The Inspiration Behind the New Arc
It has been decided that ``Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island'', the first movie based on the manga ``Chiikawa'' serialized by illustrator Nagano on X (formerly Twitter), will be simultaneously released in IMAX on Friday, July 24, 2026. At the same time, an IMAX version poster was also unveiled.
Unique Storytelling and Animation
``Chiikawa'' is a work that depicts the fun, sad, and a little hard daily life stories of unique characters such as Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi. In addition to winning the "Japan Character Awards Grand Prix" four times, becoming the first in history to win three times in a row, the anime, which has been broadcast since 2022, has been watched over 400 million times on YouTube, making it loved not only in Japan but all over the world.
This work depicts a unique and popular feature-length episode in the series, commonly known as the "Siren Edition." The production will be handled by Cypic, which has a reputation for high-quality animation such as the overwhelming action scenes in the live version of ``Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Door to a New Era'', and under the full supervision of Mr. Nagano, the adventures of Chiikawa and the others will be depicted with magnificent music and powerful images.
IMAX Release and Poster
It has been decided that the IMAX version of ``Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island'' will be screened at the same time as the release date, July 24th (Friday). With clear images and high-precision sound projected on a large screen that spans from the floor to the ceiling and the left and right walls, you can experience a sense of reality as if you have entered the world of the main story. Chiikawa and his friends' great adventure, Hachiware's song, and Usagi's rap, which will be shown for the first time in the main story, can be enjoyed with the impressive visuals and sound that can only be enjoyed in IMAX.
The IMAX version poster released at the same time features a ``MAX'' figure of Chiikawa, Hachiware, and a rabbit drawn so close up that they protrude from the existing frame. The visuals give off an impact that is beyond standard.
“Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island” will be released nationwide on Friday, July 24, 2026. New information will continue to be announced in the lead up to the release.
(C) Nagano / 2026 “Chiikawa Movie” Production Committee
