Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express, the highly anticipated CG anime short and sequel to the viral hit Milky☆Highway, is set to launch on July 3, 2025. The latest developments, revealed in its second official trailer, include an expanded voice cast and the selection of a classic theme song, further building excitement for its global premiere.
A Vision from a Singular Talent
The creative force behind Milky☆Subway is the acclaimed animator Yohei Kameyama, who reprises his extensive roles from the original Milky☆Highway. Kameyama is credited not only as the director and writer but also as the character designer, modeler, animator, editor, and even sound producer for the new short. This remarkable “one-man production” approach has garnered international attention, showcasing a unique and dedicated artistic vision. His previous work, Milky☆Highway, a 2022 3D animated film, gained significant traction on YouTube, amassing over 6.7 million views globally and establishing a quirky world with laid-back dialogue that resonated with audiences.
The sequel is poised to continue this legacy, expanding on its predecessor’s distinct style and narrative. Shin-Ei Animation and Titan Industries are noted as partners in the project, bringing additional support to Kameyama’s independent endeavor.
Plot Synopsis: Chaos on the Interplanetary Rails
Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express plunges viewers back into the chaotic adventures of its protagonists. The story follows superhuman Chiharu and cyborg Makina, who find themselves in legal trouble after violating space traffic laws. Their sentence: community service, which involves cleaning the titular “Milky☆Subway,” an aging interplanetary train. What initially appears to be a mundane task quickly spirals into pandemonium when the train unexpectedly blasts off into deep space, leaving the misfit crew scrambling amidst unfolding chaos. The narrative promises a “never-before-seen space-train spectacle, powered by nothing but pure momentum,” emphasizing a wild, unpredictable ride with “no purpose! No principle! No point!”
Expanding the Ensemble: New Voice Talent Revealed
The second trailer for Milky☆Subway not only offered a glimpse into the short’s dynamic visuals but also unveiled several new additions to its talented voice cast. Joining Momoka Terasawa as the superhuman Chiharu and Anna Nagase as her cyborg best friend Makina, who were previously announced, are several prominent voice actors.
The newly revealed cast members are set to bring a fresh dynamic to the ensemble:
- Hisako Kanemoto as Akane
- Mikako Komatsu as Ryōko, the police officer who sentences the duo
- Kōki Uchiyama as Kurt
- Makoto Koichi as Kanata
- Yoshitaka Yamaya as Max
This expanded cast promises to enhance the character interactions and comedic timing, which were hallmarks of the original Milky☆Highway.
A Nod to the Past: The Chosen Theme Song
Further adding to the unique charm of Milky☆Subway is its theme song: “Gingakei Made Tonde Ike!” (Fly to the Galaxy!). This track is not a modern composition but rather a 1977 song by the iconic Japanese girl group Candies. The choice of this retro-pop anthem perfectly complements the anime’s distinctive blend of futuristic sci-fi and chaotic, uninhibited energy, promising a nostalgic yet fresh auditory experience for viewers.
Global Reach and Accessibility
Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express is poised for a significant global release. The short will premiere on July 3, 2025, on Tokyo MX in Japan at 9:54 p.m. JST. Crucially for international fans, it will also stream simultaneously on YouTube, ensuring widespread accessibility. In a commitment to reaching a diverse audience, the new installment will be dubbed in 10 languages, including English, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Thai, Indonesian, French, Hindi, and Russian, making it available to a truly global viewership from day one.
This multi-language dubbing strategy, combined with a free global YouTube release, underscores Kameyama’s ambition to solidify his position as an exciting creator on the international stage. Fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the continuation of this “never-before-seen space-train spectacle” and the next chapter of Chiharu and Makina’s unruly journey across the cosmos.
