After getting its own theme park that opened earlier this July, the adorable Chiikawa series is officially getting its very own movie next year. Toho has announced Chiikawa the Movie: Secret of the Mermaid Island, coming to Japanese theaters in summer 2026.
The franchise’s very first film will be helmed by director Kei Oikawa — known for his work on the Uma Musume Pretty Derby series — with a script written by Nagano, Chiikawa’s original creator. Animation is handled by CygamesPictures, the studio behind the Uma Musume feature film. Nagano also celebrated the announcement with a new illustration featuring Chiikawa, Hachiware and Usagi in adorable hula outfits, gazing up at a moonlit sky while a mysterious creature lurks beneath the waves.
A Dive Into One of Chiikawa’s Wildest Adventures
If you’ve been following Chiikawa lore online, you already know why this is a big deal. The movie adapts what fans usually call the Mermaid Island arc — or more officially, the Siren arc, a long-form storyline Nagano originally posted on X (Twitter) back in 2023.
In the original storyline, the trio’s island visit begins as a cheerful escape but quickly spirals into a string of eerie encounters. The arc is widely remembered for its mix of cozy adventure and darker undertones — a hallmark of Nagano’s storytelling.
While details of the film adaptation remain under wraps, early visuals hint at lush seaside backdrops, new characters and expanded worldbuilding that will give longtime fans even more to dive into.
Comment From Series Creator Nagano
Series creator Nagano spoke briefly on the upcoming film in an announcement post, saying, “Chiikawa has been confirmed for a movie adaptation!! The title is Secret of the Mermaid Island. It follows the story I posted on X from March to November 2023 about them going to an island. This will be the first journey for Chiikawa and friends on the big screen. I would be delighted if you look forward to it!!”
Image by Victoria Bennett
What Is Chiikawa, and Why Is It So Popular?
If you’re new to the phenomenon: Chiikawa (short for Chiikawa: Nanka Chiisakute Kawaii Yatsu) started in 2020 as a series of comics posted by illustrator Nagano on X. It became an overnight sensation for its blend of soft, cute characters and surprisingly harsh life-or-death worldbuilding — a contrast that somehow feels extremely relatable in 2025.
Since its debut, Chiikawa has become nothing short of a cultural phenomenon. The anime adaptation has been a morning TV staple, the characters dominate stationery, cafes, fashion and toy collaborations and pop-ups like the Chiikawa Bakery and ramen joint regularly draw long queues across Japan and even abroad.
Chiikawa the Movie: Secret of the Mermaid Island premieres across Japan in 2026. For more information, check out the movie’s official website.
Related Posts
- McDonald’s Chiikawa Collab Causes Chaos and Controversy
- Chiikawa Ramen Launches Limited-Edition Tonkotsu Bowls
Updated On November 25, 2025
