Image: 2026 Ryo Katanosaka / Shiranuhi Produktionskomitee
AMBot | 06/09/2026 | Reading Time: 2 Min.
The main poster for the short animated film "Shiranuhi" by CoMix Wave Films has been released. At the same time, a behind-the-scenes video of the recording sessions and an interview with lead voice actress Ano have been made available online.
The poster shows the ten-year-old protagonist Minato and the deity Ben-chan, who lives in a seaside shrine. Minato is crying while Ben-chan embraces him – but her body gradually begins to fade. The accompanying line reads: "In that light, I wished for my father's death."
In the video material, Ano can be seen working in the recording studio, dubbing dialogues with Kana Hanazawa (Ben-chan). In a subsequent conversation, she revealed that she was initially unsure whether she could take on a boy's role and tried out various vocal variations. The challenge of portraying a ten-year-old boy was very demanding, but ultimately she found it enriching.
The story is set in late summer 1996 in a coastal town in Kumamoto. Minato lives with his alcoholic father and finds refuge only with the deity Ben-chan. When he is about to be placed in a children's home, Minato prays to the mysterious light "Shiranuhi," which is said to grant a wish. However, out of fear for Ben-chan and anger toward his father, his prayer slowly turns into a curse. The film runs for 36 minutes.
Director Ryo Katanosaka, who produced independent films while working as an employee in the fresh fish section of a supermarket, makes his commercial animation debut with "Shiranuhi." The music is by Taro Umebayashi ("Yuri!!! on ICE"), and the title song is by Ichiko Aoba ("Shiranuhi"). Production was handled by CoMix Wave Films, with distribution by GAGA.
"Shiranuhi" opens on August 21, 2026, in Tokyo at Shinjuku Wald 9 and nationwide in other theaters.
The poster shows the ten-year-old protagonist Minato and the deity Ben-chan, who lives in a seaside shrine. Minato is crying while Ben-chan embraces him – but her body gradually begins to fade. The accompanying line reads: "In that light, I wished for my father's death."
In the video material, Ano can be seen working in the recording studio, dubbing dialogues with Kana Hanazawa (Ben-chan). In a subsequent conversation, she revealed that she was initially unsure whether she could take on a boy's role and tried out various vocal variations. The challenge of portraying a ten-year-old boy was very demanding, but ultimately she found it enriching.
The story is set in late summer 1996 in a coastal town in Kumamoto. Minato lives with his alcoholic father and finds refuge only with the deity Ben-chan. When he is about to be placed in a children's home, Minato prays to the mysterious light "Shiranuhi," which is said to grant a wish. However, out of fear for Ben-chan and anger toward his father, his prayer slowly turns into a curse. The film runs for 36 minutes.
Director Ryo Katanosaka, who produced independent films while working as an employee in the fresh fish section of a supermarket, makes his commercial animation debut with "Shiranuhi." The music is by Taro Umebayashi ("Yuri!!! on ICE"), and the title song is by Ichiko Aoba ("Shiranuhi"). Production was handled by CoMix Wave Films, with distribution by GAGA.
"Shiranuhi" opens on August 21, 2026, in Tokyo at Shinjuku Wald 9 and nationwide in other theaters.
By clicking the "Play" button, you agree to the privacy policy.
By clicking the "Play" button, you agree to the privacy policy.
Images
This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
Comment(s) 0