Visionary director Shoji Kawamori, renowned for his pivotal role in the Macross and Aquarion franchises, is set to unveil his first fully original feature-length animated film, Meikyū no Shiori, officially titled Labyrinth in English, in January 2026. This marks a significant return to original storytelling for Kawamori in the cinematic realm, promising a blend of his signature themes with a contemporary twist.
A Modern Twist on Classic Kawamori Themes
Labyrinth is described as a “pop, slightly horror, otherworldly escape drama” that integrates the ubiquitous presence of smartphones in modern society. The film centers on Shiori Maezawa, an ordinary high school girl whose life takes an unexpected turn when her smartphone cracks, transporting her to a deserted, parallel version of Yokohama. Adding to the mystery, Shiori discovers unfamiliar photos of herself on her social media accounts, realizing that a digital doppelgänger, “SHIORI,” has emerged from her smartphone and is running wild in the real world, gaining fame as a pop icon. Trapped in this bizarre digital labyrinth, Shiori must navigate its eerie landscape to confront her other self and find her way back to her reality.
Kawamori himself commented that the film’s concept was born from the idea of smartphones serving as an “another self,” accumulating personal data and information. He aims to craft an “emotional, pop entertainment piece” that uniquely combines elements of song and horror, alongside his established predilection for sci-fi and the intricacies of identity. This narrative explores the profound relationship between our digital and real selves, resonating with the prevalent social media culture.
The Creative Team Behind ‘Labyrinth’
The production of Labyrinth is helmed by SANZIGEN, known for its work in 3D animation. The original story concept is credited to a collaborative effort by Slow Curve, Vector Vision, GAGA, and Fuji Television, with Slow Curve also undertaking planning and production for the project.
Key staff members bring a wealth of experience to this ambitious film:
- Director: Shoji Kawamori
- Scriptwriter: Taichi Hashimoto, known for his work on Listeners and Gate Keepers 21, is penning the screenplay.
- Character Designer: Risa Ebata, a frequent collaborator with Kawamori on projects such as Macross Frontier and AKB0048, is responsible for the character designs, promising a familiar yet fresh aesthetic.
The film’s announcement was accompanied by a teaser visual featuring Shiori falling through a cracked smartphone against a Yokohama cityscape backdrop, and a teaser trailer that hints at the surreal and suspenseful adventure awaiting audiences. The trailer also teases the appearance of a mysterious girl, a pink rabbit, and another enigmatic character flying with missiles, adding layers to the unfolding digital mystery.
Shoji Kawamori’s Legacy and Future
Kawamori’s illustrious career spans decades, marked by his innovative contributions to the mecha genre and complex narratives. His most celebrated work includes being a key creative planner for The Super Dimension Fortress Macross series, where he designed the iconic transforming Variable Fighter mecha. He has also overseen major installments in the Macross franchise, including Macross Delta, and created original series like Aquarion and AKB0048.
Labyrinth represents Kawamori’s first original feature-length animated film that is not based on an existing franchise, making it a highly anticipated event for fans and critics alike. This venture showcases Kawamori’s continued evolution as a storyteller, venturing into contemporary themes while maintaining his unique artistic vision that combines intricate worlds with deep emotional resonance. The film’s January 2026 release is poised to be a significant moment in the anime landscape, offering a fresh narrative from one of the industry’s most influential figures.
