Ghibli Masterpiece ‘Hotaru no Haka’ Premieres on Netflix in Japan with SUPER EIGHT’s Yasuda Shouda Providing Japanese Audio Guide
Studio Ghibli’s acclaimed anime film, 『Hotaru no Haka』 (also known as “Grave of the Fireflies”), is set to make its long-awaited debut on Netflix in Japan starting July 15, 2025, at 4:00 PM JST. Adding a significant layer to this release, it has been revealed that Yasuda Shouda from SUPER EIGHT will be providing the Japanese audio guide narration. Furthermore, Patrick Harlan, known for his work as “Pack’n’Mack’n,” who has been involved in the film’s global distribution across over 190 countries and regions, will be lending his voice to the newly added English audio guide.
『Hotaru no Haka』 is based on the poignant short novel by Nosaka Akiyuki, which won the Naoki Prize, and was directed by the masterful Takahata Isao. Produced by Studio Ghibli, it was first released in 1988. Set in Koobeki towards the end of the war, under the relentless bombing raids by B29s, the story follows the siblings Seita and Setsuko as they desperately try to survive the harsh realities of wartime together. Since its release, the film has garnered numerous awards both domestically and internationally, solidifying its place as one of Japan’s representative cinematic classics.
Netflix’s audio guide service provides narration that complements the dialogue by describing character movements, expressions, costumes, and scene changes. This narration helps convey visual information that might not be apparent from the dialogue alone. Since 2022, Netflix has committed to creating original language audio guides for all its productions, supporting up to 30 languages. This service has also been extended to licensed titles, making a wide range of films, series, and animations more accessible.
Yasuda Shouda, a member of SUPER EIGHT and active as an idol and actor across various fields, previously underwent surgery for a brain tumor (meningioma) and continues to live with light sensitivity as a lasting effect. Through his personal experience, Yasuda has deeply recognized the potential of “audio viewing experiences.” Stepping into the role of narrator for the Japanese audio guide of 『Hotaru no Haka』, he delivers a warm and delicate narration, richly expressing the film’s scenery and the characters’ emotions.
Reflecting on his participation as a narrator, Yasuda shared, “When I was in elementary school, a close friend lost their sight, and we learned sign language and braille together. Also, I’m from Hyoogo Prefecture, and the landscapes of Nisomiya and Koobeki, which are the settings for 『Hotaru no Haka』, were places that were part of my daily life growing up. I also remember watching 『Hotaru no Haka』 together with friends and local kids during summer vacation. After various experiences since then, now at 40 years old, I feel a sense of destiny in being involved with this work, which holds so many memories for me, through the form of ‘audio guide.’ Everything feels connected, as if it was meant to be, and I feel a deep sense of understanding and satisfaction.”
Regarding the experience of watching with audio guides, he commented, “After my surgery, it became difficult to watch visual content for extended periods, and I would sometimes stop watching partway through. However, with audio guides, the expressions of characters, changes in scenery, and even the subtle movements of action are conveyed through sound, making the world of the film expand dramatically. Precisely because I can no longer rely on sight as before, I can concentrate deeply on the sound. I feel that this experience actually enhances immersion in the story even more. I am truly grateful to have been entrusted with the Japanese audio guide for 『Hotaru no Haka』, a work that has been passed down through generations on Netflix. I poured my emotions into every single sound, hoping to convey the powerful message of this film through audio. I am happy that it can reach many people as a ‘story felt through sound’.”
Notably, Yasuda is scheduled to appear at a screening of 『Hotaru no Haka』 with audio guidance, hosted by Netflix on July 12, primarily for individuals with visual impairments. Through a talk session, he plans to discuss the importance of accessible viewing experiences for diverse audiences.
It has also been announced that the English audio guide for the film will be provided by Patrick Harlan (Pack’n’Mack’n), who has lived in Japan for over 30 years and deeply understands both American and Japanese cultural backgrounds.
Patrick Harlan commented, “『Hotaru no Haka』 is a work that has the power to deeply resonate with people all over the world, transcending borders and cultures. Having lived in Japan for many years and being familiar with both American and Japanese cultures, I am honored to be involved in the form of the English audio guide. I narrated with the hope that the profound emotions and background of this work will reach even further, aiming to convey the world of this exceptional film solely through sound, primarily for English-speaking audiences around the world who have visual impairments. I believe that having an English audio guide will provide more access to the story for people globally, and I am happy to share the world view and the characters’ feelings in this work, which continues to impress me every time I watch it.”
Studio Ghibli’s classic anime film 『Hotaru no Haka』, featuring the Japanese audio guide by SUPER EIGHT’s Yasuda Shouda and the English audio guide by Patrick Harlan, will be available for its first streaming release in Japan on Netflix starting July 15, 2025, at 4:00 PM JST.
『Hotaru no Haka』
（C）Nosaka Akiyuki/Shinchoosha, 1988
《Nakase Kootarou》
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