Uchuu Nanchara Kotetsukun Movie Announced, Set for September 11, 2026 Release

The TV anime Uchuu Nanchara Kotetsukun, which aired on NHK E-Tele from April 2021 to March 2024, is getting a theatrical film. Titled Eiga “Uchuu Nanchara Kotetsukun” Ukkari Detekita Uchuujin o Sagase! (Movie: Uchuu Nanchara Kotetsukun – Search for the Alien That Accidentally Appeared!), the film is set to open on September 11, 2026 (Friday). Along with the announcement, a key visual, a teaser video, and comments from the cast and staff have been released.

The film is based on the web manga by creator Nishimura Yuuji. It follows the story of Kotetsu, a young animal who dreams of becoming an astronaut, and his friends at the Space Academy. The movie will combine re-edited anime footage with real space imagery, using actual footage from NHK’s science programs and JAXA’s space exploration archives.

One day, Kotetsu, a first-year pilot student at the Animal Kingdom Space Academy, hears a rumor that an alien is nearby and gets extremely excited. The academy’s students split up to search for the alien, but as they investigate UFOs, lunar exploration, the mysteries of Mars, black holes, and more, they realize how much they still don’t know. Will Kotetsu and his friends actually find an alien?

Blending fiction and reality, the film aims to create a sense of wonder and fun for children while incorporating educational elements. It is designed as a space entertainment movie that parents and children can enjoy together. The cast reprises their roles from the TV series: Kotetsu is voiced by Fujiwara Natsumi, Niko by Enoki Junya, Ruu by Tamaki Masashi, Hikaru by Taketatsu Ayana, Otama by Yamaguchi Akane, and narration and DAXA-kun by Muro Tsuyoshi.

A teaser video has also been released, showcasing the combination of “mysterious, powerful real space footage” with anime visuals.

Online movie tickets (Mubichike) are now on sale. Purchasers will receive a digital Mubichike card featuring Kotetsu and friends, plus a smartphone wallpaper.

Additionally, Kotetsukun has been appointed as the “Space Support Ambassador” for Minamitanabe Town in Kagoshima Prefecture, home to the JAXA Tanegashima Space Center. This is the fifth such appointment for the character, following previous ambassadorship in Kimotsuki Town (Kagoshima), Taiki Town (Hokkaido), Nachikatsuura Town (Wakayama), and Kanagawa Prefecture. The initiative aims to make space more accessible to children and the public through anime, events, and merchandise.

Comments from the Creator and Cast

Original Creator: Nishimura Yuuji

“I draw the original manga hoping that children will find space a little interesting. Space is full of mysteries. For example, outer space is about minus 270 degrees Celsius, but because there is no air, you don’t feel cold. Isn’t that amazing? I am very happy about the movie adaptation. I hope it becomes a trigger for someone to learn about space.”

Character Introductions and Cast Comments

Kotetsu (CV: Fujiwara Natsumi)

Pilot Department. The protagonist who aims to become an astronaut at the Space Academy. His dream is to become an astronaut and solve the mysteries of space. A bit timid, but a straightforward hard worker who strives for his goals.

Comment from Fujiwara Natsumi:

“Even though the anime ended a few years ago, I’m truly happy that we can show new episodes of Kotetsu and friends as a movie! Thank you to everyone who has always supported Kotetsu and the others working hard at the Space Academy. What exactly is the alien that accidentally appeared? Please enjoy!”

Niko (CV: Enoki Junya)

Pilot Department. The top elite of the class who loves studying. His dream is to shake hands with an alien. He looks cool, but actually likes cute things, though he tries to hide it.

Comment from Enoki Junya:

“When I heard that Kotetsukun was coming back, I was surprised it was a theatrical film! I’m happy to play Niko again. I think we’ll learn a lot about space together with Kotetsu and the others. Please look forward to it!”

Ruu (CV: Tamaki Masashi)

Spacecraft Development Department. Researches rockets. His dream is to build a car that can go to space. Usually gentle and easygoing, but when it comes to science and technology, he can get so absorbed that he loses sight of his surroundings.

Comment from Tamaki Masashi:

“A movie version of Kotetsukun is like a dream. Kotetsu and friends have long been a bridge between space and children, and now they’re finally on the big screen! The cute animals will be running around on screen. The film is full of space romance. Please look forward to it.”

Hikaru (CV: Taketatsu Ayana)

Space Hospitality Department. Studying how to entertain guests going to space. Her dream is to introduce stars in a fun way. Full of curiosity and innocent. When she finds something interesting or fun, she charges ahead faster than anyone.

Comment from Taketatsu Ayana:

“Congratulations on the movie adaptation of Kotetsukun! I was sad when the TV series ended, so I was surprised to hear about the movie. The ‘nanchara’ atmosphere remains, and it’s a story packed with the charm of space that both adults and children can enjoy! I hope you’ll enjoy it on the big screen!”

