by The upcoming anime film Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island has announced two exciting additions to its voice cast. Popular voice actresses Momoka Terazawa and Sayumi Suzushiro will join the film as the mysterious island residents Hitoha and Futaba, respectively.
Alongside the casting announcement, the production team also revealed new promotional campaigns, including an AR photo frame experience, television appearances by the beloved Chiikawa characters, and heartfelt comments from both returning and newly announced cast members.
With its theatrical release drawing closer, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be one of the most charming family-friendly anime films of 2026.
Two New Characters Join the Adventure
The latest announcement introduces two original characters who will play important roles in the story set on the mysterious Mermaid Island.
Momoka Terazawa as Hitoha
Voice actress Momoka Terazawa will portray Hitoha, one of the island’s residents who crosses paths with Chiikawa and friends during their new adventure.
Terazawa shared her excitement about joining the franchise, describing Chiikawa as a heartwarming work that can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages, from children to adults.
Sayumi Suzushiro as Futaba
Popular voice actress Sayumi Suzushiro has been cast as Futaba, another island resident with a close connection to Hitoha.
Suzushiro admitted that she became emotional after learning she had been selected for the role.
“I never imagined I would be able to become part of the world of Chiikawa. I was so happy and honored… I actually cried.”
She also revealed that the story deeply moved her during the audition process, especially the emotional bond shared between Hitoha and Futaba.
According to Suzushiro, fans can look forward to discovering the “secrets” hidden on Mermaid Island and seeing how the two new characters interact with Chiikawa and the rest of the cast.
About Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island
The film adapts one of the manga’s most beloved long-form storylines, commonly known among fans as the “Mermaid Island Arc.”
The story follows Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi as they embark on a brand-new adventure filled with mystery, friendship, emotional growth, and unexpected challenges.
Created by Nagano, Chiikawa has become one of Japan’s biggest character franchises, charming audiences with its unique blend of adorable characters, gentle humor, bittersweet storytelling, and surprisingly emotional themes.
The franchise has won the Japan Character Award Grand Prix four times, including an unprecedented three consecutive victories.
Since the television anime premiered in 2022, it has continued to grow in popularity both in Japan and internationally, with official catch-up episodes surpassing 400 million total views on YouTube.
Animation Produced by CygamesPictures
Animation production for the film is handled by CygamesPictures, the studio known for its high-quality visuals and dynamic animation.
The studio previously impressed audiences with its work on Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Beginning of a New Era, particularly its large-scale action sequences and polished cinematic presentation.
Working under the close supervision of original creator Nagano, the production team aims to faithfully recreate the distinctive atmosphere of the original manga while enhancing it with theatrical-quality animation, music, and emotional storytelling.
Returning Cast Share Their Excitement
The film’s returning voice cast also shared messages celebrating the theatrical release.
Haruka Aoki (Chiikawa)
Haruka Aoki revealed that she had dreamed of seeing Chiikawa become a movie ever since the television anime began.
She praised the upgraded visuals and explained that the story represents an important stage of growth for the main characters.
Makoto Tanaka (Hachiware)
Makoto Tanaka expressed both surprise and excitement when the movie adaptation was announced.
He also mentioned practicing extensively for the opening theme song and said he is looking forward to watching the finished film on the big screen alongside fans.
Ari Ozawa (Usagi)
Ari Ozawa emphasized that the production remains faithful to Nagano’s original world while delivering an entertaining experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.
She believes audiences will immediately recognize the charm that has made Chiikawa such a beloved franchise.
“Fans will definitely say, ‘Yes! This is exactly what Chiikawa should be.’”
Tsuguo Mogami (Shimajiro)
Tsuguo Mogami described Mermaid Island as the perfect setting for a summer adventure and encouraged families to enjoy the film together.
Minori Suzuki (Siren)
Minori Suzuki invited audiences to cheer for the Sirens throughout the movie, hinting at exciting moments involving the mysterious new characters.
AR Photo Frame Experience Launches Nationwide
Beginning July 24, 2026, movie theaters across Japan will gradually introduce a special AR Photo Frame experience for visitors.
Using the feature, fans will be able to take commemorative photos alongside Chiikawa and other characters appearing in the film.
The interactive campaign offers moviegoers a fun way to celebrate the theatrical release and create memorable keepsakes from their cinema visit.
Chiikawa Characters to Appear on Fuji TV
To promote the film, Chiikawa and friends will make special appearances across several Fuji TV programs during the movie’s release week.
One of the highlights includes an appearance on the music program STAR, where:
- Chiikawa
- Hachiware
- Usagi
- Shimajiro
will appear together, with Shimajiro serving as the program’s navigator.
The television campaign is expected to introduce the movie to an even wider audience ahead of its nationwide release.
Why Fans Are Excited
Chiikawa has earned widespread popularity by balancing adorable character designs with heartfelt storytelling and unexpectedly emotional moments.
The Mermaid Island Arc is considered one of the franchise’s most beloved storylines, making its theatrical adaptation highly anticipated among longtime readers and anime viewers alike.
The addition of Sayumi Suzushiro and Momoka Terazawa, combined with theatrical-quality animation, new music, interactive promotional events, and exclusive television appearances, has further increased excitement surrounding the film.
Looking Ahead
As Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island approaches its theatrical debut, the production team has confirmed that additional announcements will be released in the coming weeks.
With new characters, emotional storytelling, upgraded animation, and exclusive promotional events, the movie is shaping up to be one of the standout family anime releases of 2026.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Nagano’s charming world or discovering Chiikawa for the first time, The Secret of Mermaid Island promises a heartwarming adventure filled with friendship, laughter, mystery, and unforgettable memories.
