The upcoming original anime film L’étoile de Paris en fleur, directed by Gorō Taniguchi, is set to receive a manga adaptation. The manga will debut in the December issue of Kodansha’s Afternoon magazine, launching on November 25. Zerihan is credited with drawing the manga adaptation.
The film, also known as Paris ni Saku Étoile, is an original anime project from director Gorō Taniguchi, known for his work on Code Geass and One Piece Film Red, and Arvo Animation. The movie is scheduled to premiere in Japan on March 13, 2026.
About L’étoile de Paris en fleur
L’étoile de Paris en fleur (meaning “Étoile Blossoming in Paris” or “Star Blossoming in Paris”) tells the story of two young Japanese girls, Fujiko and Chizuru, who pursue their dreams in early 20th-century Paris. Fujiko aspires to be a painter, while Chizuru is drawn to the world of ballet. They initially meet by chance in Yokohama and later reunite in Paris, where they strive to achieve their artistic ambitions together amidst difficult times.
The film’s tagline, as seen in a teaser visual, reads, “I want to blossom, in this city.”
Key Creative Team Behind the Film
Gorō Taniguchi is directing the film at Arvo Animation. The project brings together a notable team of creators:
- Original Character Designs: Katsuya Kondō, known for his work on Ghibli films such as Kiki’s Delivery Service and Ponyo, drafted the original character designs, collaborating with Taniguchi for the first time.
- Screenplay: Reiko Yoshida, who has penned scripts for Violet Evergarden and Maria Watches Over Us, wrote the script for L’étoile de Paris en fleur.
- Character Design for Animation: Yū Yamashita, whose credits include Bunny Drop and Love Me, Love Me Not, adapted Kondō’s original designs for animation.
- Music: Takayuki Hattori, composer for Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin and Martian Successor Nadesico, is composing the film’s score.
Ami Tōma, known for her roles in Lonely Castle in the Mirror, stars as the voice of Fujiko. Lina Arashi voices Chizuru, and Taichi Saotome voices Ruslan. The film has been in production since at least 2018.
Manga Adaptation Details
The manga adaptation, drawn by Zerihan, will be published in Kodansha’s Afternoon magazine. The decision to adapt the film into a manga prior to its theatrical release highlights the anticipation surrounding Taniguchi’s latest original project and aims to expand its reach to a broader audience.
