Kawamori Shouji’s Latest Work Meikyuu no Shiori Casts Hayami Shou, Sakamoto Maaya, Sugita Tomokazu! Atarashii Gakkou no Leaders to Perform Theme Song

The theme song for the film Meikyuu no Shiori, set to premiere on January 1, 2026, has been announced as “Sailor, Sail On” by Atarashii Gakkou no Leaders. Furthermore, the cast will feature the talents of Hayami Shou, Sakamoto Maaya, and Sugita Tomokazu. Alongside these exciting announcements, a new trailer and the main visual have also been unveiled.

Meikyuu no Shiori marks the first original theatrical feature film from Director Kawamori Shouji, widely known for his groundbreaking work on the Macross series. This is an otherworld youth escape drama that brilliantly blends the recurring motifs of song and science fiction, signature to Kawamori-sensei’s works, with the universally relatable modern theme of smartphones.

The protagonist, Maesawa Shiori, a girl who finds herself lost in the world of smartphones, will be voiced by SUZUKA, the main vocalist of Atarashii Gakkou no Leaders. This project marks her exciting debut as a voice actress, and she will be skillfully portraying both Shiori and the enigmatic “SHIORI” who mysteriously appears in the real world.

The much-anticipated main trailer and key visual have now been officially released. The trailer kicks off with Shiori encountering Komori, a charming talking rabbit sticker, in the otherworld. The mysterious SHIORI, who materializes before Shiori, teams up with the shrewd young entrepreneur Kagami Suguru. She boldly declares her goal to “gather a hundred million likes and become my ideal self!” as she causes a stir in the real world. Viewers are left to wonder: will Shiori be able to escape the smartphone world before her real self is completely usurped?

Theme Song: “Sailor, Sail On” by Atarashii Gakkou no Leaders

The film’s theme song, “Sailor, Sail On,” performed by the dynamic Atarashii Gakkou no Leaders, has been officially decided. Penned and composed by yonkey, this magnificent, harmonized theme song, brought to life by SUZUKA’s powerful vocals, is set to brilliantly propel Shiori’s grand adventure forward. Notably, yonkey has also contributed several captivating in-film musical pieces in addition to the theme song, ensuring an immersive auditory experience.

The main visual features Shiori and Komori, alongside Kagami Suguru and SHIORI, all set against a striking backdrop of a cracked smartphone screen. This compelling visual truly builds anticipation and hints at the thrilling narrative that is about to unfold.

New Cast Members Revealed

Additional prominent cast members have been announced, including the veteran voice actors Hayami Shou, Sakamoto Maaya, and Sugita Tomokazu, further enriching the ensemble. Hayami Shou will lend his distinguished voice to Maesawa Keizou, Shiori’s father. Sakamoto Maaya will play Maesawa Yoriko, Shiori’s mother, who gracefully acts as a mediator between Shiori and her father. And Sugita Tomokazu will take on the distinctive role of Toosaka-sensei, Shiori’s homeroom teacher, who, despite initially feigning indifference, secretly harbors a deeply passionate side.

Comments from the Cast

Hayami Shou as Maesawa Keizou

It made me genuinely happy. When I receive a script, I typically read through it several times, including the stage directions, to thoroughly grasp the story, the world-view, and the character I’ve been cast as. Then, I watch the rehearsal footage and only then do I speak the lines for the first time. Keizou was much more of a “Shouwa-era father” than I had initially imagined. He’s strong, imposing, and yet truly kind, a father who deeply cares for his family. Perhaps he’s even my ideal father.
I believe this drama will touch upon the various emotions within people’s hearts in a profound way. Please, do go and see it at the cinema.

Sakamoto Maaya as Maesawa Yoriko

I first met Director Kawamori when I was 15, which was 30 years ago now. I have immense respect for his continued dedication to new challenges, still courageously at the forefront of the industry. To be able to play a mother in his latest work is deeply moving, and it truly warms my heart. I am also looking forward to the day when I can share this compelling story with everyone who has been eagerly awaiting its release.

Sugita Tomokazu as Toosaka-sensei

I’m Sugita Tomokazu, playing Toosaka-sensei.
I really love the “Arjuna flavor” that so distinctively emanates from Director Kawamori’s latest work.
So, I intend to call out his name loudly, many times.

Film Information

Meikyuu no Shiori
Premieres January 1, 2026 (New Year’s Day) at TOHO Cinemas Hibiya and nationwide.

Story

Maesawa Shiori is a shy high school girl. A video she filmed with her best companion, Kurashina Kirara, unexpectedly traps her in a mysterious world that unfolds within her smartphone. Appearing before Shiori is Komori, a talking rabbit sticker who declares, “You’ve been trapped, in this <Labyrinth>.” Offering a helping hand to the bewildered Shiori is Kagami Suguru, a young genius entrepreneur. Kagami promises Shiori, “I’ll help you reclaim your true self.” Meanwhile, in the real world, another “SHIORI” clad in flashy fashion has switched places with Shiori, behaving freely and brazenly through social media. Her aim is to completely replace the real “Shiori.” Kagami also makes contact with SHIORI, whispering “a certain plan.” Kagami’s true intentions and SHIORI’s ambitions will eventually ignite a commotion that engulfs the entire world.

Staff

Cast

(C) Meikyuu no Shiori Production Committee

By Takahashi Katsunori