The feature-length animated film Wareware wa Uchuujin has announced a visitor gift campaign beginning October 24, roughly one month after its theatrical debut, to thank audiences for their continued support.
Strong Box Office and International Recognition
Since opening on September 25, the film has drawn a cumulative audience of 195,000 viewers and surpassed 315 million yen in total box-office revenue as of October 18. On the international stage, it has been selected for the feature-film competition at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026, won the Grand Prix in the feature competition at the 50th Ottawa International Animation Festival — one of the world’s three major animation festivals — and took the Best Animated Feature award at the 59th Sitges Catalonia International Film Festival in Spain.
A Postcard Drawn Just for Fans
The visitor gift is a postcard illustrated by director Monwaki Kohei, depicting a moment between Kyotaro and Batahara that does not appear in the finished film. The director commented on the artwork:
“How did Kyotaro and Batahara spend that summer in their third year of junior high? There were actually many everyday moments between the two that we couldn’t fit into the film. This is one of my favourite cuts — something I had been carefully nurturing since the early stages of development.”
He also shared a behind-the-scenes tidbit: “In the video storyboard, the bed couldn’t bear the weight and broke right after this.” He added that there are many more cuts he hopes to share with audiences someday, and encouraged everyone to see the film while it is still in theatres.
Handwritten Messages from Cast and Staff
To celebrate the film’s success, director Monwaki and the following cast members and artist have each contributed handwritten messages:
- Okayama Tenne (voice of Kyotaro)
- Bando Ryuta (voice of Tsubasa)
- Yamazaki Ten (Sakurazaka46, voice of Konatsu)
- Matsui Kemuri (Reiwa Roman, voice of Batahara)
- adieu (Kamishiraishi Moka), performer of the theme song “Sasakure”
Okayama Tenne also issued a separate comment on the Sitges award:
“I am deeply honoured that we received the Best Animated Feature award at such a prestigious event as the Sitges Catalonia International Film Festival. I am truly happy that director Monwaki’s work — one that forgives and cherishes the imperfections of people — has reached even more viewers. Congratulations, director.”
About the Film
Wareware wa Uchuujin follows the 30-year friendship between Tsubasa, a shy boy, and Kyotaro, the most popular kid in class, who first meet in elementary school.
Staff
- Planning / Screenplay / Director: Monwaki Kohei
- Music: Yaffle
- Planning / Production: NOTHING NEW
- Cooperation: MIYU PRODUCTIONS
- Distribution: TOHO NEXT / NOTHING NEW
Cast
- Tsubasa: Bando Ryuta
- Kyotaro: Okayama Tenne
- Konatsu: Yamazaki Ten (Sakurazaka46)
- Batahara: Matsui Kemuri (Reiwa Roman)
- Toda Seiya: Sano Gaku
- Toda Seiya (young): Oseki Reika
- Matsushita Erumo: Sasaki Arisa
- Calligraphy teacher: Ed Harumi
Wareware wa Uchuujin is now playing in Japanese theatres.
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