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Chiikawa Anime Film Opens in Malaysia on August 20
posted on by Rafael Antonio Pineda
Malaysian cinema chain GSC Movies began streaming a trailer for Eiga Chiikawa: Ningyo no Shima no Himitsu (Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island), the first anime film adaptation of Nagano's Chiikawa manga, on Thursday. The trailer reveals that Medialink Entertainment will open the film in Malaysia on August 20.
The film opened in Japan last Friday, July 24, and ranked at #1 for its opening weekend. The film earned 990 million yen (about US$6.05 million) on its opening day. The film sold 1,508,500 tickets from Friday through Sunday and earned 2,240,333,500 yen (about US$13.70 million).
The film is based on the manga's arc posted on X (formerly Twitter) from March to November 2023, nicknamed the "Siren Arc" or "Island Arc."
The film's story begins with Chiikawa and Hachiware relaxing, when a rabbit with a flyer on its face suddenly appears. Hachiware looks at the flyer, which reads, "Invitation to a special island." Lured by tempting promises including great rewards for simple hunts on the island and essentially free sweet and spicy dishes such as limited-edition island ramen and sweets, Chiikawa and friends decide to go to the island. Suspicious with the flyer, Rakko goes with them to the island. What awaits them when they arrive on the island?
Nagano is credited for the original story and also wrote the film's script. Under Nagano's supervision, Kei Oikawa (Uma Musume Pretty Derby 3 seasons, Hinamatsuri, My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU TOO!, My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU Climax) directed the film at Cygames Pictures. QTORY inc. managed the production, and TOHO is distributing the film.
Makoto Tanaka, who voices Hachiware, performs the opening theme song "Kutsuzure" (Shoe Sore). Series creator Nagano wrote the lyrics.
Momoka Terasawa and Sayumi Suzushiro voice Hitoha and Futaba, respectively, the two islanders that Chiikawa and friends encounter.
