The sequel to the animated film Poupelle of Chimney Town is set to be released next spring. Akihiro Nishino returns as executive producer and screenwriter, while STUDIO4℃ will once again handle the animation production.
Original illustration by Nishino Akihiro
(C) Nishino Akihiro / “Poupelle of Chimney Town: The Clock Tower of Promise” Film Production Committee
Sequel to “Poupelle of Chimney Town” Coming Spring 2026: A New Adventure Begins
It has been officially announced that Poupelle of Chimney Town: The Clock Tower of Promise, the sequel to the original feature-length animated film Poupelle of Chimney Town, will be released across Japan in spring 2026. Akihiro Nishino, who created and wrote the original film, returns as executive producer and screenwriter. A special teaser video was unveiled, featuring a new illustration of Lubicchi by Nishino and glimpses of the production process.
Originally released in 2020, Poupelle of Chimney Town was based on Nishino’s 2016 picture book of the same name. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the film earned 2.7 billion yen at the box office and attracted 1.96 million viewers. It won the Japan Academy Prize for Excellence in Animation and was selected for over 30 international film festivals, receiving widespread acclaim. Since then, the story has been adapted into musicals, kabuki performances, and ballet.
The sequel is inspired by Nishino’s 2019 picture book Tick-Tock: The Clock Tower of Promise, and this time, the scale has been significantly expanded. Animation production is once again led by STUDIO4℃, with Director Yusuke Hirota returning. The voice of Lubicchi, previously played by Mana Ashida, was cast anew through auditions to bring a fresh perspective to the character’s growth.
Set one year after the events of the first film, the story takes place on Halloween, in a Chimney Town that has regained its blue skies and industrial energy. Having overcome his sorrow after losing Poupelle, Lubicchi is ready to take the next step. On the same miraculous day he once met Poupelle, he is led by a mouse into a mysterious world—where a new, unforgettable journey begins. Along the way, he meets a new companion and encounters surprising characters and dramatic twists.
Nishino, who has been quietly preparing for this project since the first film’s release, shared his passion:
“I want to truly reflect on the meaning of telling this story now—and why it must be expressed through film. I’m ready to stake my life on this work.”
More Details Revealed for Poupelle of Chimney Town: The Clock Tower of Promise
Akihiro Nishino, executive producer and screenwriter, shared deeper insight into the story’s emotional roots.
“The story is based on a time in my early twenties, when I was simply waiting for a friend who had gone far away and never came back. I wrote this while digging up those memories,” he revealed.
He added, “I’d be happy if you could watch it at the cinema with your loved ones.”
STUDIO4℃, led by founder and producer Eiko Tanaka, continues to push the boundaries of 3D animation, further evolving the techniques established in the previous film. With intricately crafted characters and a breathtaking fantasy world, the visuals aim to deliver a surreal, almost otherworldly cinematic experience.
Producer Tanaka described the new setting: “This time, it’s a world of imagination, where two different worlds intersect.”
Reflecting on the intense production, she added, “There are many new characters, and scenes involving dance, battle, and music. By the time we realized how overwhelming it was, we were already completely drawn into the magic of this world. All of us were captivated by Nishino’s vision and gave everything to make it even more engaging.”
Initially, Tanaka doubted a sequel was even possible without the character Poupelle, but was moved by Nishino’s heartfelt motivation. “I thought there couldn’t be a sequel without Poupelle. But I was deeply touched by Nishino’s love for his friends, which is at the heart of this story. I hope audiences look forward to the culmination of his imagination and the team’s passion.”
Poupelle of Chimney Town: The Clock Tower of Promise is set to hit theaters nationwide in spring 2026.
Movie ticket cards featuring Nishino’s original artwork will be available for pre-order starting April 15th through the CHIMNEYTOWN online store.
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Special video released for “Poupelle of Chimney Town: The Clock Tower of Promise” [Released in Spring 2026]
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