Anime Film “Periryuu – Rakuen no Gerunika -” Reveals Main Trailer, Visual, and Theme Song by Kamishiraishi Mone
The anime film *Periryuu – Rakuen no Gerunika -* is set to be released nationwide on December 5, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. A new main trailer and visual, showcasing the intense battles and the intertwining thoughts of the soldiers, have been unveiled. Furthermore, it has been revealed that Kamishiraishi Mone will perform the theme song, “Kiseki no You na Koto,” which gently envelops the story.
About the Original Manga: A War Story with a Gentle Touch
*Periryuu – Rakuen no Gerunika -* is an anime film depicting the Battle of Peleliu, which began on September 15, 1944, during World War II when Japan’s war situation was already deteriorating. It also tells the story of 34 soldiers who, unaware of the war’s end, hid for two years and were the last survivors.
The original manga by Takeda Kazuya, serialized in Hakusensha’s “Young Animal,” depicts the madness of war as an everyday reality with overwhelming realism, despite its charming art style. It was awarded the Excellence Award at the “46th Japan Manga Artists Association Awards,” receiving high praise from creators across various fields. This new monument in war manga is finally being adapted into a theatrical anime.
Main Cast and Their Roles
Itagaki Rihito takes on the role of Tamaru Hitoshi, the kind-hearted protagonist who dreams of becoming a manga artist. Nakamura Tomoya plays Yoshiki Keisuke, Tamaru’s reliable comrade. Both actors, known for their solid performances in numerous popular works, passionately portray these young soldiers striving to survive the harsh battlefield.
The Horrors of Peleliu and the Bonds Formed
On a beautiful island in the South Pacific, battles occur one after another, accompanied by starvation, thirst, and infectious diseases. Young soldiers lose their lives one after another, thinking of their families and hometowns. Amidst such a brutal world, Tamaru and Yoshiki desperately struggle to survive. What did these young men think and how did they live on Peleliu Island, a hellish battlefield where only 34 out of 10,000 survived the prolonged warfare where even suicide was forbidden?
Main Trailer Unveiled: A Glimpse into Paradise Turned Hell
The newly released main trailer condenses the fierce bonds between Tamaru, played by Itagaki-san, and Yoshiki, played by Nakamura-san, and the intense battles on the paradise-like island into 90 seconds. The video opens with a cruel line, “Do you… really think you can return from this island alive?”, delivered by charmingly drawn, three-heads-tall characters.
In the final stages of the Pacific War, Tamaru is assigned as the “Merit Officer” on Peleliu Island, far from his hometown. His duty is to write letters describing the “heroic end” of his comrades to their families. The footage begins by depicting the beautiful nature of Peleliu Island, then abruptly shifts its tone at the words “Paradise turns into hell” and a shot of bombs falling.
The vibrant green colors transform into the grim hues of blood and gunpowder. The sounds of gunfire echo as if viewers have stepped into the fierce battle of Peleliu Island in Palau in 1944. The voices of soldiers hating each other can be heard, and an overwhelming hail of bullets pours down. The sight of the charmingly drawn characters desperately struggling at the boundary between life and death and collapsing delivers a heart-wrenching shock to the audience.
It is amidst such an extreme battlefield that a strong friendship blossoms between Tamaru and Yoshiki. With the conviction to “return home alive together,” the two hold hands, helping each other to survive the harsh world. The latter half of the video warmly portrays small everyday moments and the bonds of camaraderie found amidst the flames of war, such as the two blowing soap bubbles or chatting with companions.
A scene where Tamaru is shocked by the final word “Mama…” uttered by a fallen American soldier, asking, “Mama, you mean mother…?” and a flashback scene showing Tamaru’s parents seeing off their son to the battlefield with worried expressions, subtly convey the universal wish of everyone on the battlefield to return to their hometowns and loved ones.
Kamishiraishi Mone’s Theme Song: “Kiseki no You na Koto”
Crowning the climax of the film is the theme song “Kiseki no You na Koto” (A Miraculous Thing), performed by Kamishiraishi Mone, who is active both as an actress and a singer. After Yoshiki’s resolute voice exclaims, “Can’t die now!”, Kamishiraishi-san’s clear and gentle singing voice resonates. The embracing tenderness of her voice and lyrics resonates with the core of the story: “the preciousness of life” and “the friendship forged by a promise to survive.”
“Kiseki no You na Koto” was composed by Kazuyo Suzuki. The melody line, calm yet strong, appeals deeply to the listener’s heart. The lyrics were written by Kiyosaku of MONGOL800, known for “Chiisana Koi no Uta” (Small Love Song). The direct yet gentle lyrics, capturing the preciousness of life born from love and fleeting everyday scenes within it, also convey the preciousness of being alive to us in the modern age. Comments regarding the song have been received from Kamishiraishi-san and lead actor Itagaki-san.
