# Release and reception of We Are Aliens film

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/release-and-reception-of-we-are-aliens-film
> Updated: 2026-09-28T23:18:09.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3.

The animated feature film ‘We Are Aliens’ (Wareware wa Uchujin), directed, written, and planned by Kohei Kadowaki, has gained significant international attention. Following its selection for the Director's Fortnight at the 79th Cannes Film Festival and the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026, the film was scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release in Japan on September 25, 2026, distributed by TOHO NEXT and NOTHING NEW.

Set in a rural town during the Heisei era, the story depicts the 30-year friendship between two boys, Tsubasa and Akitaro. Voice actors Ryota Bando and Amane Okayama, who portray the protagonists at different life stages, noted that the film explores how painful past experiences can eventually be integrated into one's identity.

Manga artist Tatsuki Fujimoto expressed high regard for the film, stating, “I thought nothing more interesting has come out in the last three years.”

Produced by NOTHING NEW, the film utilized an unconventional production model, opting for independent domestic funding rather than a traditional production committee. Developed over four years, the animation team was assembled largely through social media, resulting in a production where none of the key original animators had prior commercial animation experience.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-28: We are Aliens film set for September 2026 release in Japan

The animated film ‘We are Aliens’, directed by Kawagoe native Kohei Kadowaki, is set for a Japan release on September 25, 2026, following its selection at the Cannes Film Festival.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/we-are-aliens-film-set-for-september-2026-release-in-japan

### 2026-09-26: We Are Aliens animation film gains international attention

The animated film ‘We Are Aliens,’ directed by Kohei Kadowaki, has gained acclaim at Cannes and Annecy, featuring an independent production model and a story of lifelong friendship.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/animation-film-wareware-wa-uchuujin-gains-acclaim-at-cannes

### 2026-09-11: Tatsuki Fujimoto praises animated film ‘We are Aliens’

Manga artist Tatsuki Fujimoto highly praised director Kohei Kadowaki’s animated film ‘We are Aliens’ in a new discussion video ahead of its September 2026 Japanese release.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tatsuki-fujimoto-praises-animated-film-we-are-aliens

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Cite as: Release and reception of We Are Aliens film. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/release-and-reception-of-we-are-aliens-film