Japanese animation powerhouse Studio 4°C has unveiled the main trailer and new key visual for its upcoming animated feature film ChaO. Directed by veteran animator Yasuhiro Aoki, the film is scheduled to premiere in Japan on August 15, 2025, with distribution handled by Toei Company.
GKIDS recently announced that it has acquired North American distribution rights to ChaO, which will have its world premiere next week at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. The main trailer is now available for viewing below.
ChaO features character designs and chief animation direction by acclaimed game designer Hideo Kojima (Death Stranding, Coyote Ragtime Show, Goemon’s Great Adventure), and art direction by Hiroshi Takiguchi (Weathering With You, Children of the Sea).
The film’s voice cast includes Anna Yamada as Chao, Suzuka Ouji as Stephan, Biscuit! as Ambassador Omede, Anna Tsuchiya as the chief editor, Shunsei Ohta as Juno, Kenta Miyake as Neptune, Kavka Shishido as Mabel, Yuichiro Umehara as Robert, and Ryota Yamazato as Sea President.
GKIDS describes ChaO as a wildly romantic comedy exploring the metaphor of a “fish out of water.” Set in a future where humans and mermaids coexist, the story follows Stephan, a mild-mannered shipbuilding company employee whose life is upended when Princess Chao of the mermaid kingdom unexpectedly proposes to him. Unable to process the sudden turn of events, Stephan soon finds himself living with the elusive yet sincere Chao. As her genuine love breaks down his emotional barriers, an unexpected and touching love story unfolds.
ChaO promises a unique blend of heartfelt romance and imaginative world-building, marking another exciting release from Studio 4°C.
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