We Are Aliens animated film explores themes of friendship and nostalgia

The animated feature film ‘We Are Aliens’ is currently in release, exploring themes of childhood friendship, estrangement, and first love. Set in a rural town during the Heisei era, the story follows the 30-year relationship between a shy boy named Tsubasa and a unique individual named Akitaro.

Director Kohei Kadowaki, who handled the planning, script, and editing of all cuts, based the film on his own childhood memories. The work has received international acclaim for its nostalgic, hand-drawn visual style and delicate psychological depth, earning selections at the Cannes Film Festival Director's Fortnight and the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

In a recent interview, Kadowaki described the five-year production process as a way to process his past. Actor Kemuri Matsui, who voices the character Batahara, discussed the challenges of portraying a character who prioritizes personal happiness over social perception.