The 4K remaster of Kon Satoshi’s landmark anime film Paprika will be released nationwide in Japan from August 7, 2026, as part of a revival screening project organized by Filmarks, the country’s largest review service for film, drama, and anime. The release celebrates the film’s 20th anniversary, following a previous revival in January.
Originally released in 2006, Paprika adapts Tsutsui Yasutaka’s novel and was produced by Madhouse under Kon Satoshi’s direction. The film, acclaimed at international festivals for its intricate, lavish visuals and Susumu Hirasawa’s music, explores the unconscious mind and the blurred boundary between dream and reality. The 4K remaster brings the story’s wild, colorful dream sequences to the big screen with even greater clarity.
Advance Screening and Theatrical Details
Before the nationwide expansion, a one-week advance screening of the 4K remaster will run at Shinjuku Piccadilly from July 17 to July 23, 2026. After a short break, the film will return on August 7 for a wide release across 82 theaters (with additional venues to be announced). Ticket prices are a flat 1,700 yen (excludes premium seats and special discount days). Note that some screens may present the film in 2K rather than 4K.
Pop-Up Stores and Collaborations
A special POP UP STORE combining Paprika and another Kon Satoshi classic, Millennium Actress (which marks its 25th anniversary), will be held at JR Kyoto Isetan (3F The Stage #3) from July 29 to August 4, 2026. This marks the first POP UP STORE dedicated to Millennium Actress.
In addition, a Perfect Blue × Paprika POP UP STORE will tour three Marui locations, beginning at Shinjuku Marui Annex (6F, Calendarum 6) from July 17 to July 26, then moving to Namba Marui (5F) from August 7 to August 16, and finally Hakata Marui (5F) from September 4 to September 13.
Home Video and Novel Special Edition
A 4K UHD + Blu-ray set for Paprika will be released on September 9, 2026, priced at 12,980 yen (tax included). The publisher is HAPPINET Media Marketing. Early reservation bonuses and store-specific exclusive benefits are also planned.
Furthermore, Tsutsui Yasutaka’s original novel Paprika (Shincho Bunko) will receive a limited-edition cover celebrating the film’s 20th anniversary, hitting bookstores nationwide around July 9, 2026, for 850 yen (before tax).
Staff and Cast
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Director | Kon Satoshi |
| Original Work | Tsutsui Yasutaka |
| Screenplay | Mizukami Seishi, Kon Satoshi |
| Animation Production | Madhouse |
| Production | Madhouse, Sony Pictures Entertainment |
| Distributors | Sony Pictures Entertainment, Filmarks |
| Cast | Hayashibara Megumi, Emori Tōru, Hori Katsunosuke, Furuya Tōru and others |
The 20th anniversary celebrations for Paprika also include original visitor bonuses (details to be announced later). The 4K remaster promises to reignite the excitement of Kon Satoshi’s masterpiece on the big screen.