Otama (CV: Yamaguchi Akane)

Space Food Department. Studying space food. Her dream is to become the best chef in space. Bright, confident, and full of challenge spirit. She can be a bit careless, but is serious at heart. She speaks in a dialect but thinks she’s using standard Japanese.

Comment from Yamaguchi Akane:

“Wow, Kotetsukun is becoming a movie! Yay! The adventures of Kotetsu and friends in space continue, and I’m so happy that everyone can see them again! In the movie, Otama is as energetic as ever! Please wait for more news and the release!”

Grandpa (CV: Yamaguchi Kappei)

Kotetsu’s grandfather. He has admired space since he was young and encouraged Kotetsu to become an astronaut. He sometimes exaggerates, surprising Kotetsu.

Comment from Yamaguchi Kappei:

“Kotetsukun is now a theatrical film! I’m so happy to see the round, cute Kotetsu and friends on the big screen, Grandpa! Will they find the alien? With real footage and explanations, we can learn about space and take another step closer to the universe together!”

Principal (CV: Aoyama Yuu)

The principal of the Space Academy. He tends to talk too long when trying to convey the wonders of space. He loves puns, which annoys the students, but he is actually very knowledgeable about space. He interacts with students in a casual manner.

Comment from Aoyama Yuu:

“Oh hello! Everyone, Kotetsukun is finally coming to the movie theater! Talking about space in a movie theater is romantic~ I, the principal, will definitely go to the theater to watch the students of the Space Academy in action! Before going to the moon, let’s go to the movie theater first!”

Tobio (CV: Koyama Takeshi)

The owner of the restaurant “Horumon Yaki Tobio” that Kotetsu and friends frequent. He looks wild but is actually a reliable adult who looks after others. He has been friends with the principal for a long time.

Comment from Koyama Takeshi:

“I was surprised that Kotetsukun got a theatrical film. I never thought I’d get to play Tobio, the super cool old man from the hormone grill, in a movie. I had fun recording with the regular cast again. Adults busy with daily life – it might be nice to take a break and think about space like we used to.”

Izumi-sensei (CV: Nishi Kensuke)

The homeroom teacher of Kotetsu’s class. He teaches kindly but strictly so that everyone can become fine astronauts. He is trusted by the students.

Comment from Nishi Kensuke:

“I never thought the day would come when I could meet Kotetsu and his friends in a theater! As Izumi-sensei, I’m very happy to see my hardworking students again. Please enjoy the story of Kotetsu and the mysteries of space at the theater!”

Enban-san (CV: Sugita Tomokazu)

A regular customer at Tobio’s restaurant. He looks maniacal. He knows a lot about UFOs, hence the nickname “Enban” (disc). He is said to have once summoned a UFO with a certain ritual…!?

Comment from Sugita Tomokazu:

“Eh? Enban-san is appearing too? Great!! I hear that among children, this Kotetsukun is the image of space-related things. I’m grateful. I hope to keep appearing.”

DAXA-kun (CUTIE: Muro Tsuyoshi)

The mascot character of DAXA. He teaches various space knowledge in “Today’s Nanchara Trivia.”

Comment from Muro Tsuyoshi:

“I can be in the world of Uchuu Nanchara again. My ‘nanchara narration’ and DAXA-kun. Thank you for accepting this sense of incongruity. I’ve heard from many that many children watch it. My big, big goal is to hear those children’s voices in the theater. This time too, I will do my best to achieve ‘nanchara.’ I’m looking forward to meeting Kotetsu. Kids, wait for me. Parents, please come to the theater together. Let’s think about space together, nanchara.”

Staff Comments

Director: Tsutsui Yoshinori

“We packed the curiosity-filled world of Uchuu Nanchara Kotetsukun with actual space footage and the latest science. Please join Kotetsu and friends as they search for aliens and discover the wonders and fun of space. I hope this movie makes you laugh, be amazed, and feel a little closer to space.”

Screenwriter: Katou Youichi

“This is the first movie for Uchuu Nanchara Kotetsukun. Kotetsu and friends, who set out to find an alien, dash into forests, caves, and even space (?)! The film is packed with various space knowledge and actual footage of the moon and Mars. I hope you enjoy the curiosity-filled alien search together with Kotetsu and friends.”

TV Anime Series Director: Sakuta Hazumu

“Kotetsu and friends, who started as a short anime, are finally on the big screen! As the director of the TV series, I couldn’t be happier. I’m looking forward to seeing what they look like in the theater as an audience member. Also… I secretly participated with a certain voice!”

Movie Information

(C) Space Academy / Chokkura Tsuki Made Eiga Iinkai