Shingo Natsume is directing and writing his first original theatrical anime film, ghost - end of night, with studio Madhouse, set to open in Japan on February 11, 2027. The film's lead cast was revealed in August 2026, and the project is part of the Busan International Film Festival's new anime strand.
Shingo Natsume's first original theatrical feature, ghost - end of night, is moving through production at studio Madhouse. The film's website unveiled a teaser on Friday that introduces its two leads: Mayu Hotta as Neekei, a 15-year-old girl already selected in a society where people are judged at age 18 on whether the world needs them, and Issei Takahashi as Masu, a man who covers his body with tattoos while wandering after losing his family. The teaser includes their first voiced scenes and the insert song "Sugar" by hitsujibungaku, who also perform the theme song.
Natsume directs and writes the script, marking his first time directing an original anime film. Natsume Ono provides original character designs, Norifumi Kugai handles animation character designs, and Bandai Namco Filmworks distributes. The setting is a near future where labor is no longer necessary, and Neekei seeks what is real while resisting a content society. The film opens in Japan on February 11, 2027.
The project has also entered the festival circuit. The Busan International Film Festival's 31st edition added a curated anime strand, Japanese Animation Special: Masterpieces of Madness, Exhilarating Prospects 12+1, which pairs 12 anime films with Paul Grimault's The King and the Mockingbird. The selection includes new works from Natsume and Ryo Katanosaka alongside classics from Taiji Yabushita, Osamu Tezuka, Mamoru Oshii, and Rintaro. Rintaro, now working on a new Galaxy Express 999 feature, will appear at the festival.
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Sep 2
The Busan International Film Festival has added a curated anime strand to its 31st edition. Titled Japanese Animation Special: Masterpieces of Madness, Exhilarating Prospects 12+1, the program pairs 12 anime films with one European classic, Paul Grimault's The King and the Mockingbird. The selection spans Taiji Yabushita's The White Snake Enchantress, Osamu Tezuka's Phoenix 2772, Mamoru Oshii's Angel's Egg, Rintaro's Metropolis, and new works from Shingo Natsume and Ryo Katanosaka. Rintaro, now working on a new Galaxy Express 999 feature, will appear at the festival.
Aug 7
The official website for ghost - end of night, the new theatrical anime project from director Shingo Natsume and studio Madhouse, unveiled a teaser trailer on Friday that introduces the film's two lead cast members. Mayu Hotta plays Neekei, a 15-year-old girl who has already been selected in a society where people are judged at age 18 on whether the world needs them. Issei Takahashi voices Masu, a man burdened by the loss of his family who wanders while covering his body with tattoos before crossing paths with Neekei. The teaser includes the pair's first voiced scenes and features the insert song "Sugar" by alternative rock band hitsujibungaku, who also perform the film's theme song. The film is set in a near future where labor is no longer necessary, and follows Neekei as she seeks what is real while resisting the order of a content society. Natsume directs and writes the script, marking his first time directing an original anime film. Natsume Ono provides original character designs, Norifumi Kugai handles animation character designs, and Bandai Namco Filmworks distributes. The film opens in Japan on February 11, 2027.