Japan Culture Stock (JSC)

The latest update on "Ghost Cat Anzu," a collaborative effort between TOHO Animation, Shinei Animation, and France's Miyu Productions, came through a new trailer and poster visual released on Wednesday. The trailer introduces additions to the cast and staff, unveils the theme song, and confirms the film's debut on July 19.

Among the new cast members are Munetaka Aoki as Tetsuya, Miwako Ichikawa as Yuzuki, and Keiichi Suzuki from Moonriders as Oshō, Anzu's foster parent. Additionally, the trailer features Shingo Mizusawa as the god of poverty, and Skirt (Sawabe Wataru) as Tanuki, another supernatural creature, along with contributions from Mutsuo Yoshioka and Shōhei Uno.

The theme song "Matatabi," performed by Chiaki Satō (A.S.A.B), accompanies the trailer, adding to the film's atmosphere.

Behind the scenes, the film boasts a talented team including character designer Yōko Kuno, music composer Keiichi Suzuki, animation directors Namiko Ishidate and Yukie Nakauchi, and others handling editing, art direction, cinematography, and sound design.

Directed by Yōko Kuno and Nobuhiro Yamashita, with Shinji Imaoka as the scriptwriter, "Ghost Cat Anzu" promises a captivating 90-minute experience blending 2D digital animation with rotoscopy. The story revolves around Karin, a young girl looked after by her grandfather's ghost cat, Anzu, after being abandoned by her father.

Having been screened as a work-in-progress at the Annecy Animation Festival in 2023, the film has garnered international attention, with GKIDS securing North American distribution rights. "Ghost Cat Anzu" is set to charm audiences with its unique blend of storytelling and animation techniques.