The highly anticipated anime film, Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise, has released a compelling music video for its theme song, “A Miracle-like Thing” (Kiseki no Yōna Koto), offering viewers new glimpses into the harrowing World War II narrative. The music video, featuring singer Mone Kamishiraishi’s poignant performance, integrates fresh footage from the film, intensifying anticipation for its December 5, 2025, premiere in Japan.
A Deeper Look into the “Guernica of Paradise”
The film, an adaptation of Kazuyoshi Takeda’s award-winning manga, plunges audiences into the brutal reality of the Battle of Peleliu during World War II. Set in 1944, the story centers on Private Hitoshi Tamaru, a young Japanese soldier who dreams of becoming a manga artist, as he navigates the hellish battleground. The Battle of Peleliu was infamous for its ferocity, with an overwhelming 40,000 American troops clashing against 10,000 Japanese defenders. Out of the Japanese contingent, only a mere 34 soldiers survived, a stark testament to the battle’s devastating toll.
The anime film aims to capture this historical truth, offering an unflinching look at the human cost of conflict and the fragile bonds forged amid despair. The narrative also highlights the internal conflicts of soldiers grappling with their duty and humanity.
“A Miracle-like Thing”: The Film’s Emotional Core
The theme song, “A Miracle-like Thing,” is performed by the talented singer and actress Mone Kamishiraishi. Penned by Kiyosaku of the band MONGOL800 and composed by Kazuyo Suzuki, the song is expected to serve as the emotional anchor for the film’s powerful storytelling. The newly released music video interweaves Kamishiraishi’s emotive vocals with previously unseen clips, providing a deeper emotional resonance and further illustrating the film’s blend of devastating battlefield imagery and poignant human moments.
Production Details and Key Personnel
Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise is a collaborative production between acclaimed animation studios Shin-ei Animation (known for Doraemon and Crayon Shin-chan) and Fugaku. Goro Kuji makes his feature directorial debut with this film, bringing his experience from TV anime to this large-scale project. The screenplay was co-written by the original manga author, Kazuyoshi Takeda, and veteran animation director Junji Nishimura, ensuring a faithful yet cinematic adaptation.
The voice cast features Rihito Itagaki as the protagonist Hitoshi Tamaru, and Tomoya Nakamura as his loyal comrade-in-arms, Yoshiki. The film’s music is composed by Kenji Kawai, known for his work on Ghost in the Shell, promising an atmospheric and chilling score.
Commemorating History on the 80th Anniversary
The release of Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise is particularly significant as it coincides with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The film is positioned not merely as an entertainment piece but as a “tribute” and a “warning,” reflecting on the lives of those who lived through these historical events and passing on their legacy to future generations. Original author Kazuyoshi Takeda has emphasized his deep involvement in the screenplay, aiming to satisfy fans of the original work while conveying the stark realities of war.
The full-length anime film will premiere in Japanese theaters on December 5, 2025, with international releases expected to follow.
