“Run! It’s a shark trap!” Yes, you read that right. Utopia has just released the official trailer for Hot Spring Shark Attack, an absolutely outrageous B-movie from Japan that does exactly what its title promises—sets man-eating sharks loose in traditional Japanese hot springs.
Believe it or not, this movie is real.
The film, which made its world premiere at the 2024 Tokyo International Shark Film Festival, where it won the coveted Audience Award, originally hit theaters in Japan last summer. Now, it’s finally making its way to the United States, with a limited theatrical release beginning July 11, 2025, including special screenings at select Alamo Drafthouse cinemas, followed by availability on video-on-demand.
Sharks. In Hot Springs. Yes, Really.
Set in the small city of Atsumi, the story follows a series of mysterious disappearances among tourists at a local hot spring resort. The victims are later discovered dead, bearing brutal wounds eerily reminiscent of shark attacks. As it turns out, prehistoric sharks—revived from ancient times—are now swimming freely through Japan’s network of geothermal springs, terrorizing the public.
Directed by debut filmmaker Morito Inoue, Hot Spring Shark Attack (original Japanese title: 温泉シャーク) features an ensemble cast including Takuya Fujimura (of Zombified: One Body, One Soul), Daniel Aguilar, Shoichiro Akaboshi, Masaki Naito, Koichi Makiue, Kiyofumi Kaneko, and Mio Takagi.
The trailer reveals a blend of low-budget charm and absurdist horror-comedy, promising a chaotic mash-up of creature feature tropes, campy practical effects, and exaggerated performances.
“This looks terrible… but in the best possible way,” one viewer commented. And that may be the perfect description of the movie’s appeal.
Director’s Statement: A Genre in Need of a Boost
In a statement released with the trailer, director Morito Inoue shared his inspiration for the project:
“Shark movies are wildly popular in Japan, but the market still lacks enough locally produced titles to meet growing demand. This film was made entirely in Japan, and I’m thrilled by the response it’s received—from die-hard shark movie fans to those discovering the genre for the first time. I’m very curious to see how audiences outside of Japan react.”
A Plot as Wild as Its Title
The official synopsis confirms the film’s full embrace of its B-movie status: As Atsumi City moves forward with plans to build a massive tourism complex under Mayor Mankan’s leadership, unexplained disappearances plague its hot spring resorts. A series of gruesome discoveries—including unidentifiable bodies found off the coast—raises alarm.
Police chief Tsuka teams up with marine biologist Kose to uncover a terrifying truth: ancient killer sharks have returned, and they’re swimming directly through the hot spring systems, hunting unsuspecting bathers.
Hot Spring Shark Attack is the first feature film written and directed by Morito Inoue, a promising new voice in Japan’s indie horror and sci-fi scene. Following its strong reception at home, the movie now hopes to make waves internationally—literally and figuratively.
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