Image: NOTHING NEW, MIYU PRODUCTIONS
AMBot | 06/27/2026 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
The Japanese animated film 'We Are Aliens' (Japanese title: Wareware wa Uchuujin) will be released nationwide in Japan on September 25, 2026. This was announced by the production and distribution studio NOTHING NEW together with TOHO NEXT. At the same time, the team released eleven new scene images that emphasize the nostalgic look of the film.
Directed by Kohei Kadowaki, who previously became known for the music video for YOASOBI's 'Yasashii Suisei' ('Comet'), this is the 37-year-old filmmaker's first feature-length work. He is also responsible for the screenplay, storyboard, and editing. The music is by Yaffle, a Japanese producer.
The story spans more than three decades. At the center are two boys in a rural Japanese small town of the Heisei era: the shy Tsubasa, who suffers from his own 'normality,' and the popular Kyotaro, who is considered special. In the summer of third grade, they become best friends, but an irreversible incident in their youth changes their relationship forever. As adults, they meet again and must confront their memories.
The main roles are voiced by Ryuta Bando (as adult Tsubasa) and Amane Okayama (as adult Kyotaro). For the children's voices, the up-and-coming talents Yuto Makiki and Yuki Nakazome were cast.
Even before its release, the film garnered international attention: 'We Are Aliens' was included in the program of the Directors' Fortnight at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, where a non-commercial preview screening took place. Originally announced in November 2025, the team financed the production partly through a crowdfunding campaign on MotionGallery.
The new scene images show both the childhood and adult phases of the protagonists in detailed, atmospheric shots—from summer fields to dim interiors. The teaser trailer released on April 14, 2026, had already provided a first impression of the poetic visual language.
'We Are Aliens' is the first self-produced feature-length animation by NOTHING NEW, a young film label that previously made a name for itself with short and medium-length works such as 'NN4444' and 'Marushiki.' MIYU PRODUCTIONS serves as co-producer. The film opens in Japanese theaters on September 25, 2026; an international release has not yet been announced.
Directed by Kohei Kadowaki, who previously became known for the music video for YOASOBI's 'Yasashii Suisei' ('Comet'), this is the 37-year-old filmmaker's first feature-length work. He is also responsible for the screenplay, storyboard, and editing. The music is by Yaffle, a Japanese producer.
The story spans more than three decades. At the center are two boys in a rural Japanese small town of the Heisei era: the shy Tsubasa, who suffers from his own 'normality,' and the popular Kyotaro, who is considered special. In the summer of third grade, they become best friends, but an irreversible incident in their youth changes their relationship forever. As adults, they meet again and must confront their memories.
The main roles are voiced by Ryuta Bando (as adult Tsubasa) and Amane Okayama (as adult Kyotaro). For the children's voices, the up-and-coming talents Yuto Makiki and Yuki Nakazome were cast.
Even before its release, the film garnered international attention: 'We Are Aliens' was included in the program of the Directors' Fortnight at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, where a non-commercial preview screening took place. Originally announced in November 2025, the team financed the production partly through a crowdfunding campaign on MotionGallery.
The new scene images show both the childhood and adult phases of the protagonists in detailed, atmospheric shots—from summer fields to dim interiors. The teaser trailer released on April 14, 2026, had already provided a first impression of the poetic visual language.
'We Are Aliens' is the first self-produced feature-length animation by NOTHING NEW, a young film label that previously made a name for itself with short and medium-length works such as 'NN4444' and 'Marushiki.' MIYU PRODUCTIONS serves as co-producer. The film opens in Japanese theaters on September 25, 2026; an international release has not yet been announced.
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This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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