The powerful war drama Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise is set to move audiences this December. Based on Kazuyoshi Takeda’s award-winning manga, the upcoming anime film has revealed its main trailer and visual, offering a glimpse into the emotional storytelling, wartime realism, and haunting visuals that define this adaptation.
A Glimpse into the Battle of Peleliu
The story takes viewers back to 1944, during one of the most brutal Pacific battles of World War II. It follows Japanese soldier Hiroshi Tamaru, a young draftsman-turned-soldier, who dreams of becoming a manga artist. Deployed to the tropical island of Peleliu, Tamaru and his comrades face unimaginable horrors as paradise turns into a battlefield.
The narrative captures the futility and emotional toll of war through the eyes of ordinary soldiers, blending artistic reflection with the devastating human cost of conflict.
Mone Kamishiraishi Brings a Touch of Humanity
The trailer features the film’s theme song, Kiseki no youna Koto (“Something Like a Miracle”), performed by acclaimed singer and actress Mone Kamishiraishi, known for voicing Mitsuha in Your Name. Speaking about her involvement, Kamishiraishi expressed deep connection to the story, saying she was “moved by the humanity in each character” and hopes audiences will “feel the same warmth and sorrow” through her song.
Voice Cast and Creative Team
The film stars Rihito Itagaki as Hiroshi Tamaru and Tomoya Nakamura as Keisuke Yoshiki, his loyal companion. The production is helmed by director Goro Kuji, with a screenplay co-written by Junji Nishimura and the manga’s creator, Kazuyoshi Takeda. Ryoji Namamura serves as the character designer and chief animation director, while veteran composer Kenji Kawai provides the soundtrack. The film is produced by Shin-Ei Animation and Fugaku.
From Manga to the Big Screen
Originally serialized in Young Animal from 2016 to 2021, Takeda’s Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise earned critical acclaim for its honest and artistic portrayal of war, winning the Excellence Award at the Japan Cartoonists Association Awards in 2017. The anime film continues this legacy, aiming to offer both historical reflection and emotional resonance.
A Tribute to Courage and Memory
Set for release on December 5, 2025, Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise arrives just ahead of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II — a fitting time for reflection. With stunning visuals, heartfelt performances, and a poignant score, the film seeks not only to depict the chaos of war but also to remind audiences of the resilience and dreams that survive within it.
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