The upcoming anime film “Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise” has released a new trailer, providing a preview of its theme song, “Kiseki no Yō na Koto” (Something Like a Miracle), performed by Mone Kamishiraishi. The film, a cinematic adaptation of Kazuyoshi Takeda’s World War II manga, is slated to premiere in Japanese theaters on December 5, 2025.
Theme Song by Mone Kamishiraishi Highlights Emotional Depth
Singer and actress Mone Kamishiraishi, known for her role as Mitsuha Miyamizu in “Your Name.”, lends her voice to the film’s theme song, “Kiseki no Yō na Koto.” The trailer offers a first listen to the track, which is expected to underscore the poignant narrative of the movie. Kamishiraishi expressed her delight in presenting the movie and its theme song, especially as it approaches the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. She noted that reading the original manga made the characters feel relatable, highlighting that it’s not just history but the stories of individuals.
A Glimpse into the Film’s Narrative and Production
“Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise” is based on the critically acclaimed manga by Kazuyoshi Takeda, which was serialized from 2016 to 2021 and won the Japan Cartoonists Association Excellence Award in 2017. The story is set during the harrowing Battle of Peleliu in World War II, focusing on the experiences of Japanese soldiers on the island, where out of approximately 10,000 troops, only 34 survived. The narrative follows Private Hitoshi Tamaru, an aspiring manga artist, and his comrade Keisuke Yoshiki, as they navigate the brutal realities of war.
Key Production Details
The film is directed by Goro Kuji, marking his feature directorial debut, with animation handled by Shin-Ei Animation and Fugaku. Kazuyoshi Takeda, the original manga author, co-wrote the screenplay with Junji Nishimura, ensuring a faithful adaptation of the source material. Kenji Kawai, known for his work on “Ghost in the Shell,” is composing the music for the film. The movie’s release is timed to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, aiming to bring this significant historical event and the personal stories within it to a wider audience.
Cast and Characters
Rihito Itagaki plays Hitoshi Tamaru, the kind-hearted soldier and aspiring manga artist, while Tomoya Nakamura voices his reliable partner, Keisuke Yoshiki. Both actors have commented on the significance and responsibility of their roles in a film commemorating the 80th anniversary of the war.
The Legacy of Peleliu Island
The Battle of Peleliu, which took place in the summer of 1944, was one of the most brutal and prolonged battles of the Pacific War. The manga and subsequently the film aim to explore the thoughts, struggles, and resilience of the young soldiers caught in this conflict, questioning what they fought for so far from home on a small island paradise turned battlefield. The tagline on the film’s poster, “These two made a promise: to stay alive,” encapsulates the central theme of friendship and survival amidst the chaos of war.
