The new release date for the film "Brown Bear!!" (directed by Eisuke Naito), starring Fuku Suzuki, has been set for January 23, 2026. The film was originally scheduled to be released on November 21, but was postponed due to the frequent occurrence of bear-related attacks in Japan.
The production committee commented, "Firstly, we would like to express our heartfelt condolences to those who have been victimized by bears, and to everyone in the local area who has been forced to be on alert. We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the many opinions and understanding you have shown us regarding the postponement of the release. We are filled with gratitude for the expectations and warm words of support we receive every day for the film, as well as for the encouraging support we have received from so many people as we have coordinated with the relevant companies. Supported by this encouragement, the entire team has carefully considered how to deliver this film."
"And as a milestone to restart this work with a new spirit, we have set the theatrical release date as Friday, January 23, 2026. After careful consideration of when audiences would be able to appreciate the film's thriller depictions and the themes of the risks lurking in urban life at an appropriate distance as fiction, we have decided that this date is appropriate for the release. In preparation for the release, we will carefully explain the background and appeal of the film, while continuing preparations so that viewers can watch it with peace of mind. Once again, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who is eagerly awaiting the release. We sincerely hope to see you in theaters on January 23, 2026," the company announced.
Suzuki, the lead actor, also commented, "First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to everyone who has been affected by bear attacks, their families, and the local people who are living in fear every day." He also said about the film, "I approached the shoot with the aim of creating a work that can be thoroughly enjoyed as entertainment, while depicting the dark side of illegal part-time jobs that have become a social problem, and the terrifying nature of brown bears." He added, "I hope this work will provide an opportunity to think, even just a little, about how we interact with nature, the importance of life, and how we interact with ourselves."
The film "Brown Bear!!" depicts the thrilling battle between Osanai (played by Suzuki), who throws himself into a "shady part-time job" to pay off the huge debt left by his father, and the extraordinary "strongest brown bear." New stills have also been released, showing the brown bear roaring on top of an overturned pickup truck and Osanai and his friends with bandages around their injured ears. Wan Marui will play Osanai's highly skilled partner, Wakabayashi Sakura, and Ukaji Tsuyoshi will play the hunter Kanzaki.
