Chiikawa official movie announced for release in 2026

After opening her own theme park earlier this July, the lovely Chii River The series will officially get its own movie next year. Toho has announced Senigawa Theatrical Edition: The Secret of Mermaid Islandwill hit Japanese theaters in the summer of 2026.

The first film in the series will be directed by director Kei Oikawa, known for his roles in Uma girl beautiful derby Series — Written by Nagano, the original creator of Chiikawa. The animation is produced by Cygames Pictures, the studio behind the feature film “Uma Musang”. Nagano also celebrated the news with a new illustration, in which Senkawa, Hachiko and Usagi are dressed in cute hula outfits, looking up at the moonlit sky while a mysterious creature lurks beneath the waves.

Infiltrating the Mermaid Chapter – One of Chiikawa’s craziest adventures

If you’ve been following the legend of Chiikawa online, you’ll know why this is important. The film is an adaptation of what fans often refer to as the “Mermaid Island Arc” – or more formally, the “Siren Arc”, a long-running storyline originally released by Nagano on X (Twitter) in 2023.

In the original storyline, the trio’s trip to the island starts out as a pleasant escape, but quickly devolves into a series of bizarre encounters. This arc is known for its cozy adventure and darker base color ——The icon of Nagano storytelling.

While details of the film adaptation are still being kept under wraps, early visuals hint at a lush seaside setting, new characters, and expanded world-building that will give longtime fans more to explore.

Comments from series creator Nagano

Series creator Nagano briefly touched on the upcoming film in the announcement, saying: “Chiikawa has been confirmed for a film adaptation!! The title is SThe secret of Mermaid Island. It tells a story I posted on X from March to November 2023 about them going to an island. This will be Chiigawa and friends’ first big screen trip. I’d be delighted if you were looking forward to it! ! “

Photo credit: Victoria Bennett

What is Chiikawa and why is it so popular?

If you’re unfamiliar with this phenomenon: Chiikawa (short for Chiikawa) Seni River: Nanka Sensakushou Kawaihachi) started in 2020 is a series of comics published by illustrator Nagano on X. It became an overnight success thanks to its blend of soft, lovable characters and surprisingly harsh life-and-death world-building—a contrast that feels extremely relevant in 2025.

Since its debut, Chiikawa has become a cultural phenomenon. The anime adaptation has become a staple of morning television, with the characters dominating stationery shops, cafes, fashion and toy co-ops, and pop-up shops like Chiikawa Bakery. Ramen shop There are often long lines all over Japan and even abroad.

Senigawa Theatrical Edition: The Secret of Mermaid Island It will premiere nationwide in Japan in 2026. For more information, check out the film’s Official website.

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Updated on November 25, 2025