The highly anticipated CG anime short, Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express, has unveiled its second trailer, revealing additional voice cast members and solidifying its global debut on July 3. This space-faring comedy, a sequel to the viral 2022 short Milky☆Highway, promises an exhilarating, chaotic journey across the cosmos, helmed by the singular vision of animator Yōhei Kameyama.
A Visionary Returns: Yōhei Kameyama’s Singular Creative Force
At the heart of Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express is the prodigious talent of Yōhei Kameyama. Kameyama, who gained significant acclaim for his 2022 graduation project, Milky☆Highway, returns to direct, write, and produce the sequel. His extensive involvement goes beyond these core roles, as he is also credited with the character designs, 3D modeling, animation, editing, and even sound production for the short. This remarkable level of creative control underscores a distinctive, almost auteur-like approach to anime production, allowing for a cohesive and unique artistic expression that captivated over 6.75 million viewers with the original Milky☆Highway short. The success of Milky☆Highway, which garnered global attention with its quirky world-building and laid-back dialogue, laid the groundwork for this larger-scale follow-up, solidifying Kameyama’s reputation as an exciting emerging creator in the animation industry.
Kameyama’s style is marked by a willingness to embrace the strengths of 3D animation, rather than solely attempting to mimic traditional 2D aesthetics. This approach, as noted by observers, allows for a more experimental and dynamic visual experience, setting his work apart in the realm of CG anime. His dedication to the project, handling numerous critical aspects of its creation, highlights a passionate commitment to realizing his vision, resulting in a production that is both visually striking and narratively engaging.
The Cosmic Commute: Plot and Premise Unveiled
Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express plunges viewers into a comedic sci-fi adventure, building upon the foundation established by its predecessor. The story centers on two unlikely protagonists: Chiharu, a super human, and Makina, a cyborg. Their initial predicament stems from a brush with intergalactic law enforcement, as they find themselves arrested for violating space traffic regulations.
As a consequence of their antics, Chiharu and Makina are sentenced to community service, which involves cleaning the titular “Milky☆Subway,” an antiquated interplanetary train. What initially appears to be a mundane task quickly spirals into an unexpected cosmic escapade. The train, without warning or apparent purpose, suddenly takes off into the depths of space, trapping its new, somewhat reluctant cleaning crew alongside a collection of other misfits who were also caught in similar legal entanglements.
The official synopsis teases a journey propelled by “nothing but pure momentum,” promising a “never-before-seen space-train spectacle” characterized by chaos and a distinct lack of purpose or principle. This premise suggests a narrative rich in spontaneous humor and unforeseen challenges, staying true to the unpredictable and lighthearted tone that resonated with audiences in Milky☆Highway. The short is poised to deliver a fast-paced, unscripted ride through the galaxy, where the lack of a clear plan becomes part of the chaotic charm.
An Ensemble Cast Takes the Express
The release of the second trailer has brought with it exciting new details regarding the expanded voice cast, complementing the previously announced lead actors. Momoka Terasawa, known for her role as Yuzuki in Yuzuki-san Chi no Yonkyoudai, lends her voice to the character of Chiharu, the super human. Joining her is Anna Nagase, who previously voiced Makina in the original Milky☆Highway and is recognized for her work as Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad ISEKAI and Ushio Kofune in Summer Time Rendering, reprising her role as the sharp-witted cyborg Makina. The dynamic chemistry between Terasawa and Nagase is highlighted as a key draw, promising fast and humorous interactions.
The newly revealed cast members further enrich the ensemble, introducing a colorful array of characters who find themselves entangled in the Milky☆Subway‘s unexpected voyage. These additions include:
- Hisako Kanemoto as Akane, a super human who is one half of another powerful pair. Kanemoto is known for roles such as Zenith Greyrat in Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation.
- Mikako Komatsu as Ryōko, the police officer responsible for sentencing the group to their community service. Komatsu’s credits include Fels in Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?.
- Kōki Uchiyama as Kurt, a cyborg partner to Max. Uchiyama is recognized for voicing characters like Rin Itoshi in BLUE LOCK.
- Makoto Koichi as Kanata, the other super human half of Akane’s duo. Koichi has played roles such as Lloyd in I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince.
- Yoshitaka Yamaya as Max, the second cyborg of the pair. Yamaya’s notable roles include Itsuki Kawasumi in The Rising of the Shield Hero.
This diverse and talented cast is expected to bring to life the eccentric personalities and rapid-fire dialogue that define Kameyama’s distinctive narrative style.
Sound of the Subway: A Nod to Nostalgia
Adding another layer of unique charm to Milky☆Subway is its theme song: “Gingakei Made Tonde Ike!” (Fly to the Galaxy!). This track is not a new composition but a 1977 song by the iconic Japanese idol girl group Candies. The choice of this retro-pop anthem reflects a deliberate aesthetic, blending a nostalgic musical backdrop with the futuristic CG animation. This juxtaposition promises to contribute to the short’s quirky atmosphere, creating a distinct auditory experience that complements its visual style. The theme song was composed by Takurō Yoshida with lyrics by Makoto Kitajō.
Global Reach: Broadcasting and Streaming Details
Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express is set for a widespread release, ensuring accessibility for a global audience. The short will premiere in Japan on July 3, 2025, airing on the Tokyo MX channel at 9:54 p.m. JST. Crucially, for international viewers, the anime will also stream simultaneously on YouTube, making it readily available worldwide from its debut.
Further expanding its global footprint, Milky☆Subway will be available with dubbed versions in an impressive array of languages on YouTube. These include English, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Thai, Indonesian, French, Hindi, and Russian, reflecting a clear intent to reach a diverse international viewership. This multi-language approach is a significant factor in solidifying Kameyama’s position as an exciting and internationally recognized creator. The production efforts are supported by Titan Industries and Shin-Ei Animation, the latter known for its work on popular titles like Doraemon, indicating a growing diversification in their project portfolio.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express represents a significant evolution from its viral predecessor. Milky☆Highway, initially a graduation project, captivated millions with its innovative 3D animation and distinctive humor, proving the viability of Kameyama’s unique vision. The sequel aims to expand upon this success, introducing a larger cast and a more intricate, albeit still hilariously chaotic, narrative. The widespread availability through YouTube and extensive language dubbing signify confidence in the short’s international appeal and Kameyama’s growing influence. As the July 3rd premiere approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a fresh, unbridled entry into the world of CG anime, further cementing Yōhei Kameyama’s reputation as a creative force to watch.
