also known as , or Samurai Ballerina, is a Japanese original anime film directed by Gorō Taniguchi and produced by Arvo Animation. It is written by Reiko Yoshida, features character designs by Yū Yamashita based on Katsuya Kondō's original designs, and music by Takayuki Hattori. It premiered in Japan on March 13, 2026, distributed by Shochiku. The film's theme song is performed by Ryokuoushoku Shakai.
Plot The film is set in Paris during the early 1910s and follows two Japanese girls, Fujiko Tsugita and Chizuru. Fujiko aims to be a painter, while Chizuru is an aspiring ballerina. After meeting in Yokohama, the two meet again in Paris.
Characters
Chizuru's mother.
Chizuru's father.
Fujiko's brother.
Fujiko's mother.
Fujiko's father.
Production The film was produced as an independent film during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. Taniguchi chose Toma to play Fujiko because he wanted a character with a pure and charming voice. The film had been in production since at least 2018, when Kondō was approached by Karki Rajeev, Arvo Animation's representative director, to produce character designs for a film the studio was working on. Kondō initially declined the offer, only to accept after Rajeev insisted on at least doing some art.
Manga adaptation A manga adaptation, illustrated by French artist Zelihan, began serialization in Kodansha's manga magazine Monthly Afternoon on November 25, 2025. The first volume collecting its chapters was released on March 23, 2026.
Volumes
Chapters not yet in tankōbon format
Accolades This film won the Mr. M Audience Award for Best Feature Film at the 2026 Animafest Zagreb.
Notes
References
External links