Comments from Cast and Theme Song Artist
Kamishiraishi Mone
I am very happy to be able to deliver this work to everyone, along with the theme song, at the end of the 80th anniversary of the war’s end.
Just by listening to the song by Kazuyo Suzuki-san (composer) and Kiyosaku-san (lyricist) of MONGOL800, I could feel the wind and waves of the island, and something like a baton connecting to the present. I sang it with great care, thinking about what happens after the film.
After I received the offer, I read the original manga in one sitting. I felt a great connection to the characters; it wasn’t just history, but a story of individual human beings just like us. I believe that those encountering this work for the first time through the film will come to love Tamaru-kun and Yoshiki-kun. I am very much looking forward to seeing Itagaki Rihito-san and Nakamura Tomoya-san pour their voices, breaths, and souls into these two characters.
In the original manga, Tamaru-kun repeatedly tells himself to “look closely and think,” and I really love those words.
Like Tamaru-kun, I hope this work serves as an opportunity and a stepping stone for us to look closely and think about the world, history, and the future.
Since I believe this work strongly carries the meaning of “connecting,” I would be delighted if we could connect with those who watch the film and move forward together.
Lead Actor Itagaki Rihito
“How gentle it is.”
When I first heard this song, various emotions permeated my heart. The feelings of Tamaru and Yoshiki, all the people who fought on that island, and those who waited for their return, as well as the scenery of Peleliu Island.
I am grateful that these elements were carefully spun together through the lyrics and melody.
And above all, Kamishiraishi Mone-san’s gentle singing voice, which delivers this world and softly warms the heart from within. As Tamaru myself, I felt a sense of salvation.
I am very much looking forward to feeling this song resonate in the theater.
Thank you truly for such a wonderful theme song.
Main Visual: A Stark Depiction of War
The accompanying main visual presents a stark contrast to the calm atmosphere of the teaser visual, vividly portraying the harshness of war. Tamaru and Yoshiki, who once laughed together back-to-back, now wear grim expressions amidst the battle, supporting each other.
At their feet lie the bodies of fallen comrades, and in the background, against a beautiful sunset, enemy tanks and fighter planes are visible. Comrades of Tamaru and Yoshiki, who play crucial roles and were not shown in the teaser visual, can also be seen. Amidst the intense scenes of war, their expressions and the bonds that support them convey a powerful message to the viewer. What will be the fate of the “promise” they made on Peleliu Island, a beautiful paradise transformed into hell? Viewers are encouraged to discover the answer in the main film.
Release Information
The anime film *Periryuu – Rakuen no Gerunika -* will be released nationwide on December 5, 2025, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. We eagerly await further updates.
*Periryuu – Rakuen no Gerunika -*
Nationwide release on Friday, December 5, 2025
Staff & Cast
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Tamaru Hitoshi (Voice) | Itagaki Rihito |
| Yoshiki Keisuke (Voice) | Nakamura Tomoya |
| Voice Cast | Amano Hiroaki, Fujii Yuuta, Motegi Takamasa, Mikami Eishi |
| Theme Song | Kamishiraishi Mone “Kiseki no You na Koto” (UNIVERSAL MUSIC / Polydor Records) |
| Original Work | Takeda Kazuya “Periryuu – Rakuen no Gerunika -” (Hakusensha・Young Animal Comics) |
| Director | Kuji Goro |
| Screenplay | Nishimura Junji, Takeda Kazuya |
| Character Design・Chief Animation Director | Nakamori Ryoji |
| Prop Design | Iwahata Goichi, Suzuki Noritaka |
| Mechanical Design | Kikagiku Kaoru |
| Art Setting | Nakajima Mika, Sarutani Katsumi (Studio MAO) |
| Concept Board | Mashiro Takamasa, Takeda Yusuke (Bamboo) |
| Art Director | Iwatani Kuniko, Kato Hiroshi, Sakagami Hirofumi (Totonyaan) |
| Color Design | Watanabe Aki, Hasegawa Kazumi (Studio Toys) |
| Director of Photography | Igarashi Shinichi (Studio Twinkle) |
| 3DCG Director | Nakano Tetsuya (GEMBA), Takahashi Shinichiro (Studio Katusha) |
| Editing | Kojima Toshihiko (Okayasu Promotion) |
| Historical Research | Suzuki Takaaki |
| Sound Director | Yokota Chikako |
| Sound Production | HALF H・P STUDIO |
| Music | Kawai Kenji |
| Production | Shin-Ei Douga × Fugaku |
| Distribution | Toei |
(C) Takeda Kazuya・Hakusensha／2025 “Periryuu – Rakuen no Gerunika -” Production Committee
《Nakase Koutarou》
