The theatrical anime film 「ghost／夜の果て」 (Ghost / At the Edge of Night), the feature directorial debut of Natsume Shingo, has released its main trailer, second key visual, and a new wave of cast announcements simultaneously.

Story and Setting

The film is set in a world where labour has become obsolete. Upon turning 18, every person is sorted into one of two categories: those deemed “necessary to the world” and those who are not. At the centre of the story are Nike, a gifted girl who received her privileged status through early selection at just 15 years old, and Masu, a man carrying a profound sense of loss. The two meet and gradually forge a bond.

Nike is voiced by Hotta Mayu and Masu by Takahashi Issey. The main trailer showcases Nike’s defiant spirit — with lines such as “I’m not the one who’s wrong” and “I’ll drop a bomb on the heads of all these fools” — alongside Masu’s solitude, set to the original theme song 「life」 written and performed by Hitsuji Bungaku (羊文学).

Second Key Visual and Advance Tickets

The new key visual depicts Nike lying amid a field of red flowers. A second round of MovieTicket advance tickets using this visual will go on sale from November 13. FamilyMart will offer a convenience-store ticket bundled with an exclusive bromide photo, while Animate will carry a limited card ticket set that includes three acrylic cards.

Additional Cast

• Otsuka Takehiro — Bora, Nike’s predecessor who has a fondness for beautiful things
• Yamaji Kazuhiro — Eihab, a homeless elderly man full of rage against society
• Arata Yuki — Structure, a man who holds the same privileged status as Nike
• Hitsujimiya Hina — Mike, a girl terrified of the selection process
• Tanezaki Atsumi — Masu’s son

All five cast members shared comments about the project.

Otsuka Takehiro (Bora)

I felt this is a work that depicts, in a fantastical yet deeply real way, the things everyone carries — or may have carried. Each viewer will find their own emotions somewhere within it. Please come and see Nike’s story in theatres.

Yamaji Kazuhiro (Eihab)

A world where you don’t have to work, where you don’t have to think — it’s like a life sentence spent standing still in a walled square. Agoraphobia. And from within that, an inexplicable emotion emerges… a ghost. It reminded me of my younger self, filled with an inexpressible anger born of weakness. Watching it, I could barely breathe. Though I’ll admit I couldn’t hide a twinge of envy at the thought of not having to work.

Arata Yuki (Structure)

Playing the mysterious Structure was a personal challenge, but I believe I was able to portray him with real delicacy. I hope everyone enjoys the unique world, beautiful visuals, and compelling characters of this film.

Hitsujimiya Hina (Mike)

I feel truly fortunate to have been able to perform in this film and absorb its atmosphere from the recording studio itself. The excitement I felt seeing the finished work is something I can’t wait to share with audiences. The beautiful art, wonderful music, and the subtle nuances of every movement — I found myself completely captivated.

Tanezaki Atsumi (Masu’s son)

Like Nike herself, this work feels straightforward, pure, and deeply beautiful. No matter how much times change, people don’t change all that much — even in a world without the need to work. What each person finds in this universal story will differ like stars in the sky, one by one.

Staff and Full Cast

「ghost／夜の果て」 opens on February 11, 2027 (Thursday, public holiday). The film reunites the team behind the TV anime 「ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept.」, including original character designer Ono Natsume, character designer Kubai Norifumi, and animation studio Madhouse.

Staff

• Original Story: Natsume Shingo, Suzuki Tomohiro, Bandai Namco Filmworks, Madhouse
• Director / Screenplay: Natsume Shingo
• Original Character Design: Ono Natsume
• Character Design: Kubai Norifumi
• Costume Styling: Yamamoto Mana
• Costume Design: Ito Kana
• Tattoo Design: Mine Moea
• Assistant Director: Nagasaka Keita
• Visual Direction / Photography Director: Fushihara Akane
• Action Animator: Oda Takeo
• Animation Check: Oguchi Akanemi
• Art Director: Maruyama Yukiko
• Color Design: Nakamura Ayaka
• CG Visual Programmer: Kezzardrix
• Editor: Kimura Kashiko
• Sound Director: Hata Shoji
• Sound Effects: Izumo Noriko
• Music: Kimijima Daiku
• Animation Production: Madhouse
• Distribution: Bandai Namco Filmworks

Cast

• Nike: Hotta Mayu
• Masu: Takahashi Issey
• Karate: Yasumoto Hiroki
• Ito: Kamiya Hiroshi
• Bora: Otsuka Takehiro
• Eihab: Yamaji Kazuhiro
• Structure: Arata Yuki
• Mike: Hitsujimiya Hina
• Masu’s Son: Tanezaki Atsumi
• Moby Dick: Tsuda Kenjiro