Studio 4°C, renowned for its visually stunning and innovative anime productions, is gearing up to release its latest feature film, “ChaO.” This enchanting tale of love and cultural collision between a human and a mermaid princess is slated to premiere in Japanese theaters on August 15, 2025. The studio has been secretly working on this hand-drawn and CGI-enhanced project for seven years, promising a visually rich experience with over 100,000 drawings.
A Glimpse into the Story
“ChaO” unfolds in a near-future society where humans and mermaids coexist. The story centers around Stephen, an ordinary office worker at a shipbuilding company in Shanghai, and ChaO, a mermaid princess. Their lives take an unexpected turn when ChaO proposes marriage to Stephen, setting off a chain of events that bring their two worlds together.
According to the Annecy Festival’s description, Stephen is a shipping engineer who develops a special propeller called Air Jet designed to be harmless to marine life, promoting peace between humans and merfolk. The clash of cultures and values between Stephen and Chao, however, leads to unforeseen complications. As they navigate their differences, a tragic accident further strains their relationship, adding depth and drama to their 100% pure love story.
The Talented Team Behind “ChaO”
The creative minds at Studio 4°C have assembled a talented team to bring “ChaO” to life:
- Director: Yasuhiro Aoki (known for Kimagure Robot and Tweeny Witches, character designer for Psycho-Pass – The Movie)
- Character Designer & Chief Animation Director: Hirokazu Kojima (Deadman Wonderland, Coyote Ragtime Show)
- Art Director: Hiroshi Takiguchi (Ajin, The Case of Hana & Alice, The Garden of Words)
- Music Composer: Takatsugi Muramatsu (Mary and The Witch’s Flower, Phoenix: Eden17)
- Producer: Eiko Tanaka (Studio 4°C Co., Ltd founder)
- Distributor: Toei
The Cast of Characters
Recently, Studio 4°C revealed more cast members who will be lending their voices to the colorful characters in “ChaO”. Here’s a breakdown of the main and supporting cast:
- Ōji Suzuka as Stefan: A salaryman at a ship-making company. Some of his previous works include Kimi ni Todoke and The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes.
- Anna Yamada as ChaO: The pure princess of the mermaid kingdom. She is known for her roles in Golden Kamuy and Saki.
- Yūichirō Umehara as Roberta: An inventor and friend of Stefan.
- Ryōta Yamasato as President Shi: The president of the shipbuilding company where Stefan works. Yamasato is a member of the comedy duo Nankai Candies.
- Kavka Shishido as Maibei: A woman who helps Chao acclimate to life on land.
- Cookie! as Ambassador Omede: A political representative of the merfolk focused on maintaining ties between humans and merfolk. Cookie! is a member of the comedy duo Yasei Bakudan.
- Kenta Miyake as King Neptunus: Chao’s father and the ruler of the merfolk.
- Shunsei Ōta as Juno: A rookie journalist who occasionally interviews Stefan. Ota is a member of the idol group OCTPATH.
- Anna Tsuchiya as the Editor-in-Chief: The head of the newspaper that Juno works for.
Studio 4°C: A Legacy of Innovation
Founded in 1986 by Eiko Tanaka and Kōji Morimoto, Studio 4°C has consistently pushed the boundaries of animation. The studio’s name is inspired by the temperature at which water is most dense, reflecting their commitment to creating works with depth and substance.
Studio 4°C is known for blending traditional animation techniques with CGI, creating unique and visually striking experiences. They have worked on a diverse range of projects, including feature films, OVAs, short films, and video games. Some of their most notable works include:
- Memories (1995)
- Spriggan (1998)
- Princess Arete (2001)
- The Animatrix (2003) – specifically, the segments “Kid’s Story,” “The Second Renaissance,” “Beyond,” and “A Detective Story.”
- Mind Game (2004)
- Tekkonkinkreet (2006)
- Children of the Sea (2019)
- Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko (2021)
- Phoenix: Eden17 (2023)
The studio is known for “marrying the spirit of independent festival animation with a more mainstream anime aesthetic.” Their works often incorporate “superflat” design elements, and director Kōji Morimoto’s artwork has been featured in Takashi Murakami’s exhibitions.
Recognition at Annecy International Animation Film Festival
Even before its official release, “ChaO” has garnered significant attention and acclaim within the animation industry. The film has been nominated for the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025 in the Feature Films category. This nomination places “ChaO” among some of the most innovative and creative animated works from around the world. Director Yasuhiro Aoki expressed his amazement and joy at the nomination, recognizing the passion and dedication that the entire staff poured into the film.
What to Expect from “ChaO”
With its unique storyline, talented team, and Studio 4°C’s reputation for visual innovation, “ChaO” promises to be a captivating anime film. The themes of cultural understanding, love, and dealing with unexpected circumstances are likely to resonate with a wide audience. The combination of hand-drawn animation and CGI should create a visually stunning world, and the characters promise to be both engaging and relatable. “ChaO” is poised to be a standout anime film of 2025, offering a fresh take on the classic mermaid tale.
