The original anime feature film “The Last Blossom” (also known as “Housenka”), from the creators of “ODDTAXI,” has revealed additional cast members, staff, and its opening theme song in a new trailer video. The film is set to premiere in Japan on October 10, 2025.
Expanded Voice Cast Revealed
The latest announcement introduces several new voice actors joining the already notable cast. Hideaki Murata, from the comedy duo Toro Salmon, will voice Hayashida, Akutsu’s henchman. Hiroki Yasumoto takes on the role of Tsutsumi, Akutsu’s “big brother” in the yakuza group. Sōma Saitō is cast as Wakamatsu, Akutsu’s junior, while Kōta Nakayama will voice Konishi, another of Akutsu’s henchmen.
These new additions join the previously announced main voice cast, which includes Kaoru Kobayashi and Junki Tozuka, both portraying the protagonist Akutsu at different stages of his life (present and past, respectively). Hikari Mitsushima and Yoshiko Miyazaki voice Akutsu’s partner, Nana Nagata, also across different time periods. Pierre Taki is set to voice the titular talking Housenka flower.
Key Production Staff Details
The new trailer also brought to light a comprehensive list of additional staff members contributing to the film’s production. The production team now includes Baku Kinoshita and Nana Harada. Eiji Tera is credited as the Layout Animation Director. The Animation Directors are Yuji Hosogoe, Kazuya Miyoshi, and Shuichi Shimamura.
Further staff roles announced include Haruko Nobori for Color Design, Honoka Satō as Art Director, and Kou Hoshina and Takahiro Hondai as Compositing Directors of Photography. Yoshiki Ushiroda is in charge of Editing, Kōji Kasamatsu serves as Sound Director, and Yōji Shimizu as Recording Director. Production Producers are Kinue Itou and Ryoichiro Matsuo, with Miracle Voice handling publicity and Pony Canyon responsible for distribution.
Previously confirmed core staff include Baku Kinoshita as the film’s director and character designer, and Kazuya Konomoto credited for the script and original concept. Michinoku-toge is responsible for the concept art. Animation production is being handled by CLAP, known for their work on “Pompo: The Cinéphile” and “The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes.”
Opening Theme Song Revealed
The trailer also provided a preview and officially revealed the opening theme song for “The Last Blossom.” The song, titled “Moving Still Life,” is performed by the Japanese pop-rock band cero. The band cero was previously announced as the composers for the film’s overall music/soundtrack.
Film Synopsis and Festival Recognition
“The Last Blossom” tells the story of Akutsu, an elderly inmate serving a life sentence, who is on the verge of a lonely death in his cell. His life takes an unexpected turn when a talking Housenka flower addresses him, prompting Akutsu to reflect on his past. The narrative delves into his history, including his life in 1986 with Nana and her son Kensuke, exploring themes of regret, love, and the search for redemption through the lens of a dying yakuza’s story.
The film has already garnered international attention, having been selected for the Feature Film Competition at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025. It was also part of the “Work in Progress” lineup at Annecy 2024, where director Baku Kinoshita, producer Ryoichiro Matsuo, and concept artist Michinoku Toge offered early insights into its creative vision.
