Suro Senen
Tokyo, Japan – The cinematic landscape is abuzz with anticipation following the release of a poignant new trailer for "We Are Aliens" (Ware Ware wa Uchūjin), an ambitious anime film from burgeoning production house NOTHING NEW and visionary director Kōhei Kadowaki. Unveiled on Thursday, the trailer offers a captivating glimpse into a narrative that centers on the complexities of male friendship, the echoes of the past, and the enduring nostalgia of the Heisei era. The trailer, set to a stirring soundtrack, prominently features imagery evoking the distinctive atmosphere of Japan during the Heisei period (1989-2019), a time that serves as the crucible for the film’s central relationship.
The film promises a deeply personal and emotionally resonant story, following the intertwined lives of Tsubasa and Gyūtarō. Their bond, forged in the innocent camaraderie of elementary school, is eventually fractured by the insidious forces of jealousy and misunderstanding. As the years progress, their paths diverge dramatically, leaving their shared past as a distant, unresolved memory. However, as the trailer hints, the resurfacing of these potent memories compels them to confront the unresolved issues that once separated them, suggesting a journey of reconciliation and self-discovery.
This latest trailer, embedded within the announcement, provides viewers with a visual and auditory prelude to the emotional core of "We Are Aliens." Its release marks a significant milestone in the film’s promotional campaign, amplifying the growing excitement surrounding Kadowaki’s directorial vision and the unique storytelling approach of NOTHING NEW. The trailer’s emphasis on the Heisei era is particularly noteworthy, suggesting a deliberate choice to anchor the narrative within a specific cultural and historical context that holds deep significance for many.
A Tale of Two Friends: The Narrative Arc of "We Are Aliens"
At its heart, "We Are Aliens" explores the universal themes of friendship, regret, and the indelible impact of shared experiences. The narrative centers on Tsubasa and Gyūtarō, two boys whose childhood friendship blossoms into an unbreakable bond. Their formative years are depicted as a period of shared dreams and unwavering loyalty. However, as they navigate the tumultuous transition into adolescence and young adulthood, the seeds of discord are sown.
Jealousy, a common human emotion, and miscommunications, often unavoidable in interpersonal relationships, begin to erode their connection. The trailer subtly alludes to these growing fissures, hinting at moments of unspoken tension and unspoken words. This gradual estrangement leads them down divergent life paths, each forging their own identity and future, seemingly disconnected from the other.
Yet, the film’s synopsis suggests that the past is never truly buried. The resurgence of memories—perhaps triggered by a chance encounter, a significant life event, or a shared artifact—forces Tsubasa and Gyūtarō to confront the unresolved conflicts that led to their separation. This confrontation is not merely about reliving past grievances but about understanding the complexities of their youthful decisions and the lasting consequences. The narrative arc appears to be one of introspection, forgiveness, and the potential for a renewed connection, even after years of silence. The evocative imagery in the trailer, juxtaposing youthful innocence with the melancholic hues of memory, strongly suggests that the film will delve deep into the emotional landscape of its protagonists.
A Stellar Cast Lends Voice to the Narrative
The emotional weight of "We Are Aliens" is further amplified by a carefully curated cast of voice actors, bringing both young and adult versions of Tsubasa and Gyūtarō to life. Ryōta Bandō, known for his work on "Fureru." and the Japanese dub of the live-action "How to Train Your Dragon," steps into the role of the adult Tsubasa. His nuanced performance is expected to capture the character’s journey and inner turmoil.
Opposite him, Amane Okayama, who has lent his talents to acclaimed projects like "Blue Giant," the live-action "I”s," and "Hirayasumi," will voice the adult Gyūtarō. The pairing of these two seasoned actors promises a compelling portrayal of their complex relationship.
The youthful incarnations of the protagonists are entrusted to child actors Yūto Maki and Tasuku Nakagome, who were meticulously selected through auditions. Their performances are crucial in establishing the authentic innocence and burgeoning friendship that forms the bedrock of the story. Their casting underscores the film’s commitment to capturing the genuine essence of childhood.
The supporting cast further enriches the world of "We Are Aliens." Ten Yamasaki, an idol from the popular Sakurazaka46 group, takes on the role of Konatsu. Comedian Kemuri Matsui portrays Batahara, adding a potential touch of levity or unique characterization. Gaku Sano plays Seiya Toda, Tsubasa’s friend, with Reika Ōzeki voicing the younger Seiya, indicating a flashback or a character who plays a significant role in Tsubasa’s past. Arisa Sasaki and Edo Harumi round out the cast as Toda’s friend Elmo Matsushita and a calligraphy teacher, respectively, suggesting a diverse range of characters who will populate the protagonists’ lives and influence their journey.
