by The anime series “Milky☆Subway” returns to cinemas with new scenes in the theatrical version “Galaxy Express Milky☆Subway: Local Train to the Theater,” set for release on February 6, 2026.
A new key visual designed by director Yohei Kameyama and a trailer opening with a long-awaited new scene have been released. New characters from the film, Officer Asami (voiced by Kensho Ono) and Chief Haga (voiced by Robert Waterman), were also unveiled for the first time.
“Galaxy Express Milky☆Subway” is a 12-episode short anime series that director Kameyama created almost entirely by himself over the course of two years. Set on the out-of-control “Milky☆Subway,” the sci-fi visuals, unique and natural dialogue, and engaging soundtrack captivated many viewers.
The excitement continues even after the series ended, with the official YouTube channel reaching an astounding 150 million views. Numerous celebrities from various fields have publicly declared themselves “Milsub fans” on social media, radio shows, and more, making the series a hot topic in the anime scene of 2025. “Galaxy Express Milky☆Subway: Local Train to the Theater” is a theatrical reimagining of the original, reimagined for the big screen with new scenes and enhanced features.
The key visual for this film features a gathering of eccentric characters, including the cyborgs Chiharu (voiced by Momoka Terasawa) and Makina (voiced by Anna Nagase), who are arrested for violating the Galaxy Road Traffic Act; Akane (voiced by Hisako Kanemoto) and Kanata (voiced by Makoto Koichi), who are also detained by the police at the same time; and the cyborgs Kurt (voiced by Kouki Uchiyama) and Max (voiced by Yoshio Yamatani).
This is a must-have design by Director Kameyama for the film’s comeback. Also of note are Officer Asami (voiced by Kensho Ono), a new character who will stand alongside police officer Ryoko (voiced by Mikako Komatsu), a cyborg fellow police officer, and another new character, Haga (voiced by Robert Waterman), the chief of the Ginkyo Prefectural Police Department, whose name is not visible but is listed among the other characters. Asami was actually a part of the 12-episode anime series, but was sadly cut for various reasons, as revealed on the official Twitter account. Known for her excellent work proficiency and typical youthful qualities, what new developments will she bring to the story? A trailer for the film has also been unveiled, opening with a new scene featuring Asami and Ryoko.
The scene shows Ryoko, who is busy cleaning the train carriages as part of her volunteer work, suddenly running out of control and launching into outer space. Ryoko then talks impulsively and hangs up the phone, prompting Asami to calmly and matter-of-factly retort, “Well, that can’t be okay, can it?” How will the delicate relationship between these two colleagues, who are also senior and junior, play out in this dire situation? And what about their relationship with Chief Haga? The film’s iconic theme song, “Fly Across the Galaxy!” by Candies, resonates throughout the air, making this a fitting launching point for the theatrical release of “MILSUB,” where viewers can relive the exploits of Chiharu, Makina, Akane, Kanata, Kurt, and Max on the big screen. Ono, who plays Asami; Robert, who plays Haga; and Komatsu, who plays Ryoko, each provide comments. Additionally, the film’s key visual will appear on the back cover of the January 2026 issue of the culture magazine “CUT,” which hits shelves on December 19.
The characters from “Milky•Universe” will be appearing at bookstores and retailers nationwide, keeping an eye on the ever-expanding world of “Milky☆Universe” and the as-yet-unseen story unfolding in “Galaxy Express Milky☆Subway: Local Train to the Theater.” The film “Galaxy Express Milky☆Subway: Local Train to the Theater” marks the return of the anime “Milky☆Subway” to cinemas, featuring new scenes, and will be released on February 6, 2026. We look forward to further updates.
The full comment from Ono Kensho is below: Since I was participating in a work that was already completed, I approached it without over-preparing my acting, saying, “I’ll figure it out once I get to the set!” so as not to disrupt the work’s atmosphere. During recording, Komatsu (who plays Ryoko) was ad-libbing, so I remember thinking, “I can do it too!” (laughs). Asami is a good guy. Even though he complains, he has a strong sense of justice and gets things done properly. I hope that when you finish watching the film, you’ll think of him as a good guy, and I hope you enjoy this new character. I saw Robert Waterman’s “Milky Subway”! I was surprised by the direction, thinking, “How many lines overlap!?” I thought the film was fascinating, so when my friends told me about it, I decided to appear in it (laughs). It was a great opportunity. Haga is the oldest character in this film.
I’m looking forward to seeing it when it’s finished. I’ll see it too. I’d always hoped to see a new side of Ryoko, who pays close attention to every Mikako Komatsu character, and now I can! And I never expected it to be this exciting! Asami, with her modern, sharp ad-libs casually added by Ono, and Chief Haga, who gives the impression of being a beloved boss, and the new scenes with the police team, I still don’t know how they’ll turn out. It will have the unique appeal of a theatrical version, so I’m looking forward to it! Galaxy Express Milky Subway: Local Train to the Theater Release Date: Friday, February 6, 2026
Staff Original Story, Director, Screenplay, Character Design, Sound Director, and Production: Yohei Kameyama Planning and Production: Shin-Ei Animation Produced by: Titan Industries Distribution: Bandai Namco Filmworks
Cast: Chiharu: Momoka Terasawa, Makina: Anna Nagase, Ryoko: Mikako Komatsu, Akane: Hisako Kanemoto, Kanata: Makoto Koichi, Kurt: Kouki Uchiyama, Max: Yoshio Yamatani, OTAM: Yurin Fujiwara, Asami: Kensho Ono, Haga: Robert Waterman Music Theme Song: Candies’ “Fly to the Galaxy!” Insert Song: Minami Minase (CV: Yukari Tamura) “Tokimeki Meteor Strike” Promotional Song: MindaRyn “Altair and Vega”
