Etoile Blooming in Paris Teaser Out

Actresses Rina Arashi and Taichi Saotome have been confirmed as voice actors for the animated feature film “Etoile in Paris,” due for release on March 13, 2026. The story synopsis has been revealed, and a teaser trailer has also been released.

The original animated feature film marks the first collaboration between director Goro Taniguchi (“ONE PIECE FILM RED” and “Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion”) and Katsuya Kondo, who worked on character design and key animation for Studio Ghibli films such as “Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.” Set in early 20th-century Paris, the film follows two Japanese girls, Fujiko, who aspires to be a painter but hopes to become a supportive wife, and Chizuru, who comes from a samurai family and is a master of the naginata, but is drawn to ballet. Fujiko will be voiced by Ami Touma.

Chizuru

This is Arashi’s voice acting debut, and he will be playing the role of Chizuru. He also co-starred with lead actor Touma in the currently airing TV drama “Chihayafuru: Meguri.” Saotome, who is also known for his voice acting in the 2019 animated film “Promare,” will play Ruslan, a young Russian man who lives in the same apartment as Fujiko.

Ruslan

The story begins when Chizuru rescues Fujiko, who has gotten into trouble in Paris, far from Japan, and the two girls, who once met in Yokohama, are reunited. Knowing Chizuru’s dream of becoming a ballet dancer, Fujiko discovers that Ruslan’s mother, Olga, is a former ballerina and asks her for lessons. Meanwhile, Fujiko’s uncle, who is her guardian, disappears.

The teaser trailer, featuring voiceovers from each character, begins with Fujiko declaring, “I want to be a painter!” Fujiko recalls seeing Chizuru dancing in Yokohama, to which Chizuru reveals her true feelings: “Dancing makes me happy.” The meticulously rendered early 20th-century Parisian streetscape is also a highlight.

The full comments from Arashi and Saotome are below.

[Arashi Rina (Chizuru)]

I will be playing the role of Sonoi Chizuru in the animated feature film “Etoile Blooms in Paris.” I’ve dreamed of becoming a voice actress since I was little, but I never thought the day would come when I would be able to take on the challenge; it truly feels like a dream. Chizuru is the only daughter and heir to the Naginata family, but she becomes drawn to ballet after encountering it at a young age. I also studied ballet as a child, so I felt a commonality with her, and I was deeply drawn to her strength as she overcomes her conflicts and pursues her dreams. When I found out I would be able to play this character, I was so happy that my heart and body jumped for joy. Although I struggled with the difficulty of conveying emotions using only my voice, I gave it my all. I believe this work will inspire people of all ages and genders, whether they are chasing their dreams or have stopped, and will make them want to cherish their own lives.

[Saotome Taichi (Ruslan)]

The characters in this story, who face challenges head-on and live their lives despite the harsh circumstances, reminded me of the passion and courage that had faded. This film is filled with caring for others, self-belief, and many other beautiful things, so please come see it in the theater.