While Studio Ghibli is gearing up for the release of Hayao Miyazaki’s next work, a notable ex-Studio Ghibli staff member is working on a new anime adaptation for Cocoon, the award-winning war manga.
This new anime was revealed recently by NHK, though its release is around two years away. This was chosen to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
The upcoming film is helmed by Hitomi Tateno, a veteran animator from Studio Ghibli who has worked on the studio’s wide array of projects, including the war films in its catalog.
Studio Ghibli’s History With War Films
While Studio Ghibli is best known for more wholesome and family-friendly works like My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki’s Delivery Service, the legendary animation studio also has movies that feature more serious subject matter.
For instance, films like Princess Mononoke are a bit more violent than Ghibli’s other works.
Meanwhile, Isao Takahata has directed films that kids might not appreciate, including Only Yesterday and The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.
Though perhaps the hardest film to watch by Takahata is Grave of the Fireflies, the grim World War II movie which was released in 1998.
Many consider Fireflies as one of the best war films of all time, and it is noted for being a grim depiction of the horrors of World War II.
This isn’t the only film from Ghibli that tackles the war though. Hayao Miyazaki's 2013 film The Wind Rises is set before World War II, and it was about the designer of the Mitsubishi Zero, an infamous WWII plane.
RELATED: The Best Studio Ghibli Watch Order
Machiko Kyo’s Manga 'Cocoon' Is Getting an Anime to Mark WWII Anniversary
Ghibli may not be making a new war film anytime soon, but former Ghibli animator Hitomi Tateno is now helming a new film about World War II titled Cocoon.
This movie is based on the manga of the same name by Machiko Kyo. It is a renowned manga that received several awards, including being part of the Jury Selections at the 14th Japan Media Arts Festival.
As for its story, Cocoon follows two adolescent girls and their experiences in Okinawa during World War II.
While it’s a fictional story, it is inspired by a group of girls in Okinawa who worked as nurses during the war.
The film will be released sometime in Summer 2025.
Discover the latest anime news and info by following us on Twitter @epicstreamanime.
READ NEXT: How Do You Live? Release Date, Plot, Trailer, & All You Need to Know
Source: NHK via Crunchyroll
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!