Studio 4°C, the acclaimed Japanese animation studio, has unveiled its latest project: an original anime feature film titled ChaO. The movie is slated for release this summer and promises a unique blend of romance and fantasy. This announcement came during Toei’s 2025-2026 lineup press conference on Thursday, generating considerable excitement among anime enthusiasts.
A Unique Love Story Under the Sea
ChaO presents a captivating narrative set in a future where humans and mermaids coexist. The story revolves around Stephen, an ordinary office worker who unexpectedly finds himself betrothed to Chao, a princess of the mermaid kingdom. The official synopsis describes it as a “100% pure love story,” suggesting a heartfelt and engaging plot. The film aims to explore the complexities of love and relationships in a world where different species interact.
Mermaid Designs Breaking Convention
One of the most intriguing aspects of ChaO is its unconventional depiction of mermaids. Unlike the typical human-upper-half portrayal, the mermaids in ChaO, particularly Princess Chao, will have a more pronounced fish-like appearance. This design choice is a departure from traditional mermaid aesthetics, sparking curiosity about the visual style and overall world-building of the film. A teaser image released by Studio 4°C showcases this distinctive mermaid design, featuring a character with a large fish-like body and a crown, hugging a human male, which has generated much discussion online.
The Creative Team Behind ChaO
The creative team behind ChaO boasts a mix of experienced and talented individuals.
- Director: Yasuhiro Aoki, known for his work on Kimagure Robot and Tweeny Witches, is at the helm.
- Character Designer and Chief Animation Director: Hirokazu Kojima, whose previous credits include Deadman Wonderland and Coyote Ragtime Show, is responsible for the film’s visual style and character design.
- Art Director: Hiroshi Takiguchi, who has contributed to Ajin, The Case of Hana & Alice, and The Garden of Words, is in charge of creating the film’s background art and overall aesthetic.
- Distribution: Toei, a major Japanese film and animation company, will be distributing the film in Japan.
A Labor of Love
According to reports, Studio 4°C has been secretly developing ChaO for the past seven years. Producer Eiko Tanaka revealed that the film is entirely hand-drawn, comprising over 100,000 drawings. This dedication to traditional animation techniques highlights the studio’s commitment to artistic quality and offers a unique visual experience for the viewers. This approach emphasizes the human element, contrasting with the increasing trend toward CGI in animation.
Studio 4°C: A Legacy of Innovation
Studio 4°C, founded in 1986 by Koji Morimoto and Eiko Tanaka, is renowned for its experimental and visually striking works. The studio’s name is derived from the temperature at which water is most dense, symbolizing their commitment to producing works of substance and quality. They are pioneers in digital animation, known for their eccentric style that blends independent production spirit with mainstream animation aesthetics.
Notable Works
Over the years, Studio 4°C has produced a diverse range of works, including feature films, OVAs, short films, music videos, and video game animations. Some of their most notable projects include:
- Memories (1995): A classic anthology film that showcases the studio’s early prowess.
- Spriggan (1998): An action-packed film known for its dynamic animation.
- Princess Arete (2001): A visually captivating fantasy film.
- The Animatrix (2003): Five segments created in collaboration with Warner Bros., highlighting their ability to blend different animation styles.
- Mind Game (2004): An avant-garde film that garnered critical acclaim for its unique animation and storytelling.
- Tekkonkinkreet (2006): An award-winning film celebrated for its distinct art style and narrative.
- Genius Party (2007) and Genius Party Beyond (2008): Anthology films featuring a diverse collection of short animations.
- Children of the Sea (2019): A visually stunning film praised for its innovative animation and art direction.
- Berserk: The Golden Age Arc film trilogy (2012-2013) A series of films that adapt the popular manga series.
Studio 4°C’s collaborations extend beyond anime, having worked on projects like Batman: Gotham Knight, Halo Legends, and music videos for various artists such as Glay with their Survival video. This demonstrates their versatility and reach within the broader animation landscape.
A Blend of 2D and 3D
While ChaO is primarily a hand-drawn project, Studio 4°C is also known for its innovative use of 3D CGI. They have been incorporating CG techniques into their productions since the early days, as seen in Tekkonkinkreet, and their use of camera mapping for backgrounds. The studio continues to blend traditional and digital techniques, creating a distinctive look that sets their work apart.
Anticipation Builds for ChaO
The announcement of ChaO has generated significant buzz among the anime community. The unique premise, coupled with Studio 4°C’s reputation for high-quality animation and original storytelling, makes it one of the most anticipated anime films of the year. Fans are eagerly awaiting the film’s release this summer, eager to see the final product of the studio’s seven-year labor of love.
With a blend of romance, fantasy, and unique character designs, ChaO is poised to be another innovative addition to Studio 4°C’s already impressive filmography. The film’s focus on hand-drawn animation and commitment to detailed art styles promises a visually compelling experience, making it a must-watch for animation lovers worldwide. As the summer release approaches, the anticipation will only continue to grow.
