Daisy’s Life

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Summary

  • Masaaki Yuasa, anime director known for his unique visual sensibilities, has announced a new film.
  • Based on a Japanese magical realism novel, Daisy’s Life is set to premiere in Japan in late 2026.
  • This is the first film for Yuasa since 2021’s Golden Globes-nominated anime rock opera, Inu-Oh.
Anime name Director Studio Release Date
Daisy’s Life Masaaki Yuasa ame pippin 2026

It’s exciting news that one of the bravest artists in the world of anime is making a comeback as a director. Masaaki Yuasa, who is renowned for his innovative and exceptional work in modern anime, has confirmed the creation of his first original animated movie since 2021’s highly praised “Inu-Oh”.

Titled “Daisy’s Life,” an upcoming anime feature inspired by the renowned Japanese magical realism novel, has been officially announced for release in 2026 via Variety. This will be the inaugural production of ame pippin, a fresh Tokyo-based studio. The film is described as a poignant coming-of-age drama from Japan, exploring themes of loss and friendship that push the boundaries of reality.

“A 100-Meter Radius on a Cosmic Scale”

Synopsis and Inspirations for the Film

Daisy’s Life follows the emotional journey of a six-year-old girl named Daisy, who loses her mother in a tragic accident and struggles to adapt to life with her aunt. One sleepless night, she encounters a mysterious girl named Dahlia at her window. Their days together begin to transcend time and space, bringing a cosmic perspective to Daisy’s modest life in a downtown yakisoba restaurant.

I’ve noticed that Masaaki Yuasa isn’t confined by ordinary spacetime boundaries. In a recent interview with Variety, he expresses his intent to encapsulate the grand, whimsical essence reminiscent of his previous works such as ‘Lu Over the Wall’ and ‘Ride Your Wave’, in his new project titled ‘Daisy’s Life’.

Among all novels penned by author Banana Yoshimoto, this one stands out as it paints vivid mental pictures. Although certain sections are intensely frightening, the conclusion is blissfully uplifting, reminiscent of a cherished dream from my past. I aim to portray the life of the central character who operates a yakisoba restaurant in a downtown locale, expanding this narrative on a grand, cosmic level.

Yuasa’s Legacy and Future

Science Saru and ame pippin

Over the past two decades, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the evolution of Yuasa’s directorial career, which began with his avant-garde masterpiece Mind Game. In this time, he has established himself as a visually unique force within contemporary anime. His diverse portfolio spans from captivating anime series like The Tatami Galaxy and Devilman Crybaby, to theatrical projects such as Lu Over the Wall and his latest period piece rock opera, Inu-Oh. Across these projects, Yuasa has amassed a devoted following, both in Japan and internationally, for his blend of visually stunning surrealism and heartfelt storytelling that focuses on character development.

In terms of production, his work at the new studio Ame Pippin seems to echo his past role as co-founder of Science Saru. Though Yuasa’s unique creativity is clearly present in projects like “Lu Over the Wall” and “Inu-Oh” for the studio, Ame Pippin has expanded its horizons. This expansion includes adapting international intellectual properties such as the 2021 “Star Wars: Visions” anthology and the upcoming “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” in 2023. Additionally, the studio is also developing original works like “The Heike Story” and “Yurei Deco”.

In 2024, Saru’s paranormal comedy “Dan Dan” turned out to be one of the year’s most popular anime, while director Naoko Yamada garnered significant artistic acclaim through her work on Saru projects like “The Heike Story” and “The Colors Within”. As a result, Yuasa’s past ventures have undeniably emerged as some of the anime industry’s biggest triumphs. With his new studio and upcoming film, it appears Yuasa is poised to continue this streak of success.

Source: Variety

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2025-04-22 21:55