Tokyo-based film label Nothing New, in collaboration with French animation powerhouse Miyu Productions, has officially unveiled “We Are Aliens” (Wareware wa Uchujin), an original animated feature film directed by Kohei Kadowaki. The announcement was accompanied by the release of a visually striking teaser trailer, offering a first look at the coming-of-age story slated for completion by March 2026 and a theatrical release around Fall 2026.
Kohei Kadowaki’s Feature Film Debut
“We Are Aliens” marks the debut animated feature for the 28-year-old director Kohei Kadowaki, who is widely recognized for his distinct visual style in music videos for popular acts such as YOASOBI (“Comet”) and Ayase ft. Hatsune Miku (“Yokubari”). Kadowaki is taking on multiple key roles for the film, including planner, scriptwriter, director, storyboard artist, and editor. His prior work often blends live-action and animation, an experimental approach that hints at the unique aesthetic viewers can expect from “We Are Aliens.”
The Story of Tsubasa and Gyotaro
The narrative of “We Are Aliens” centers on the complex relationship between two boys, Tsubasa and Gyotaro. Tsubasa is portrayed as quiet and serious, while Gyotaro is a cheerful genius. Despite their contrasting personalities, they were close friends during childhood, a bond that was eventually fractured by jealousy and misunderstandings. The film will explore how their lives diverge in the intervening years and how they must confront the lingering memories of their past.
Director Kohei Kadowaki has stated that the film aims to shed light on a rarely explored facet of adolescence, promising a bittersweet journey filled with both pain and joy. He believes the story, through its depiction of children’s quarrels and first loves in a small setting, will pose universal questions about growing up and the nature of happiness.
International Collaboration and Production Timeline
The project is a co-production between Nothing New, founded in 2022, and French animation studio Miyu Productions. Miyu Productions, known for its commitment to ambitious, director-driven animation, previously collaborated with Tokyo’s Shin-Ei Animation on “Ghost Cat Anzu.” The partnership between Miyu and Nothing New was forged during the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, with both companies sharing a vision for distinctive animated works.
Nothing New producer Kentaro Hayashi expressed honor in the collaboration, emphasizing Kohei Kadowaki’s ability to combine breathtaking visuals with delicate storytelling. He anticipates that Kadowaki’s unique style will set a new benchmark for coming-of-age cinema in Japanese animation.
“We Are Aliens” is currently seeking crowdfunding through Motion Gallery, with a goal of raising at least 8 million yen (approximately US$51.6 thousand). Production is estimated to conclude in March 2026, leading to a Japanese theatrical release around Fall 2026.
The Teaser Video’s Impact
The newly released teaser trailer for “We Are Aliens” has garnered attention for its “startlingly gorgeous visuals and spellbinding (and rotoscoped-aided?) animation,” according to early impressions. The preview has been noted for its compelling aesthetic, further building anticipation for Kadowaki’s distinctive directorial voice in the animated feature landscape.
