Breaking News: Oji Suzuka, Anna Yamada, and Shunsei Ota Appear! Report from the Japan Premiere of the Movie “ChaO”

From masterpieces like “Tekkonkinkreet” (2006), “Children of the Sea” (2019), and “Poupelle of Chimney Town” (2020), STUDIO4°C is back with their latest work, the movie “ChaO”, hitting theaters nationwide on Friday, August 15, 2025!

Before its release, a Japan Premiere event was held♪ We’ll give you a full report of this special event where both lead actors, Ouji Suzuka and Anna Yamada, made appearances on stage♪

The Star-Studded Japan Premiere of “ChaO”

Lead actors Ouji Suzuka (as Stephan) and Anna Yamada (as Chao), along with Shunsei Ota (as Junot), appeared at the event!

“Thank you all so much. I hope we can all enjoy this time together,” Suzuka greeted the audience warmly.

The event took place at Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa, and the cast shared fun aquarium-related stories on stage!

Special Collaboration: Dolphin Performance!

Before the stage greetings, there was a special collaborative dolphin performance! During the show, dolphins performed to “ChaO!”, a brand-new song written by Kumi Koda just for the movie “ChaO,” with the cast watching over them!

The cast couldn't stop smiling as they watched the dolphins dance!

What were their impressions of the performance?

Suzuka: It was truly moving! I was so happy they did the “ChaO” pose!

Yamada: It was so much fun! I was amazed at how perfectly the performance matched the song!

Ota: The performance matched the lyrics so well—it really gave me “ChaO” vibes and moved me!

Ending the show with a big jump wishing for a hit!

The dolphin show ended with a synchronized jump at the signal from the cast!!

It was a giant leap that felt like a guaranteed box office hit!

Fastest Premiere in Japan!? The director also appeared at the special screening!

After receiving the Jury Prize at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, this was the first domestic screening. The team shared lots of behind-the-scenes stories about the movie!

What did the cast do to prepare for their roles and voice recordings?

Suzuka: I don’t have much experience with animation, so I watched many works and imagined the characters’ voices. They even arranged special practice days for me.

Yamada: Since Chao is super cute, I tried out different higher-pitched voices while taking advice and finding what worked.

Ota: I was honestly worried if I could keep up with such a star-studded cast. Since I didn’t know voice acting etiquette, I studied it on YouTube before the recording sessions, haha!

What was the most shocking moment for you?

Suzuka: Back in high school, I was scouted while working as an extra for a film. That moment changed my life—it was the biggest shock ever.

Yamada: I was surprised that today’s outfit color palette matched by coincidence! That’s a good omen!

Ota: I was in a survival audition show, and I couldn’t believe it when I ranked 6th out of 101 contestants. It was mind-blowing.

Also, during the talk session, there were several moments where Suzuka and Ota were being playful with each other, prompting comments from the audience. Everyone was stunned to learn it was actually their first time meeting!

Final Messages

Suzuka: It's such a creative work, and the more you watch it, the more you'll get hooked. When it ends, you'll feel lighthearted and happy. If you like it even a little, please help spread the word!

Yamada: The characters are so charming that the time flies by. It’s the perfect film for this summer—thank you for your support!

With a big thank-you, the two wrapped up the event.

Nationwide Release on Friday, August 15! About the Movie “ChaO”

【STORY】

In a future society where humans and merfolk coexist, a salaryman named Stephan who works at a shipbuilding company suddenly receives a marriage proposal from Chao, a princess of the merfolk kingdom!

Though confused, Stephan begins living with Chao. As he’s showered with her pure, wholehearted love, he gradually finds himself falling for her. Where will their love take them...!?

©2025 “ChaO” Production Committee