Four character promotional videos have been released for "ChaO" (directed by Aoki Yasuhiro, scheduled for release on August 15th), the new animated film from STUDIO4℃, known for anime such as "Tekkonkinkreet" and "Children of the Sea." The film depicts the love story between a human and a mermaid in a future society where humans and mermaids coexist. Promotional videos have been released for the protagonist, Stefan, an office worker; Chao, the princess of the mermaid kingdom who proposes to Stefan; My Bay and Roberta, who watch over the two. Actors Ouji Suzuka and Anna Yamada will co-star as Stefan and Chao, respectively. Shishido Kavka will play My Bay, and Yuichiro Umehara will play Roberta.
In the Stefan version of the PV, Stefan is shown being completely shaken by Chao's sudden marriage proposal, while in the Chao version, Chao is shown to be completely ignoring Stefan and honestly expressing her love for him, saying, "If we can be together forever, let's get married!"
In the My Bay chapter, we see My Bay's role as an older sister, who warmly and kindly supports Chao, who is trying his best for Stefan, even though he is not used to life on the ground. In the Roberta chapter, Roberta preaches love to Stefan, who cannot accept his marriage to Chao, with cheesy words.
Suzuka said about Stefan, "He's a somewhat unreliable young man, but he has strong feelings from his childhood memories and what's at his core, which makes him a very attractive character," and in the PV he is shown flustered and grumbling after Chao's unexpected proposal. Yamada said that she consulted with him while acting in order to express Chao's cuteness to the fullest, saying, "To bring out his charm, I tried to say onomatopoeia-like lines to match Chao's movements, which was difficult but fun."
Shishido, who plays MyBey, said, "I've always wanted to work with my voice," and she portrays a charming older sister with a husky voice and a sensual air. She also commented affectionately about MyBey, saying, "She's a lovable character that I would want to have around me." Umehara, who plays Roberta, said of Roberta's charm, "She's intelligent, a romantic, and passionate, and she shows many different sides to us in the play," and portrays Roberta, a calm, mature man in contrast to Stefan.
The film is a story of love and miracles that transcends race and culture. In a future society where humans and mermaids coexist, Stefan, an office worker at a shipbuilding company, is suddenly proposed to by Chao, the princess of the mermaid kingdom. Without knowing why, Stefan ends up living with Chao. As he receives Chao's pure and straightforward love, Stefan is gradually drawn to her... This is the story.
