The 18th annual JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New Japanese Film kicked off its New York run on July 10, 2025, with a special screening of Studio 4°C’s newest anime feature film, ChaO. This romantic comedy, directed by Yasuhiro Aoki, made its North American debut after premiering at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France earlier in June.
A “Fish Out of Water” Story Opens Japan Cuts 2025
ChaO sets a vibrant and unique tone for this year’s JAPAN CUTS festival, which runs from July 10-20 and showcases a diverse collection of contemporary Japanese cinema. The festival, North America’s largest of its kind, promises a range of genres, styles, and voices from both established and emerging talents.
What is JAPAN CUTS?
JAPAN CUTS is an annual film festival held in New York City that celebrates Japanese cinema. Presented by Japan Society, the festival features a curated selection of films, including major award-winners, indie darlings, documentaries, experimental works, and anime. The 18th edition of JAPAN CUTS takes place from July 10-20, 2025. The festival aims to foster connections between the U.S. and Japan through the art of film. Each year, JAPAN CUTS offers a snapshot of the contemporary Japanese cinema scene, highlighting both major award-winners and rising stars.
Studio 4°C’s ChaO: A Synopsis
ChaO tells a “fish out of water” story set in a futuristic world where humans and mermaids coexist in near-future Shanghai. The film follows Stephan, a mild-mannered office worker at a shipbuilding company, whose life is turned upside down when he’s proposed to by ChaO, a mermaid princess.
Caught off guard, Stephan finds himself living with the unpredictable and wholehearted ChaO. As her sincere love begins to break down his emotional barriers, an unexpected and touching romance unfolds.
Production Details
- Director: Yasuhiro Aoki (Kimagure Robot, Tweeny Witches)
- Character Designer & Chief Animation Director: Hirokazu Kojima (Deadman Wonderland, Coyote Ragtime Show)
- Art Director: Hiroshi Takiguchi (Weathering With You, Children of the Sea)
- Music Composer: Takatsugu Muramatsu (Mary and The Witch’s Flower, Phoenix: Eden17)
- Voice Cast:
- Ōji Suzuka as Stefan
- Anna Yamada as ChaO
- Cookie! as Ambassador Omede
- Anna Tsuchiya as Editor-in-Chief
- Shunsei Ota as Juno
- Kenta Miyake as King Neptune
- Kavka Shishido as Maibei
- Yuichiro Umehara as Robert
- Ryota Yamasato as Sea President
- Animation Studio: Studio 4°C
- Distribution (Japan): Toei
- North American Distribution: GKIDS
Studio 4°C, founded in 1986, is known for blending independent animation spirit with mainstream aesthetics. Their notable works include Mind Game and Tekkonkinkreet.
A Cyberpunk Fairy Tale
Described as a hand-drawn cyberpunk fairy tale, ChaO promises a visually spectacular experience with a unique kineticism. The film reportedly uses over 100,000 hand-drawn frames, showcasing Studio 4°C’s dedication to their craft.
The film is set in a richly realized fantasy Shanghai, where humans and merpeople have separate infrastructures, with humans using trains and merpeople using water tubes.
Themes and Humor
ChaO explores themes of cultural differences and unlikely romance with an off-kilter brand of humor. The film leans into the grotesque and absurd elements of human-merperson relations, creating an anarchic and energetic story.
The film also touches upon serious themes. In the film, Stephen is a shipping engineer in Shanghai who develops a propeller called Air Jet that is harmless for marine life to promote peace between the two races. As they struggle with their cultural differences, a tragic accident creates a bigger strain on their relationship.
Critical Reception
Early reviews praise ChaO for its unique world-building, visual spectacle, and energetic storytelling. Critics note the film’s ability to blend humor with heartfelt passion, creating a touching and unexpected romance.
Other Highlights of JAPAN CUTS 2025
Besides ChaO, JAPAN CUTS 2025 offers a rich program featuring a variety of films and events. Some highlights include:
Kiyoshi Kurosawa Retrospective
JAPAN CUTS will honor legendary director Kiyoshi Kurosawa with the CUT ABOVE Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film. The festival will showcase four of his films, including the premieres of his new film Cloud and recent remake of Serpent’s Path, as well as revivals of License to Live and a new 4K restoration of the original Serpent’s Path.
Yuumi Kawai Appearance
The festival will host award-winning actress Yūmi Kawai, who won Best Actress at the Japan Academy Film Prize for her performance in A Girl Named Ann. She will participate in Q&A panels for A Girl Named Ann and She Taught Me Serendipity.
Premieres and Restorations
JAPAN CUTS 2025 will feature several premieres, including the North American theatrical premiere of the Gridman Universe anime film and the world premiere of the live-action film adaptation of Jun Mayuzuki’s Kowloon Generic Romance manga. The festival will also present the International Premiere of a new 4K restoration of Shunji Iwai’s lyrical debut, Love Letter, for its 30th anniversary.
Diverse Film Selection
The festival’s main category showcases a broad selection of contemporary Japanese cinema across vibrant genres and styles, including dramas, coming-of-age tales, action films, and avant-garde works.
Special Events
JAPAN CUTS 2025 will host four lively parties throughout its run, providing opportunities for film lovers to connect and celebrate Japanese cinema.
About Studio 4°C
Studio 4°C, established in 1986, is a Japanese animation studio renowned for its unique and visually stunning works. They are known for “marrying the spirit of independent festival animation with a more mainstream anime aesthetic.”
Notable Works
Studio 4°C has produced a wide range of influential and critically acclaimed anime films and series, including:
- Mind Game (2004): A surreal and experimental animated film directed by Masaaki Yuasa, known for its innovative visuals and unconventional storytelling.
- Tekkonkinkreet (2006): A visually striking film directed by Michael Arias, based on the manga by Taiyo Matsumoto. The film follows two orphaned street kids, Black and White, as they fight to protect their city from Yakuza and other threats.
- Children of the Sea (2019): A visually stunning film directed by Ayumu Watanabe, based on the manga by Daisuke Igarashi.
- Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko (2021): A heartwarming coming-of-age story about a young girl named Kikuko and her unconventional mother, Nikuko.
- The Animatrix (2003): Studio 4°C contributed to several segments of this anthology film, which explores the world of The Matrix in various animation styles.
- Batman: Gotham Knight (2008): The studio also contributed to this anthology film, which tells stories about Batman in a unique anime style.
Studio 4°C’s projects often exhibit distinctive art styles, experimental animation techniques, and imaginative storytelling.
JAPAN CUTS: A Vital Celebration of Japanese Cinema
JAPAN CUTS continues to be a vital platform for showcasing the best of Japanese cinema to North American audiences. With a diverse lineup of films, special events, and esteemed guests, the festival offers a unique and enriching experience for film lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. The opening night screening of ChaO sets a promising tone for another successful year of celebrating Japanese cinematic artistry.
