Studio Ghiblihas been making headlines recently—largely due to the viral spread ofAI-generated artwork mimicking its iconic style. But it’s important to remember that Studio Ghibli is more than just a recognizable aesthetic; it’s a vibrant creative community, anchored by legendary Academy Award-winning directorHayao Miyazaki. Over the years, the studio has nurtured numerous emerging talents in the anime world, including Hiromasa Yonebayashi (When Marnie Was There,Mary and the Witch’s Flower) and animator Katsuya Kondo, whose character designs helped define the look ofKiki’s Delivery ServiceandOcean Waves.
Now, another Ghibli alumna is stepping into the spotlight. Hitomi Tateno, who spent 27 years at Studio Ghibli as an animator and animation supervisor on films such asPrincess Mononoke,Grave of the Fireflies,Spirited Away, andKiki’s Delivery Service, has taken on the role of producer forCocoon: From Girls in Summer. This 60-minute special, based on the manga by Machiko Kyo, aired on March 30th on NHK-TV in Japan.
A Wartime Story Through Young Eyes
A Talented Creative Team Behind the Scenes
Set during the final days of World War II,Cocoon: From Girls in Summerfollows the lives of schoolgirls mobilized as student nurses during the Battle of Okinawa. The story centers on San, a student at a girls’ school on a southern island, and her close friend Mayu as their peaceful daily lives are gradually consumed by the grim realities of war. Through their journey, the story delicately explores themes of loss, identity, and the bonds of friendship under duress.
The film is directed by Yukimitsu Ina, who previously worked on theStar Wars: Visionsanthology (2021) andFate/Grand Order. The music is composed by Kensuke Ushio, known for his work onChainsaw Man, and the animation was handled by Studio Sasayuri, a relatively new studio with a background in in-between animation on major titles likeEvangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time.
A Visual and Emotional Success
An International Release Seems Inevitable
Adapted from a manga recognized as a Jury Recommended Work at the 2010 Japan Media Arts Festival,Cocoon: From Girls in Summeris shaping up to be a prestigious production.Its pastel-toned visuals evoke the gentle warmth of classic Ghibli films while maintaining a unique identity. The coming-of-age story of children in wartime draws emotional comparisons toIn This Corner of the World(2016) andStudio Ghibli’s ownGrave of the Fireflies(1988).
The film has received strong praise from Japanese viewers. One audience member remarked, “It made my chest tighten, but I’m truly glad I watched it—I felt from the bottom of my heart that this was a wonderful adaptation.” Manga creator Machiko Kyo also expressed her joy, saying, “Since I live in a world where pictures don’t move, it makes me genuinely happy to see the girls I created talking and expressing themselves.”
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As of now, there’s no official word on if or whenCocoon: From Girls in Summerwill see an international release. But with itsStudio Ghibliconnections and emotional storytelling, it’s likely only a matter of time before it finds a global audience.
