"ChaO" will be released on August 15th

STUDIO4°C’s latest work “ChaO” to be released on August 15th, starring Suzuka Oji and Yamada Anna, teaser video and teaser visual released

Teaser visual
(C)2025 “ChaO” Production Committee

The theatrical animation “ChaO” by STUDIO4°C has been decided to be released on August 15th, and it has been revealed that Suzuka Oji and Yamada Anna will be the voice actors. A special trailer and teaser visual have been released.
The film, which is particular about hand-drawn animation, is led by Tanaka Eiko, who served as line producer for “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Kiki’s Delivery Service”, and is the latest work from STUDIO4°C, which has worked on “Children of the Sea” and “Poupelle of Chimney Town”. Set in a future society where humans and mermaids coexist, this heartwarming story depicts the love story of Stephan, a human office worker, and Chao, the princess of the mermaid kingdom. Stephan, who works at a shipbuilding company, is suddenly proposed to by Chao one day and they end up living together. As they live together, Stephan gradually becomes attracted to Chao, who shows him her honest love.

Suzuka, who has appeared as a guest voice actor in the currently released “Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Picture World Story” and has also played the lead role as a voice actor in the animated feature film “Tunnel into Summer, Exit from Goodbye,” plays the role of Stefan, an ordinary office worker. Yamada, who has been active in films such as “Golden Kamuy” and “True Identity,” plays Chao, the princess of the mermaid kingdom.
The teaser video includes footage of Stefan and Chao’s hectic daily life. It shows a scene where Stefan is proposed to by Chao, who suddenly appears, and how the expressive Chao shows various expressions in response to everyday events. The teaser visual is an illustration of Stefan and Chao walking through a bustling city. It captures the two of them laughing and holding ice cream in both hands, having a fun time together.
The full comments from Suzuka and Yamada are as follows.

[Suzuka Oji (role of Stefan)] When I received the offer, I didn’t think I would be able to work on an animated movie again, so I was nervous, happy, and at the same time, I felt a sense of tension. When I read the script, I was overwhelmed by the world view with its interesting setting and unique images. The futuristic city and the character designs were also exciting to see. I think the feel of this picture and the setting have the power to draw viewers in. Stefan is a somewhat unreliable young man, but he has very strong feelings from his childhood memories and what is at his core, which makes him a very attractive character. When I was playing Stefan, the staff often praised me, and I remember being able to enjoy recording while getting into the groove. I thought that Chao’s cuteness that makes you want to protect him must be something that Yamada’s voice brings out. He has a strong side, and is a very attractive character. Stefan is always being pushed around by Chao, but the two of them are very heartwarming, so please look forward to the release. [Yamada Anna (role of Chao)] I was very nervous because it is difficult to express with a voice, but I was very happy to be asked to play the role. Each character in this work is charming, and I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the world view and colors. Chao, who I played, is a straightforward and innocent mermaid, and is full of love for Stefan. I consulted with him about how to express that cuteness while acting. During the dubbing, I struggled with how to make the character Chao look cute when I put my voice on. In order to make Chao more charming, I tried to say onomatopoeia-like lines to match his movements, and while it was difficult, it was fun. Stefan, who is Chao’s love interest, is a very charming character because he is tossed around by Chao and his work, but he is also very reckless. I hope you will look forward to the exchange between these two!