“Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island” Hits Theaters this Summer

A release of the Chiikawa film looms over the forthcoming summer season! 

Starting from the original manga run by Nagano beginning in January of 2020 to the current day, the Chiikawa series (and its characters) have grown a huge fanbase in Japan and in the West. Merchandise, themed restaurants, and an anime adaptation have arisen to appease enthusiasts, and luckily for these fans, the Chiikawa film adaptation is set to release in just a few months.

Set to release on July 24, 2026, the film will adapt the Siren Arc of the manga, where characters Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi will embark on an adventure. Usagi sees a flyer of an island that promises free snacks, so the gang travels to the island. Rakko, a fierce otter, accompanies the trio, as he is skeptical of the flyer’s promises.

“I am excited to see Usagi on the big screen. You know, he’s always a lot of laughs for me. I think he’s very cute. Usagi is probably my favorite … but sometimes his sense of humor, his joy, and his foolishness really bring a smile to the rest of his friends’ faces, and that’s really special. I just really like Usagi the Rabbit,” FAHS sophomore Sophia Nestler said.

“So my favorite character is Kuru-Manjū, and he only plays a minor role. I don’t know what he does, but he drinks beer and eats food. And I like this arc because it has a dark ending, even though it’s super cute,” FAHS sophomore Nadia Maceo said.

The director of Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island, will be Kei Oikawa, known for his directorial roles in the Uma Musume: Pretty Derby anime and the Shine Post anime. The script will be written by Nagano, and the studio distributing the film is Cypic, Inc., which is known for their anime adaptation of Umamusume: Pretty Derby.