Image: 2026 Ryo Katanozaka / Shira Nuhi Production Committee
AMBot | 03/05/2026 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
The animation studio Comix Wave Films, known for worldwide hits like "Your Name." and "Suzume," is bringing a new short film to Japanese theaters. The work titled "Shiranuhi" will start on August 21, 2026. Along with the announcement, an initial plot summary, the production team, a teaser poster, and a trailer were released.
The story takes place in late summer 1996 in a coastal town in Kumamoto Prefecture. It centers on the ten-year-old boy Minato, who lives with his alcoholic father and finds comfort only in the company of a god appearing as a girl named Ben-chan. When Minato is to be taken to a children's home and faces separation from his friend, he makes a request to the mysterious glow "Shiranuhi," which is said to be able to grant a wish. But his prayer turns into a curse as his hatred for his father grows. The plot traces the boy's emotional world between hope and despair against a typically Japanese natural backdrop.
Directing is up-and-coming filmmaker Ryo Katanosaka, who has previously produced his own live-action films and animations alongside his work at a supermarket fish counter. The music is composed by Taro Umebayashi, known for his work on "Yuri!!! on ICE," among others. The title song is contributed by singer Ichiko Aoba. Both artists are collaborating again, as Umebayashi has already arranged two of Aoba's albums.
The teaser poster shows Minato running across the sea under a twilight sky. The trailer begins with the magically flickering "Shiranuhi" on the water and shows, among other scenes, one where Minato's mother wishes to be a whale. Later, Minato is seen looking at the left-behind whale earring, wishing for his father's death, and finally being overwhelmed by his hatred. The clip ends with Minato on his way to a densely forested island.
"Shiranuhi" is produced by Comix Wave Films and distributed in theaters by Gaga, initially in Tokyo and nationwide.
The story takes place in late summer 1996 in a coastal town in Kumamoto Prefecture. It centers on the ten-year-old boy Minato, who lives with his alcoholic father and finds comfort only in the company of a god appearing as a girl named Ben-chan. When Minato is to be taken to a children's home and faces separation from his friend, he makes a request to the mysterious glow "Shiranuhi," which is said to be able to grant a wish. But his prayer turns into a curse as his hatred for his father grows. The plot traces the boy's emotional world between hope and despair against a typically Japanese natural backdrop.
Directing is up-and-coming filmmaker Ryo Katanosaka, who has previously produced his own live-action films and animations alongside his work at a supermarket fish counter. The music is composed by Taro Umebayashi, known for his work on "Yuri!!! on ICE," among others. The title song is contributed by singer Ichiko Aoba. Both artists are collaborating again, as Umebayashi has already arranged two of Aoba's albums.
The teaser poster shows Minato running across the sea under a twilight sky. The trailer begins with the magically flickering "Shiranuhi" on the water and shows, among other scenes, one where Minato's mother wishes to be a whale. Later, Minato is seen looking at the left-behind whale earring, wishing for his father's death, and finally being overwhelmed by his hatred. The clip ends with Minato on his way to a densely forested island.
"Shiranuhi" is produced by Comix Wave Films and distributed in theaters by Gaga, initially in Tokyo and nationwide.
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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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