Natsume Shingo’s first original feature-length theatrical anime, ghost／夜の果て, will open in Japanese theaters on February 11, 2027. The film is animated by Madhouse and distributed by Bandai Namco Filmworks.
The story takes place in a near future where labor is no longer necessary. At 18, people are “selected” to determine whether they are needed by the world. Nike, an excellent girl who was selected at 15, resists the absurdity of the world while continuing to seek something “real.” Despair and conflict lie before her, and the film follows the unimaginable decision she makes at the end.
Natsume is known for directing a wide range of anime, both adaptations and originals, including One Punch Man, ACCA13-ku Kansatsu-ka, and Yojouhan Time Machine Blues. His first original TV anime, Sonny Boy, showcased his distinctive authorial voice. ghost／夜の果て is described as his first original feature-length theatrical anime, carefully built from his own ideas. Its theme is the unspoken “true feelings = ‘ghost’” that exists in everyone’s heart.
Hitsujibungaku wrote the theme song and insert songs, six tracks in total. Kimishima Oozora composed the score, described as solid and fantastical, and the music colors the story. Hotta Mayu voices Nike, while Takahashi Issei plays Masu, whom Nike meets and who carries a deep sense of loss.
New Cast: Tsuda Kenjirou, Yasumoto Hiroki, Kamiya Hiroshi
Three more cast members have been announced. Tsuda Kenjirou plays Moby Dick, the creator of the virtual reality network Ortoverse. Moby Dick takes an interest in the protagonist Nike and makes contact with her.
Yasumoto Hiroki voices Karate, Masu’s friend and childhood friend. At the observatory where Nike is assigned, Karate manages the department responsible for origami cranes.
Kamiya Hiroshi plays Itou, another childhood friend of Masu. At the observatory, Itou provides mental coaching to people who are struggling with how to live.
Tsuda, Yasumoto, and Kamiya also shared comments about joining the film.
Hitsujibungaku Collaboration Movie Ticket Card
A collaboration Mubichike card featuring Hitsujibungaku, the film’s theme and insert song artist, will be released in a limited run. The card will be sold first at the Tokyo performance of the tour final for Hitsujibungaku TOUR 2026 “すーーーはーーー” on November 10 and 11 at Yoyogi National Stadium First Gymnasium. The limited sale is 2,000 cards. The design uses a ghost collaboration artist photo.
The card is priced at 1,600 yen (tax included) for the general version. Details about the sale will be announced later on the official website and social media. Mail-order sales may also be offered at a later date.
Cast Comments
Moby Dick: Tsuda Kenjirou
“Natsume Shingo’s sensibility explodes in this work. Natsume’s world at full power, Ono Natsume’s characters, Hitsujibungaku’s songs, Madhouse’s animation, and more… I am truly happy to have been part of it. Honestly, at the time of recording, the footage was not finished, so I could not grasp the full picture of what kind of work it would become. My anticipation for the completed film kept growing. Please watch in theaters the film that the director and producers created over a long period, at the end of their struggles. I am looking forward to it as well.”
Karate: Yasumoto Hiroki
“I think people are always selecting things. What to eat, what not to eat. What to wear, what not to wear. When you see it written down and read it, it seems simple. But it is not. This work makes you want to think deeply after you feel it. The characters also feel and think. I felt the visuals and music deepened that even further. The landing point of those thoughts. Where each person ends up. Please do not miss it.”
Itou: Kamiya Hiroshi
“Work means serving. It is the act of dedicating time to someone else. In return, there is a place for yourself and people who need you. When I think about how much of my life I have dedicated to others, I feel dizzy, but… a life spent entirely for oneself must surely be boring, and I feel that one would neither thank anyone nor be thanked by anyone. To be grateful for coffee that someone brewed, even if it is not the taste you like. The ideal world where labor is no longer necessary that this ghost／夜の果て shows made me vaguely think about such things.”
Cast and Staff
| Role | Cast |
|---|---|
| Nike | Hotta Mayu |
| Masu | Takahashi Issei |
| Karate | Yasumoto Hiroki |
| Itou | Kamiya Hiroshi |
| Moby Dick | Tsuda Kenjirou |
| Staff | Credit |
|---|---|
| Director / Screenplay | Natsume Shingo |
| Original Character Design | Ono Natsume |
| Character Design | Kugai Norifumi |
| Music | Kimishima Oozora |
| Theme Song / Insert Songs | Hitsujibungaku |
| Original Work | Natsume Shingo, Suzuki Chihiro, Bandai Namco Filmworks, Madhouse |
| Animation Production | Madhouse |
| Distribution | Bandai Namco Filmworks |
©ghost production committee
The film has also been selected for Animation Is Film Festival 2026 (USA), Scotland Loves Anime 2026 (UK), and the 13th New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival.
ghost／夜の果て opens nationwide in Japan on February 11, 2027.