Kōhei Kadowaki’s Vision: A Multifaceted Creative Force
The creative helm of "We Are Aliens" is firmly in the hands of Kōhei Kadowaki, a director whose distinctive artistic voice has been recognized in previous projects. Kadowaki’s portfolio includes his work on the second season of "BEASTARS," where he helmed the ending sequence, and his music video collaborations with popular artists like YOASOBI. This experience has evidently honed his ability to craft visually striking and emotionally resonant narratives.
For "We Are Aliens," Kadowaki has taken on a comprehensive role, serving as the film’s planner, scriptwriter, director, storyboard artist, and editor. This all-encompassing involvement suggests a deeply personal investment in the project and a singular vision that permeates every aspect of the film. His meticulous attention to detail, from the overarching narrative to the smallest visual cues, is expected to result in a cohesive and impactful cinematic experience.
The musical landscape of the film is shaped by Yaffle, a composer with a distinguished track record of producing music for prominent artists such as Fujii Kaze and Kenshi Yonezu. His involvement promises a score that will not only complement the visual storytelling but also elevate the emotional resonance of key scenes. The synergy between Kadowaki’s directorial prowess and Yaffle’s musical artistry is a significant factor contributing to the anticipated quality of "We Are Aliens."
The production itself is a collaborative effort that highlights the growing global nature of anime production. NOTHING NEW, a relatively new player in the industry, founded in 2022 with the mission "to create a world where talent is not crushed," is spearheading the project. Their ambition is further bolstered by the collaboration with French studio Miyu Productions, known for their work on acclaimed shorts like "Ghost Cat Anzu" and "A New Dawn." Miyu Productions joined the project in June 2025, signaling a transatlantic partnership that aims to bring a unique perspective to the animation.
The film’s theme song, "Sasakure" (Split), performed by adieu, adds another layer of artistic expression. The title itself, "Sasakure," which translates to a small cut or scratch, subtly hints at the themes of fragmentation and lingering wounds that are likely to be explored within the narrative.
A Global Debut and Festival Circuit Success
"We Are Aliens" is poised for a significant international presence, with its Japanese theatrical release scheduled for September 25. However, the film has already garnered considerable attention on the global festival circuit, underscoring its artistic merit and broad appeal.
The film made its world premiere at the prestigious Directors’ Fortnight of the Cannes Film Festival on May 14, a testament to its high artistic quality and Kadowaki’s directorial vision. Following its Cannes debut, "We Are Aliens" was selected to screen in competition at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, a globally recognized event for animation excellence, which ran from June 21 to 27.
Further solidifying its international acclaim, the film is set to be screened at several other prominent film festivals. This includes the Ottawa International Film Festival (OIAF), taking place from September 23-27, the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), which concluded on August 23, and the New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF), which ran from July 29 to August 9. These festival screenings provide a crucial platform for the film to reach a wider audience and generate critical buzz before its wider release.
The international sales of "We Are Aliens" are being handled by CHARADES, a sales company that has been instrumental in securing distribution deals across various territories. The film has already been licensed to distributors in key Asian markets, including Hooray Films in Taiwan, Shaw Organisation in Singapore, Intercontinental Film Distributors in Hong Kong, and Sahamongkol Film in Thailand. This proactive approach to international distribution signals a strong belief in the film’s global commercial and artistic potential.
Crowdfunding Success and the Vision of NOTHING NEW
The production of "We Are Aliens" was significantly supported by a successful crowdfunding campaign launched in November on the Motion Gallery website. This initiative aimed to secure crucial funding for production and advertising costs, with the explicit goals of "improving the quality of the work" and "distributing the film more widely." The campaign resonated with a passionate community of supporters, surpassing its initial target of 8 million yen and raising a remarkable 9,604,510 yen (approximately US$60,467).
This crowdfunding success not only provided vital financial backing but also demonstrated the strong public interest and belief in Kōhei Kadowaki’s vision and the potential of "We Are Aliens." It underscores a growing trend in the independent animation space where direct audience engagement can play a pivotal role in bringing ambitious projects to fruition.
The ethos behind NOTHING NEW, the film’s production company, is central to understanding the motivations behind this project. Founded in 2022, the company’s stated mission is "to create a world where talent is not crushed." This philosophy suggests a commitment to nurturing creative individuals and providing them with the platform and resources to realize their artistic aspirations. "We Are Aliens" appears to be a flagship project for NOTHING NEW, embodying their dedication to fostering unique storytelling and supporting emerging talent within the animation industry. The company’s ambition to break new ground and offer a fresh perspective aligns perfectly with the narrative themes and artistic direction of Kadowaki’s film.
Nana Muazin
Basiran
