Tokyo, Japan – The upcoming anime feature film Scarlet, from acclaimed director Mamoru Hosoda and Studio Chizu, has revealed its powerful ending theme song, “Hateshinaki” (“Endless”), performed by none other than the film’s protagonist voice actress, Mana Ashida. The song’s debut was featured in a special promotional video, offering fans a deeper glimpse into Hosoda’s latest imaginative world ahead of its Japanese theatrical release on November 21, 2025.
The revelation came through a special teaser aired following a broadcast of Hosoda’s earlier work, Wolf Children, on Japan’s Friday Road Show. Ashida, who lends her voice to the titular Princess Scarlet, takes on a dual role by performing the movie’s poignant closing track.
Delving into the World of “Scarlet”
Scarlet (Japanese: Hateshinaki Sukāretto, meaning “Endless Scarlet”) is an animated fantasy action film written and directed by Mamoru Hosoda, known for his critically acclaimed works such as Mirai, Belle, and Summer Wars. The film is produced by Studio Chizu, Hosoda’s animation studio.
The narrative centers on a medieval-era princess named Scarlet, who embarks on a perilous quest for vengeance after her father’s murder. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when she traverses time and space, finding herself fatally injured in a surreal “Otherworld.” Here, she encounters Hijiri, an idealistic young man from the present day who aids her recovery and challenges her single-minded pursuit of revenge. The film delves into profound themes of vengeance, forgiveness, and the possibility of breaking cycles of hatred.
A Unique Visual and Narrative Vision
Hosoda has stated that Scarlet aims for a distinct visual aesthetic, moving away from traditional 2D animation and “Hollywood-style CG.” The production, which took four and a half years to complete, incorporates advanced digital techniques to achieve a highly detailed look, particularly for nuanced facial expressions rarely seen in anime. This ambition aligns with Hosoda’s history of pushing animation boundaries and delivering visually striking narratives.
The director also noted that the film, while containing action and romance, will offer a different feel from his previous works and is based on a “global classic.”
Mana Ashida’s Emotional Performance of “Hateshinaki”
The decision to have Mana Ashida perform the ending theme, “Hateshinaki,” adds an intimate layer to the film’s emotional landscape. Hosoda himself penned the lyrics for the song, envisioning it as an integral part of Scarlet’s narrative. Composer Taisei Iwasaki, who previously won a Japan Academy Prize for Best Music for Hosoda’s Belle, composed “Hateshinaki” and serves as the sound supervisor for Scarlet.
Iwasaki shared insights into the recording process, revealing that he provided a flexible structure for Ashida, allowing her to sing freely in certain sections before adjusting the music to her performance. This approach resulted in a unique phrasing that, according to Iwasaki, “only she could express.” Ashida’s rendition of “Hateshinaki” is said to embody the compassionate aspect of Princess Scarlet, echoing her late father King Amlet’s desire for peace, rather than focusing solely on her vengeance-driven persona. Her clear and gentle voice is intended to carry the essence of Scarlet through to the film’s conclusion.
Anticipation for “Scarlet”
Scarlet had its premiere out of competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 4, 2025. Following its Japanese debut on November 21, 2025, by Toho, Sony Pictures Classics is set to release the film in North America with an awards-qualifying run in late 2025, followed by a wider theatrical release on February 6, 2026. Sony Pictures Releasing International will handle distribution in other regions.
With a unique visual style, a compelling narrative, and the lead voice actress delivering the film’s emotional closing statement through “Hateshinaki,” Scarlet is poised to be another significant entry in Mamoru Hosoda’s illustrious filmography. The new promotional video showcasing Mana Ashida’s theme song further builds anticipation for what promises to be a moving and visually stunning cinematic experience.
