and cool) style. Koda’s impact on the music industry was recognized when Oricon named her the top-selling artist in both 2006 and 2007.
Kumi Koda’s Anime Connections
Kumi Koda has a history of contributing to anime soundtracks:
- Final Fantasy X-2: “Real Emotion” (Opening Theme), “1000 no Kotoba” (Ending Theme)
- Gilgamesh: “Crazy 4 U” (Opening Theme)
- Re: Cutie Honey: “Cutie Honey” (Theme Song)
- Black Clover: “Guess Who Is Back” (Opening Theme 4)
- Crayon Shin-chan Movie 14: Densetsu wo Yobu Odore! Amigo!: “GO WAY!!” (Ending Theme)
- Kamen Rider Geats: “Trust・Last” (Opening Theme – Collaboration with Shōnan no Kaze)
Studio 4°C: Masters of Innovation and Visual Storytelling
Studio 4°C, founded in 1986 by Eiko Tanaka and Kōji Morimoto, is renowned for its unique approach to animation. The studio’s name symbolizes their pursuit of depth and substance, drawing inspiration from the temperature at which water is most dense.
A Diverse Portfolio
Studio 4°C has produced a wide range of works, including feature films, OVAs, shorts, and collaborations with international studios. Some of their most notable works include:
- Memories (1995): An anthology film showcasing diverse animation styles and storytelling.
- Spriggan (1998): A high-octane action film blending traditional animation with cutting-edge techniques.
- Princess Arete (2001): A whimsical fantasy about a princess seeking her own path.
- The Animatrix (2003): A collection of short films expanding the world of The Matrix, with Studio 4°C contributing several segments.
- Mind Game (2004): An avant-garde and visually stunning film that defies conventional narrative structures.
- Tekkonkinkreet (2006): A visually striking film about two orphaned street kids battling for survival in a dystopian city.
- Children of the Sea (2019): A visually breathtaking adaptation of Daisuke Igarashi’s manga, exploring the mysteries of the ocean.
- Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko (2021): A heartwarming story about a mother and daughter finding their place in a small fishing town.
Recognition and Awards
Studio 4°C’s innovative and artistic approach has earned them numerous accolades, including:
- Fantasia Film Festival: Best Animated Film for Tekkonkinkreet (2007)
- Japan Academy Prize: Animation of the Year for Tekkonkinkreet (2007)
What to Expect from ChaO
With Studio 4°C’s reputation for pushing creative boundaries and Kumi Koda’s captivating theme song, ChaO promises to be a truly special anime film. The blend of romance, fantasy, and futuristic elements, combined with a talented cast and crew, sets the stage for an unforgettable cinematic experience. As the release date approaches, anticipation is building for this unique mermaid princess story.
In Conclusion
ChaO is poised to make waves with its enchanting story, stunning visuals, and the captivating theme song “ChaO!” by Kumi Koda. Mark your calendars for August 15, 2025, and prepare to dive into a world where love knows no bounds, even between humans and mermaids.
