by The theatrical anime film Galaxy Express Milky Subway: Local Train to the Theater continues to gain momentum at the Japanese box office following its release on February 6, 2026. The film has already surpassed ¥300 million in total revenue, and to celebrate its success, a second round of limited admission gifts for moviegoers has been officially announced.
Fans who visit participating theaters during the campaign period will receive an exclusive collectible item featuring the film’s distinctive retro aesthetic — a highlight that has already generated excitement among audiences and collectors alike.
Second Round Bonus: Retro Poster-Style Sticker
The newly revealed bonus is a visual sticker designed by Yorokov, an artist renowned for creating nostalgic, retro-style movie posters. The artwork — previously released online to enthusiastic fan response — captures the film’s unique blend of classic science fiction and playful modern animation.
This collectible sticker is intended to enhance the cinematic experience from the moment viewers enter the theater. Its vintage design evokes the charm of old-school anime posters, making it a desirable keepsake for fans.
Distribution Details
- Period: February 20 (Fri) – February 26 (Thu), 2026
- Availability: Nationwide participating theaters
- Quantity: Limited (while supplies last)
- Limit: One gift per person per screening
Important notes:
- Gifts are provided only to viewers who watch the film
- Multiple tickets do not entitle one person to multiple bonuses
- Designs shown are for reference; actual items may vary slightly
- Resale, duplication, or misuse is strictly prohibited
- Minor manufacturing imperfections are not eligible for exchange
About the Film: A Unique Indie Sci-Fi Anime Hit
Galaxy Express Milky Subway is an original animated project created by Yohei Kameyama, who undertook an extraordinary role in production. Despite being his first television series, Kameyama handled nearly every major aspect himself — including:
- Direction
- Screenwriting
- Character design
- Animation production
- Sound direction
- Overall project supervision
This level of creative control has drawn attention within the anime industry and contributed to the film’s distinctive style.
Story Overview
The story follows two cyborg girls, Chiharu and Makina, who are arrested for violating the Galactic Road Traffic Act. As part of their punishment, police officer Ryoko orders them to perform community service by cleaning an interplanetary train known as the Milky Subway.
Soon, they are joined by other cyborg volunteers, including:
- Akane
- Kanata
- Kurt
- Max
What begins as a routine assignment quickly spirals into chaos when the train suddenly malfunctions and goes out of control. The team must work together to prevent a catastrophic incident while confronting their own pasts and identities.
The narrative combines:
- Sci-fi adventure
- Comedy
- Found-family dynamics
- Emotional character moments
- High-stakes suspense
From Web Phenomenon to Box Office Success
Before its theatrical debut, the series gained popularity online through short animated episodes. Its official YouTube channel attracted:
- Over 950,000 subscribers
- More than 200 million total video views
The theatrical film compiles and remasters the original 12-episode short series while adding newly animated scenes designed specifically for the big screen.
Strong Box Office Performance
Despite screening in fewer than 100 theaters — a relatively small release compared to major studio films — the movie achieved remarkable results:
- Highest audience turnout among limited releases in the past year
- Over 220,000 viewers in the first 10 days
- More than ¥300 million in revenue by mid-February
Industry observers describe its performance as “cruising like a limited express train,” reflecting the film’s rapid growth driven by word of mouth.
Music That Enhances the Experience
The film’s soundtrack has also been widely praised. Highlights include:
- Theme Song: “Fly to the Galaxy!” by Candies
- Insert Song: “Tokimeki Meteor Strike” performed by Minami Minase (CV: Yukari Tamura)
- Promotional Song: “Altair and Vega” by MindaRyn
The nostalgic yet energetic music complements the film’s retro-futuristic tone.
Staff
- Original Story / Director / Script / Character Design / Sound Direction / Producer: Yohei Kameyama
- Planning & Production: Shin-Ei Animation
- Animation Production: Titan Industries
- Distribution: Bandai Namco Filmworks
Main Voice Cast
- Chiharu: Momoka Terasawa
- Makina: Anna Nagase
- Ryoko: Mikako Komatsu
- Akane: Hisako Kanemoto
- Kanata: Makoto Koichi
- Kurt: Kouki Uchiyama
- Max: Yoshio Yamatani
- OTAM: Yuri Fujiwara
- Asami: Kensho Ono
- Haga: Robert Waterman
The cast features a mix of established voice actors and rising talents.
Ticket Price
- Standard Same-Day Ticket: ¥1,500 (tax included)
Why Fans Shouldn’t Miss the Bonus Campaign
Limited-Time Collectible
The retro sticker is available only during the specified week.
Unique Art Style
Yorokov’s vintage design appeals to both anime fans and retro enthusiasts.
Enhanced Theater Experience
Collectibles add excitement to attending the film in person.
Growing Popularity
The movie’s strong performance suggests continued buzz and potential future bonuses.
Final Thoughts
Galaxy Express Milky Subway: Local Train to the Theater has quickly evolved from a niche project into one of 2026’s most surprising anime successes. Its blend of heartfelt storytelling, indie creativity, and nostalgic sci-fi aesthetics has resonated strongly with audiences.
The newly announced second round of admission gifts offers another incentive for fans — and newcomers — to experience the film on the big screen while supplies last.
If current trends continue, the movie may achieve even greater milestones in the coming weeks, making it a title worth watching both commercially and artistically.
