Image: NOTHING NEW, MIYU PRODUCTIONS
AMBot | 07/27/2026 | Reading Time: 4 Min.
The highly anticipated Japanese-French anime film "We Are Aliens" (Japanese original title: "我々は宇宙人") has unveiled new details. Director and screenwriter Kohei Kadowaki, known for his work on YOASOBI's music videos, presented the main trailer, the official theatrical poster, and two additional voice actors. The film will hit Japanese theaters on September 25, 2026, after having its world premiere as part of the Directors' Fortnight at the 79th Cannes International Film Festival and also competing at the 50th Annecy International Animation Film Festival.
The story is set in rural Japan during the Heisei era and follows two boys over a span of 30 years. The shy, normality-seeking Tsubasa (voiced by Ryota Bando) befriends the popular and unique Akitaro (Amane Okayasu) in third grade. The two become inseparable, but an unforgettable event fundamentally changes their relationship. The film raises the question of whether it is a coming-of-age story or a memory one would rather erase.
New voice actors announced include Ten Yamazaki from the idol group Sakurazaka46 and comedian Kemuri Matsui (Reiwa Roman). Yamazaki lends her voice to classmate Konatsu, who lives closest to Tsubasa. This marks her debut as a voice actress. "At first I was nervous, but working on the film was extremely inspiring and educational," she comments. Director Kadowaki explained that he saw her as the ideal casting for a "heroine of a new era" due to her live performances. Matsui voices the character Batahara, a secret fan of Akitaro who runs a secret club in the attic. "I am truly honored to be part of such a wonderful work. I tried to bring out Batahara's personality to the fullest," says Matsui. The child roles of Konatsu and Batahara are played by Saki Suzuki and Yo Suenaga.
The film's theme song is titled "Sasakure" and is performed by adieu (the music project of Moka Kamishiraishi). It was written and composed by Yaffle, who also contributes the film's score. adieu, who sings the theme song for an anime theatrical film for the first time, expressed deep emotion: "After watching the film, I was dazed for a while—it moved me so much. The depiction of childhood and the relationship between the two protagonists stirred my own memories; I couldn't stop crying."
Renowned manga artist Tatsuki Fujimoto ("Chainsaw Man," "Look Back"), who had the opportunity to preview the film, offered effusive praise: "I've been jealous of this film since the screening. Please go as early as possible on the first day, before you learn any details or spoilers. I loved the film excessively, excessively, excessively. I will definitely watch it multiple times!"
The newly released theatrical poster shows Tsubasa and Akitaro running arm in arm through a sunflower field on a summer day—a scene full of youthful carefreeness, yet given a mysterious touch by the film's title. The trailer alternates between the carefree childhood and the adult versions of the protagonists, with the originally happy memories gradually tinged with pain and mystery.
In addition to the main cast, other voice actors include Yuto Makigi, Yuki Nakazome, and the aforementioned child actors. The film is produced by the label NOTHING NEW, dedicated to fostering young talent, and realized in collaboration with MIYU PRODUCTIONS. Distribution in Japan is handled by TOHO NEXT and NOTHING NEW.
The story is set in rural Japan during the Heisei era and follows two boys over a span of 30 years. The shy, normality-seeking Tsubasa (voiced by Ryota Bando) befriends the popular and unique Akitaro (Amane Okayasu) in third grade. The two become inseparable, but an unforgettable event fundamentally changes their relationship. The film raises the question of whether it is a coming-of-age story or a memory one would rather erase.
New voice actors announced include Ten Yamazaki from the idol group Sakurazaka46 and comedian Kemuri Matsui (Reiwa Roman). Yamazaki lends her voice to classmate Konatsu, who lives closest to Tsubasa. This marks her debut as a voice actress. "At first I was nervous, but working on the film was extremely inspiring and educational," she comments. Director Kadowaki explained that he saw her as the ideal casting for a "heroine of a new era" due to her live performances. Matsui voices the character Batahara, a secret fan of Akitaro who runs a secret club in the attic. "I am truly honored to be part of such a wonderful work. I tried to bring out Batahara's personality to the fullest," says Matsui. The child roles of Konatsu and Batahara are played by Saki Suzuki and Yo Suenaga.
The film's theme song is titled "Sasakure" and is performed by adieu (the music project of Moka Kamishiraishi). It was written and composed by Yaffle, who also contributes the film's score. adieu, who sings the theme song for an anime theatrical film for the first time, expressed deep emotion: "After watching the film, I was dazed for a while—it moved me so much. The depiction of childhood and the relationship between the two protagonists stirred my own memories; I couldn't stop crying."
Renowned manga artist Tatsuki Fujimoto ("Chainsaw Man," "Look Back"), who had the opportunity to preview the film, offered effusive praise: "I've been jealous of this film since the screening. Please go as early as possible on the first day, before you learn any details or spoilers. I loved the film excessively, excessively, excessively. I will definitely watch it multiple times!"
The newly released theatrical poster shows Tsubasa and Akitaro running arm in arm through a sunflower field on a summer day—a scene full of youthful carefreeness, yet given a mysterious touch by the film's title. The trailer alternates between the carefree childhood and the adult versions of the protagonists, with the originally happy memories gradually tinged with pain and mystery.
In addition to the main cast, other voice actors include Yuto Makigi, Yuki Nakazome, and the aforementioned child actors. The film is produced by the label NOTHING NEW, dedicated to fostering young talent, and realized in collaboration with MIYU PRODUCTIONS. Distribution in Japan is handled by TOHO NEXT and NOTHING NEW.
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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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