The upcoming original anime film, The Last Blossom, also known as Housenka in Japan, has revealed its main cast, composers, and a premiere window in Fall 2025. A teaser trailer and visuals have been released, offering a glimpse into the poignant story directed by Baku Kinoshita and written by Kazuya Konomoto, the creative duo behind the acclaimed anime series ODDTAXI.
Story and Setting
The Last Blossom tells the story of Minoru Akutsu, a former yakuza member nearing the end of his life while serving a life sentence. The narrative unfolds in Autumn 2023, as Akutsu faces a lonely death in his prison cell. His bleak existence is interrupted by a talking Housenka flower who utters, “What a rotten life you had.” This encounter prompts Akutsu to reflect on his past, revisiting his life in Summer 1986 when he lived with Nana and her son Kensuke in a dilapidated apartment filled with Housenka flowers. The film explores themes of regret, redemption, and the mysteries of life, depicting a dying yakuza’s dramatic reversal of fate and his family’s story as told by the flower blooming in prison.
The Creative Minds
- Director & Character Design: Baku Kinoshita, known for his work on ODDTAXI.
- Writer & Original Story: Kazuya Konomoto, also of ODDTAXI fame.
- Animation Production: CLAP Animation Studio, recognized for Pompo: The Cinéphile and The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes.
- Concept Art: Michinoku Toge.
Kinoshita describes the film as a reflection on beauty, transience, and the values of happiness, aiming to portray the quiet strength within people as they navigate their ever-changing lives.
Cast Announcement
The film boasts a talented cast, bringing the characters to life. The voice actors include:
- Kaoru Kobayashi: Akutsu (present). He also voiced Old Pelican in The Boy and the Heron.
- Junki Tozuka: Akutsu (past). This marks Tozuka’s first voice acting role.
- Hikari Mitsushima: Nana Nagata (young).
- Yoshiko Miyazaki: Nana Nagata (older).
- Pierre Taki: Housenka Flower.
Musical Score
The music for The Last Blossom is composed by the band cero, specifically Shohei Takagi, Yu Arauchi, and Tsubasa Hashimoto.
Annecy International Animation Film Festival
The Last Blossom has been selected for the Feature Film Competition at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025, marking its world premiere. The project was previously showcased in Annecy 2024’s “Work in Progress” program.
Distribution
PONY CANYON will handle the distribution in Japan. Anime Limited and Plaion Pictures have acquired the rights for international release in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Australia, and Switzerland. The film will first be released in cinemas, followed by a home video release.
