The Japanese anime feature film “ChaO,” directed by Yasuhiro Aoki and produced by Studio 4°C, has received a nomination for Best Animated Film at the 18th Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA). The Asia Pacific Screen Academy announced the prestigious nomination on Wednesday, October 15, ahead of the awards ceremony scheduled for November 27, 2025, on Australia’s Gold Coast.
“ChaO” Recognized in Elite Animation Category
The nomination places “ChaO” among the top animated features from across the Asia Pacific region, an area encompassing 70 countries and diverse cinematic traditions. The Asia Pacific Screen Awards are renowned as the region’s highest accolade in film, celebrating cinematic excellence that reflects cultural origins and diversity. This recognition by APSA highlights the film’s artistic merit and its impact within the vibrant animation landscape of the Asia Pacific.
A Synopsis of “ChaO”: A Unique Romantic Comedy
“ChaO” presents a wild romantic comedy described as a true “fish out of water” story. Set in a futuristic world where humans and mermaids coexist, the film follows Stephan, a mild-mannered office worker whose life is dramatically altered when he receives a sudden marriage proposal from Chao, a princess from the mermaid kingdom. The narrative delves into their unexpected romance as Chao’s sincere love gradually breaks down Stephan’s emotional barriers.
Key Creative Talents Behind “ChaO”
Directed by Yasuhiro Aoki, known for works like Kimagure Robot and Tweeny Witches, “ChaO” benefits from the expertise of Studio 4°C, a renowned Japanese animation production house. Hirokazu Kojima, credited with Deadman Wonderland and Coyote Ragtime Show, served as the character designer and chief animation director. Hiroshi Takiguchi, whose credits include Ajin and The Garden of Words, was the art director, while Takatsugu Muramatsu, known for Mary and The Witch’s Flower, composed the soundtrack. Toei is the film’s distributor in Japan, where it premiered on August 15, 2025. GKIDS has licensed the film for North American distribution.
The main voice cast includes Ōji Suzuka as Stephan, a salaryman at a ship-making company, and Anna Yamada as Chao, the pure princess of the mermaid kingdom. The film also features a talented ensemble cast including Yūichirō Umehara as Roberta, Ryōta Yamasato as President Shi, Kavka Shishido as Maibei, Cookie! as Ambassador Omede, Kenta Miyake as King Neptunus, Shunsei Ōta as Juno, and Anna Tsuchiya as Editor-in-Chief.
International Recognition Prior to APSA
Before its APSA nomination, “ChaO” garnered international attention and accolades. The film premiered at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France, held from June 8-14, where it won the Jury Prize. It was also screened at the JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New Japanese Film in New York and competed for the Grand Prize for Feature Animation at the Ottawa International Animation Festival. The film will be screened in 16 countries and regions worldwide.
The Significance of the Asia Pacific Screen Awards
Established in 2007, the Asia Pacific Screen Awards acknowledge films that demonstrate cinematic excellence and best reflect the cultural diversity of the vast Asia Pacific region. The awards span various categories, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and performance awards, celebrating both artistic and technical achievements. All nominated filmmakers are inducted into the Asia Pacific Screen Academy, becoming eligible for initiatives like the MPA APSA Academy Film Fund for script development. Japan has a strong history at APSA, holding the most wins in the Best Animated Film category, with five previous victories.
The 18th Asia Pacific Screen Awards ceremony will be a significant event, bringing together filmmakers and industry professionals from across the region to celebrate cinematic achievements and foster new collaborations.
