Live-Action Adaptation in Collaboration with KamikAI
The beloved picture book Poupelle of Chimney Town is being adapted into a live-action short film, produced in partnership with AI technology company KamikAI. The three-minute short will make its world premiere at the award ceremony of the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (SSFF & ASIA) 2026 on June 10, 2026.
The project is produced by CHIMNEY TOWN, the organization that manages Nishino Akihiro’s creative ventures, with production assistance from KamikAI and production handled by Cafe Group. The short was created using the software Wonder Canvas and runs between 3 minutes 15 seconds and 30 seconds.
A Phenomenon in Publishing and Beyond
Poupelle of Chimney Town began as a picture book produced over four years by Nishino Akihiro and a team of 33 creators handling illustration, coloring, and design in a groundbreaking division-of-labor system. The project was funded through crowdfunding, supported by people who resonated with its vision. In a publishing industry where 5,000 copies is considered a hit, the book has sold over 800,000 copies.
In December 2020, an animated film adaptation was released, directed by Hirota Yuusuke at STUDIO4°C with Nishino as producer and screenwriter. It won the Japan Academy Prize and drew 1.96 million viewers in Japan. The franchise has since expanded into kabuki, ballet, and musicals. A sequel animated film, Poupelle of Chimney Town: The Promised Clock Tower, debuted in March 2026.
World Premiere at SSFF & ASIA 2026
The live-action short will be screened at the SSFF & ASIA 2026 award ceremony, held at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA on June 10, 2026. Nishino Akihiro (original creator) along with producers Mori Kou and Coco Nitta will take the stage at the event.
At SSFF & ASIA 2026, the Grand Prize (George Lucas Award) and other category honors will be announced, with winners becoming eligible for next year’s Academy Awards. For full details, visit the official website.
Staff and Details for the Live-Action Short
| Original Creator | Nishino Akihiro |
| Producers | Mori Kou, Coco Nitta |
| Production | CHIMNEY TOWN |
| Cooperation | KamikAI |
| Production Company | Cafe Group |
| Software Used | Wonder Canvas |
| Length | 3 minutes 15 seconds – 30 seconds |
SSFF & ASIA 2026 Award Ceremony
Date & Time: June 10, 2026 (Wed) 16:30 – 19:30
Venue: LINE CUBE SHIBUYA
Tickets: 5,000 yen (advance sales only)
Onstage Guests (selected):
- Live-Action International & Nonfiction Jury: Ishii Yuya, Kristin JI, Mizuno Miki
- Live-Action Asia International & Japan Jury: Ryan Ashore, Kitamura Kazuki, Murata Chieko
- Animation Jury: Wada Ayaka, Hirota Yuusuke, Sugiyama Tomoyuki
- Short Film Kanata no Koe: Shoji Kouhei, Anno Kiyoshi, Kawase Youta, Ueno Yukio (Dennis), Egami Keiko (Nijche)
- Hoppy Special Production Green Man: Katsuki Sari (director), Morinaga Yuuki
- Live-Action Poupelle of Chimney Town: Nishino Akihiro (original creator), Mori Kou (producer), Coco Nitta (producer)
- Nara International Film Festival: Kawase Naomi, Umemoto Yuka (director), Ishikawa Ruka (cast), Harada Kai (cast)
- Nihon Chokuhan Project Presentation: Mizutaka Akiyoshi, Sasaki Kumi, Aoyama Jun (SHOW-WA), Shiota Masaki (SHOW-WA)
- Festival Navigator: Nagahama Hirona, Hommoto Ayaka
- Host: Bessho Tetsuya (SSFF & ASIA representative), LiLiCo (Festival Ambassador)
Festival Overview
Period:
May 25 (Mon) Opening Ceremony
May 26 (Tue) – June 9 (Tue) Tokyo venues
June 10 (Wed) Award Ceremony
Online venue: May 25 (Mon) – June 30 (Tue) (program varies by period)
Screening Venues: MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives (Box1000, Tatami, Park Terrace), Akasaka Intercity Conference, Euro Live, WITH HARAJUKU HALL, LIFORK HARAJUKU, and others (venues may have different periods/programs).
Ticket Prices:
- Advance: General 1,500 yen; University/U29/Senior/Disabled 1,200 yen; Elementary/Middle/High School 1,000 yen; Preschool free
- Same-day: General 1,800 yen; University/U29/Senior/Disabled 1,500 yen; Elementary/Middle/High School 1,300 yen; Preschool free
- Passport: General 7,000 yen; Student/Senior/Disabled 5,500 yen
- Online Venue: 2,500 yen (Japan) / 15 USD (overseas) – Passport on sale from May 25
Organized by Short Shorts Executive Committee / Short Shorts Asia Executive Committee.
