Studio 4 ℃ announces imaginative love story between humans and mermaids

On August 15th, a new anime film titled ChaO by the renowned Studio 4℃ will hit Japanese theaters. The announcement is accompanied by a first teaser image and a preview trailer. The lead roles are voiced by Suzuka Ohji and Anna Yamada.

The story is set in a futuristic world where humans and mermaids coexist peacefully. It centers around Stefan, an office worker employed at a shipbuilding company. His quiet life takes a sudden turn when Chao, the princess of the mermaid kingdom, unexpectedly proposes to him. The teaser shows the two characters smiling in an urban setting, accompanied by slogans like "An encounter full of wonders" and "This summer, discover a mermaid like no other."

The released trailer begins with Stefan’s daily routine, which is interrupted by Chao’s sudden appearance. With the words "I swear to stay by your side forever! Let’s get married!", she throws him into a world full of surprising experiences. The animation blends humorous moments with visually stunning underwater scenes, typical of Studio 4℃’s creative work.

Suzuka Ohji, the voice of Stefan, highlights the relaxed atmosphere during recording: "The team constantly encouraged me, allowing me to express myself freely—that made the work especially rewarding." Anna Yamada, who voices Chao, describes her approach: "To reflect her playful nature, I even incorporated sounds into the dialogue. It was a challenge but also very inspiring."