by The 3rd Domannaka Anime Film Festival has officially announced its lineup of guest speakers and special screenings. One of the highlights will be a screening of the classic fantasy anime film Arion, featuring appearances by its director Yoshikazu Yasuhiko and voice actress Mayumi Tanaka, who voiced the character Seneca.
The event promises a rare opportunity for fans to watch legendary anime films on the big screen while hearing directly from the creators who helped shape the golden era of Japanese animation.
What Is the Domannaka Anime Film Festival?
The Domannaka Anime Film Festival is a special event dedicated to celebrating influential anime films, particularly those released during the 1980s, a decade often considered a golden age for anime filmmaking.
The festival aims to create a place where:
Anime fans can rediscover classic works
Creators and audiences can interact directly
The history of anime production can be explored through talks and discussions
The 2026 festival will run from May 15 to May 21 in Nagoya, Japan. In addition to film screenings, several talk sessions and panel discussions will take place on May 16 and May 17, featuring well-known figures from the anime industry.
Special Guests for the Screening of Arion
One of the most anticipated events will be the screening of Arion, followed by a talk session with its creators.
Guest Speakers
Yoshikazu Yasuhiko — Director of Arion and renowned character designer
Mayumi Tanaka — Voice actress who portrayed Seneca in the film
Yasuhiko is widely known for his work on major anime franchises, including his contributions to the Mobile Suit Gundam series as a character designer and animator.
Meanwhile, Mayumi Tanaka is one of Japan’s most famous voice actresses, known globally for voicing Monkey D. Luffy in One Piece.
Their joint appearance will give fans insight into the production of Arion and the anime industry of the 1980s.
Other Featured Screenings and Guest Speakers
The festival will feature several classic anime films, each accompanied by special guests from the industry.
Space Runaway Ideon: Contact Chapter / Be Invoked
A screening of Space Runaway Ideon: Be Invoked will include commentary by anime critic Ryota Fujitsu, who will discuss the film’s themes and its influence on later anime works.
Angel’s Egg (4K Remaster)
The festival will also screen a 4K remastered version of Angel’s Egg, directed by Mamoru Oshii.
Guest Speaker
Yoshihiro Sugano
Sugano will discuss the film’s soundtrack and the creative process behind its atmospheric sound design.
Special Panel: Talking About 80s Anime
On May 16, the festival will host a panel discussion titled:
“Special Project: A Meeting to Talk All About 80s Anime – Episode 1”
The panel will explore how anime evolved during the 1980s and why the decade remains influential today.
Panel Participants
Ryusuke Hikawa — professor and anime historian
Michihiko Suwa — producer of Detective Conan
Masuo Ueda — producer of Cowboy Bebop
Hirotoshi Sano — worked on Mobile Fighter G Gundam
Run Sasaki
The discussion will highlight the technological innovations and storytelling trends that shaped anime during that era.
Screenings on May 17
Several additional films will be screened on the second day of special events.
Crayon Shin-chan: The Storm Called: The Battle of the Warring States
Guest appearance:
Miki Narahashi, the voice of Misae Nohara.
Metropolis
The science-fiction anime Metropolis will also be screened with several notable guests.
Guest Speakers
Rintaro — film director
Masao Maruyama — legendary producer
Toshiyuki Honda — film composer
Grave of the Fireflies
A screening of Grave of the Fireflies will feature a talk by film editor Takeshi Seyama, who worked on the iconic Studio Ghibli production.
Mobile Suit Gundam F91 Complete Edition
Fans of the Gundam franchise can also attend a talk by voice actress Yumi Touma, who portrayed Cecily Fairchild / Berah Ronah in Mobile Suit Gundam F91.
Why the Festival Is Important for Anime Fans
Events like the Domannaka Anime Film Festival play an important role in preserving anime history.
Many films from the 1980s and early 2000s helped shape modern anime storytelling, influencing today’s directors, animators, and writers.
The festival allows fans to:
Watch classic films on the big screen
Hear production stories from creators
Learn about the history of anime filmmaking
For younger audiences, it also offers a chance to discover influential works that they may not have seen before.
Final Thoughts
With its lineup of legendary films and appearances by iconic creators such as Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, Mayumi Tanaka, and Rintaro, the 3rd Domannaka Anime Film Festival is shaping up to be a must-attend event for anime enthusiasts.
From classic fantasy adventures like Arion to emotionally powerful films like Grave of the Fireflies, the festival celebrates the rich legacy of Japanese animation while bringing fans closer to the creators who made these works possible.
