"Kakushigoto Theatrical Edition" is a condensed retelling of the original 2020 anime series "Kakushigoto: My Dad's Secret Ambition," adapted from the manga by Kōji Kumeta. The story centers on Kakushi Gotou, a single father and a successful manga artist who creates risqué comedy series under the pen name "Goto Mask." Despite his professional success, Kakushi hides his occupation from his young daughter, Hime, fearing she might feel ashamed or embarrassed by his work. The narrative alternates between two timelines: one depicting Kakushi’s daily life as he juggles parenting and his secret career, and another set a decade later, where an adult Hime uncovers the truth about her father’s hidden profession after a tragic accident leaves him comatose.

In the present timeline, Kakushi goes to great lengths to conceal his manga career, often enlisting the help of his eccentric assistants, such as the diligent Aogu Shiji and the quirky Rasuna Sumita. His efforts to maintain the facade lead to humorous and heartfelt situations, as he navigates the challenges of raising Hime while ensuring she remains unaware of his work. The story explores themes of parental love, sacrifice, and the lengths one goes to protect a child’s innocence.

The future timeline reveals Hime’s journey of discovery as she pieces together her father’s life through his old manuscripts, notes, and interactions with his former colleagues. This retrospective narrative provides emotional depth, highlighting Kakushi’s unwavering dedication to his daughter and the sacrifices he made to ensure her happiness. The interplay between the two timelines creates a poignant exploration of family bonds, memory, and the legacy of a parent’s love.

The film retains the original series’ blend of comedy and heartfelt drama, with a focus on the central father-daughter relationship. Kakushi’s character is defined by his over-the-top antics to keep his secret, balanced by his genuine care and devotion to Hime. Hime, portrayed as an inquisitive and kind-hearted child, serves as the emotional anchor of the story, with her adult counterpart providing a reflective perspective on her father’s life. The supporting cast, including Kakushi’s quirky assistants and Hime’s classmates, adds levity and depth to the narrative, enriching the story’s exploration of family and identity.