Chiikawa film shatters box‑office records, draws 2,000 kids in Kagoshima and sparks Yokohama light‑show collaboration

The animated feature "Chiikawa: The Secret of Mermaid Island" opened nationwide on July 24, 2026. Its opening day generated ¥9.9 billion in revenue and the first three days surpassed ¥22.4 billion, drawing over 1.5 million viewers. In Kagoshima City, about 2,000 children queued outside the theater on the first day, turning the venue into a popular summer‑cooling spot, with drink sales climbing to roughly 1.5 times normal levels.

To celebrate the release, Yokohama partnered with the film for a citywide promotion. The iconic Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel featured a special light‑up show depicting the characters, while designated venues offered limited‑edition postage‑style stickers. Photo‑spot installations and a collaborative fireworks display were also staged, extending the movie’s presence beyond cinemas.

The film’s blend of cute characters and unexpectedly dark themes sparked vigorous discussion on social media and among critics. Viewers praised its visual quality, music, and the deeper narrative drawn from Japanese folklore and mythic motifs, noting that even newcomers to the "Chiikawa" series found it compelling. The combined commercial success and cultural buzz have made it one of the most talked‑about entertainment events of the summer.