Bandai Namco Filmworks has released a full trailer, second key visual, expanded cast and staff roster, and theme song details for ghost – end of night (Japanese title: ghost/yoru no hate), the theatrical anime film directed by Shingo Natsume at Madhouse. The project marks Natsume’s first time helming an original anime feature film.

Theme Song & Insert Song

The full trailer previews the theme song “life” performed by alternative rock band hitsujibungaku, who also contribute the insert song “Sugar” to the film.

Story

Set in the near future where human labor is no longer necessary, the film follows Neekei, a young woman who refuses to accept the order of a content society and relentlessly pursues what she calls the “real.”

Additional Cast

Previously announced leads include Mayu Hotta as Neekei and Issei Takahashi as Masu (character name romanization not official). The newly announced cast members are:

• Takeo Ōtsuka as Bora, Neekei’s predecessor who loves beautiful things
• Kazuhiro Yamaji as Ahab, an elderly homeless man who hates the world
• Yūki Shin as Structure, a man who possesses special privileges like Neekei
• Hina Yomiya as Mike, a girl afraid of being selected
• Atsumi Tanezaki as Masu’s son

Additional Staff

• Costume Styling: Mana Yamamoto
• Costume Design: Kana Itō
• Tattoo Design: Mine Moea
• Assistant Director: Keita Nagasaka
• Compositing Director of Photography / Video Direction: Akane Fushihara
• Action Animator: Gōsei Oda
• In-Between Check: Akane Ōguchi
• Art Director: Yukiko Maruyama
• Color Key Artist: Ayaka Nakamura
• CG Visual Programmer: Kezzardrix
• Editor: Kashiko Kimura
• Sound Director: Shōji Hata
• Sound Effects: Noriko Izumo
• Music: Ōzora Kimishima

Core Staff & Creative Vision

Shingo Natsume — known for directing ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept., One-Punch Man, Sonny Boy, and Space Dandy — both directs and writes the script for the film at Madhouse. He has stated his aim is to create “a work that could be called fictional but is in tune with our current time and seeks realism.”

Original character designs are provided by manga creator Natsume Ono (ACCA 13-Territory Inspection Department, Ristorante Paradiso, House of Five Leaves, Not Simple), with Norifumi Kugai (ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept., Sonny Boy) adapting the designs for animation.

Manga Adaptation & Festival Screenings

A manga adaptation drawn by artist himiko launched in Kadokawa’s Young Ace magazine on August 4.

The film has already screened at several international venues, including the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Tokyo International Film Festival, Variety’s Animation is Film festival (October 16–19), and via GKIDS.

ghost – end of night is scheduled to open in Japan on February 11, 2027, with Bandai Namco Filmworks handling distribution.