The animated drama We Are Aliens has become a headline-making success on both the festival circuit and the domestic market. Since its theatrical debut in September 2026, the film has collected a string of recognitions, from a special mention in Rome’s Alice nella Città section to an honorable mention at the Philadelphia Film Festival, while simultaneously drawing more than 230,000 viewers and surpassing ¥370 million at the Japanese box office.
Directed, scripted, storyboarded and edited by Kōhei Kadowaki, the project blends a youthful friendship story with a meditative look at memory and regret. The narrative follows Tsubasa and Gyōtarō, elementary-school companions whose bond unravels through jealousy, only to be re-examined decades later when adult lives intersect with lingering recollections.
Festival circuit triumphs
Rome and Philadelphia recognitions
On 21 May 2026, the Alice nella Città (“Alice in the Cities”) segment of the 21st Rome Film Festival awarded the film a special mention, acknowledging its nuanced portrayal of long-term friendship. Just days later, the 35th Philadelphia Film Festival listed We Are Aliens among its honorees, granting it an honorable mention for its artistic achievement. Both accolades underscore the film’s capacity to resonate across cultural boundaries, highlighting the universality of its central themes.
Earlier international laurels
Before its European recognitions, the feature had already amassed a formidable trophy cabinet. At the Ottawa International Animation Festival, it secured the Grand Prize for Animated Feature, while the Sitges Film Festival in Spain honoured it with the Anima’t Award for best feature-length film. The work also screened in the prestigious Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes on 14 May 2026 and competed at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in late June. Additional showings included the Melbourne International Film Festival, the New Zealand International Film Festival, and Busan’s “Japanese Animation Special: Masterpieces of Madness, Exhilarating Prospects 12+1” program.
Box-office momentum in Japan
Domestic reception mirrors the film’s critical acclaim. As of 25 October 2026, ticket sales have topped ¥370 million, a benchmark that places We Are Aliens among the year’s most profitable Japanese animated releases. The cumulative audience of over 230,000 viewers reflects strong word-of-mouth and the effectiveness of the film’s cross-generational appeal. The commercial success has been bolstered by a strategic release window that avoided direct competition with major franchise launches, allowing the title to capture a dedicated niche of anime enthusiasts and general moviegoers alike.
Creative team and narrative focus
The film’s voice cast blends established talent with fresh newcomers. Ryōta Bando provides the adult voice of Tsubasa, while Amane Okayama portrays grown-up Gyōtarō. Their younger selves are voiced by child actors Yūto Maki and Tasuku Nakagome, respectively, both selected through rigorous auditions. Supporting roles feature Ten Yamasaki of Sakurazaka46 as Konatsu, comedian Kemuri Matsui as Batahara, and Gaku Sano as Seiya Toda, among others. Composer Yaffle—renowned for collaborations with Fujii Kaze and Kenshi Yonezu—delivers a soundtrack that underscores the film’s emotional undercurrents, while the theme song “Sasakure” (Split) is performed by artist adieu.
Extended content and fan engagement
In early November 2026, a new promotional clip was released, tracing Tsubasa’s transition from high-school student to university graduate and finally to a working adult. The sequence hints at lingering childhood memories when an unexpected object triggers a visceral reaction, encapsulating the film’s central motif of past-present interplay. Complementing the cinematic rollout, Shinjuku Marui Annex will host a month-long exhibition (1 – 30 November) showcasing original sketches, storyboards, and a recreated production studio. Attendees can also select from 1,301 postcards, each depicting a distinct scene from the movie, fostering a tactile connection to the artwork.
