The upcoming anime film sequel, Poupelle of Chimney Town ~Yakusoku no Tokeidai~ (The Promised Clocktower), has unveiled its latest trailer, revealing additional cast members and confirming key returning talent. The highly anticipated movie is slated to premiere in Japanese theaters on March 27, 2026.
The new trailer offers a glimpse into the expanded world of the Poupelle of Chimney Town franchise, which continues the imaginative storytelling from Akihiro Nishino.
New and Returning Voice Talent
The new trailer confirms several additions to the voice cast, bringing fresh voices to the enchanting world of Chimney Town. Among the newly announced cast members are MEGUMI as the cat Mofu, Fuka Koshiba as the plant Nagi (who takes on human form), and Mitsuo Yoshihara as the clockmaker Gus.
Familiar faces will also return, with Masataka Kubota reprising his role as Poupelle. While Mana Ashida voiced Lubicchi in the first film, Yuzuna Nagase will take over the role for the sequel. Shingo Fujimori and Sairi Ito are also set to return as Scoop and Antonio, respectively. Additional cast members include Anna Tsuchiya, Koichi Yamadera, Koji Higashino, the Nishikigoi duo, and Shotaro Morikubo.
Plot Details and Production Team
Poupelle of Chimney Town ~Yakusoku no Tokeidai~ is inspired by Akihiro Nishino’s picture book Tick Tock: Yakusoku no Tokeidai. The plot will see the returning protagonist, Lubicchi, venture into a world where time itself is controlled, centered around a mysterious clock tower with its hands perpetually stuck at 11:59. Lubicchi’s new quest involves getting the clock to move again to return home. Nishino has indicated that the sequel will be distinct from the first film, with its theme revolving around “wait patiently,” a contrast to the original’s “Let’s go, get this” message. The narrative is expected to explore a conflict between those who protect the unmoving clock tower and those who wish to repair it.
The creative team behind the acclaimed first film is largely returning for the sequel. Akihiro Nishino is credited as executive producer, screenwriter, and scriptwriter. Yusuke Hirota is once again in the director’s chair, with Studio 4°C handling the animation production. Toho and CHIMNEY TOWN will distribute the film.
The Legacy of Poupelle of Chimney Town
The original Poupelle of Chimney Town film, released in December 2020, garnered praise for its breathtaking visuals, emotional narrative, and inspiring themes. It told the story of young Lubicchi, who, living in a town perpetually shrouded in smoke, dreams of seeing the stars his father spoke of. His journey begins when he befriends Poupelle, a man made of garbage. The film was distributed in North America by Eleven Arts and has been available on digital and Blu-ray. The anticipation for the sequel suggests that fans are eager to delve deeper into Nishino’s imaginative world and uncover the secrets beyond the smoky skies.
