ChiiKawa Mermaid Island film breaks box‑office records

In early July 2026 the animated feature “ChiiKawa: Mermaid Island Secret” was announced for a July 24 theatrical debut in Japan, with pre‑release promotion on Fuji TV’s FNS Song Festival and an online preview on July 3. A fruit‑flavored, plush‑texture gummy line tied to the film was slated for an August nationwide launch.

The film opened across 447 cinemas, including 65 IMAX screens, earning ¥9.9 billion on opening day and quickly filling houses. Within the first three days box‑office revenue surpassed ¥22.4 billion, attracting more than 1.5 million viewers. In Kagoshima City about 2,000 children queued outside the theater, and nearby drink sales rose roughly 1.5 times normal levels.

Promotional activities continued after release. The cast appeared on Yokohama’s Cosmo Clock 21 ferris wheel, which hosted a city‑wide light‑up show depicting the characters; limited‑edition postage‑style stickers, photo‑spot installations, and a collaborative fireworks display were added to the celebration. A fan‑greeting at TOHO Cinemas Nihonbashi and other events kept momentum high.

Social media highlighted the film’s blend of cute characters, rap segments and unexpectedly dark folklore‑inspired themes, sparking robust discussion among viewers and critics who praised its visual quality, music and deeper narrative. The studio announced forthcoming behind‑the‑scenes footage, extending interest into the coming weeks.