We Are Aliens Anime Film Trailer and Japan Release Revealed
NOTHING NEW has officially unveiled a captivating new trailer and a stunning visual for its highly anticipated anime film, We Are Aliens (Ware Ware wa Uchūjin). Directed by the talented Kōhei Kadowaki, this update prominently features the heroine Konatsu, adding to the growing excitement for the film's theatrical debut. Anime fans in Japan can mark their calendars for September 25, when We Are Aliens is set to open.
A Journey of Friendship and Forgiveness
At its heart, We Are Aliens tells the poignant story of Tsubasa and Gyōtarō, two boys whose elementary school years forged a deep bond of friendship. However, the complexities of jealousy and misunderstandings eventually drove them apart. Years have passed, and their lives have taken different paths. The film delves into their journey as memories from their shared past resurface, compelling them to confront the events that caused their separation so long ago. This narrative promises a compelling exploration of nostalgia, regret, and the possibility of reconciliation.
Stellar Voice Cast Brings Characters to Life
The film boasts an impressive lineup of voice actors, bringing depth and emotion to its characters. Ryōta Bandō, known for his work in Fureru. and the Japanese dub of live-action How to Train Your Dragon, voices the adult Tsubasa. Alongside him, Amane Okayama, recognized from Blue Giant and live-action I's, lends his voice to the adult Gyōtarō. The film also features talented child actors Yūto Maki and Tasuku Nakagome, who were selected through auditions, to voice Tsubasa and Gyōtarō during their younger years, respectively. Adding to the ensemble, Sakurazaka46 idol group member Ten Yamasaki takes on the role of Konatsu. Comedian Kemuri Matsui voices Batahara, while Gaku Sano is Tsubasa's friend Seiya Toda, with Reika Ōzeki voicing young Seiya. Arisa Sasaki plays Toda's friend Elmo Matsushita, and Edo Harumi appears as a calligraphy teacher.
Visionary Creative Team Behind the Production
Kōhei Kadowaki, the director of We Are Aliens, is a multifaceted talent. He served as the film's planner, scriptwriter, director, storyboard artist, and editor, demonstrating his comprehensive vision for the project. Kadowaki's previous works include the acclaimed second season ending sequence for BEASTARS and music videos for YOASOBI. The film's compelling musical score is composed by Yaffle, who has previously produced music for renowned artists such as Fujii Kaze and Kenshi Yonezu. NOTHING NEW spearheaded the planning and production of the film. French studio Miyu Productions, known for Ghost Cat Anzu and A New Dawn, joined the production team in June 2025, collaborating to bring this animated feature to fruition. The film's theme song, "Sasakure" (Split), is powerfully performed by adieu.
Global Recognition and Festival Screenings
We Are Aliens has already garnered significant international attention, making its mark on the global film festival circuit. The film screened at the prestigious Directors' Fortnight of the Cannes Film Festival on May 14. It also competed at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, which took place from June 21 to 27. Further expanding its reach, the film is being screened at the Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF), which runs from September 23-27, the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), which took place from August 6-23, and the New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF), which ran from July 29-August 9. Looking ahead, We Are Aliens is slated to screen in the "Japanese Animation Special: Masterpieces of Madness, Exhilarating Prospects 12+1" category at the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), scheduled for October 6-15.
International sales of the film are being handled by CHARADES, a prominent sales company. CHARADES has successfully licensed We Are Aliens to distributors including Hooray Films in Taiwan, Shaw Organisation in Singapore, Intercontinental Film Distributors in Hong Kong, and Sahamongkol Film in Thailand, ensuring a wide international release for the anime feature.
Crowdfunding Success and Company Vision
In a testament to the strong support for the project, the film's staff launched a successful crowdfunding campaign in November 2025 on the Motion Gallery website. The campaign aimed to secure additional funds for production and advertising, specifically to "improve the quality of the work" and to "distribute the film more widely." The initiative resonated deeply with supporters, concluding on March 2 having exceeded its 8 million yen (approximately US$50,365) target. It ultimately raised an impressive 9,604,510 yen (about US$60,467). NOTHING NEW, the small film company behind We Are Aliens, was founded in 2022 with a clear and inspiring mission: "to create a world where talent is not crushed." This philosophy clearly shines through in their dedication to bringing unique stories like We Are Aliens to a global audience.
With a compelling story, a talented cast and crew, and significant festival buzz, We Are Aliens is set to be a noteworthy addition to the anime landscape. Prepare to embark on an emotional journey of friendship, memory, and moving forward when We Are Aliens arrives.
