A new official website has opened to announce the new Eiga Chiikawa: Ningyo no Shima no Himitsu (Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island) anime film, which premieres in theaters in Japan next summer. This will be the first anime film adaptation of Nagano’s Chiikawa manga and anime series, and it will be based on the “Island Arc” from March 2023 to November 2023.
Nagano is credited with the original story of the Chiikawa film, writing the script, and providing supervision. Kei Oikawa directs the film at Cygames Pictures, QTORY inc. is managing the production, and TOHO is distributing the film.
The movie’s story begins with Chiikawa and Hachiware relaxing before a rabbit with a flyer on its face appears. Hachiware reads the flyer, which reads “invitation to a special island” with promising of great rewards. Chiikawa and friends decide to go to the island, and Rakko goes along on his own accord due to his suspicions with the flyer.
The Chiikawa anime series first premiered in April 2022 on Fuji TV, and the anime returned for more episodes on July 15 this year. Sentai Filmworks licensed the anime. HIDIVE is streaming the anime series with English subtitles outside Japan.
The cast of Chiikawa includes child actress Haruka Aoki as Chiikawa, child actor Makoto Tanaka as Hachiware, and Ari Ozawa as Usagi.
For more about the Chiikawa series, fans can head to the franchise’s official English website.
