It has been revealed that an original animated feature film, "Etoile Blooms in Paris," directed by Goro Taniguchi , known for the anime series " Code Geass " and "ONE PIECE FILM RED," is in production and will be released on March 13, 2026. Kondo Katsuya, who has worked on character design and original drawing for Studio Ghibli films such as " Kiki's Delivery Service" and "Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea," will be in charge of the original character designs, teaming up with Taniguchi for the first time. Reiko Yoshida will be writing the script, and the film will be produced by Arbo Animation. It has also been announced that actress Ami Touma will voice the main character, Fujiko, a young girl who dreams of becoming a painter.
Set in Paris in the early 1900s, the film tells the story of two Japanese girls who, despite difficult times, refuse to give up and reach for the stars. Fujiko, who dreams of becoming a painter, and Chizuru, who is passionate about ballet, meet by chance in Yokohama and, as if drawn by fate, are reunited in Paris. The story follows the two girls' struggles in pursuit of their dreams.
Touma commented, "In playing Fujiko, a girl who is the complete opposite of my usual self, I was reminded of the difficulties of character development and the differences between acting as a voice actor, but I had a lot of fun playing the role."
Regarding the casting of Touma, Director Taniguchi said, "Purity, no scheming, life-sized, charming, and a sense of core. These were the voice criteria I looked for when casting the main character. I was truly fortunate to have met Ami Touma at this stage of her career during the dubbing period."
Director Taniguchi commented on the film, "We have been steadily working on this film as an independent production amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are finally at the stage where we can deliver it to everyone. I am truly grateful to Kondo-san and the many staff and cast members. I hope you enjoy it."
Kondo said, "Seven years ago in May, someone came to visit me at my home in Nagano. It was Kalki Rajeev, a producer at Arbo Animation. Naturally, it was our first meeting. He asked me if I would create a character for a movie he was currently planning. I immediately, and politely, declined. However, he didn't give up, saying, 'Even if it's just an idea drawing...' I was moved by his enthusiasm and decided to accept. However, it was a long journey from there. I ended up not only contributing ideas, but also the original drawings. Seven years have passed since then, and our movie is scheduled to be released in March of next year. Rajeev! To all the staff! I wish you every success."
A teaser visual featuring Kondo's original drawing of the main character Fujiko was also released.
◇Staff (titles omitted)
Original work: Goro Taniguchi, BNF, ARVO▽Director: Goro Taniguchi ▽Screenplay: Reiko Yoshida ▽Original character concept: Katsuya Kondo▽Character design: Yu Yamashita▽Researcher: Seiichi Shirato▽Art director: Yuji Kaneko▽Color design: Akiko Shibata▽Director of photography: Tsunetaka Ema▽Character direction: Yuriko Senba▽3DCG director: Hisaya Kamiya▽Editing: Kiyoshi Hirose▽Prop design: Tomomi Ozaki▽Mecha design: Fumihiro Katakai▽Sound director: Kazuhiro Wakabayashi▽Music: Takayuki Hattori▽Animation production: ARBO Animation
