Wishes born of hatred always bring unpredictable consequences, especially when supernatural forces intervene. This week, acclaimed studio CoMix Wave Films surprised fans by releasing a new and spectacular trailer for its upcoming anime short titled Shiranui. This ambitious production, marking the debut of rookie director Ryo Katanosaka (who worked in a supermarket fish department), is scheduled to premiere in Japanese cinemas on August 21.

The talent behind the tragedy

For this dramatic story, the production has gathered an intriguing cast:

• ano as Minato.
  The popular singer makes her debut as a seiyuu taking on this complex lead role.
• Kana Hanazawa as Ben-chan.
  World-renowned for voicing Mitsuri Kanroji in Demon Slayer and Nadeko Sengoku in the Monogatari franchise.
• Shinichiro Miki as Masaru.
  Veteran of the industry known for voicing Roy Mustang in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and Kisuke Urahara in Bleach.

The soundtrack will be backed by the melancholic music of Taro Umebayashi, while singer-songwriter Ichiko Aoba will perform the main theme for this intriguing story, which will run approximately 35 minutes.

Shiranui details

The story takes us to the coast of Kumamoto in late August 1996. There we meet Minato, a ten-year-old boy with a miserable life alongside his alcoholic father. His only refuge is Ben-chan, a goddess in the form of a girl who lives on Benten Island. When Minato discovers he will be sent to an orphanage, he prays to a mysterious marine light known as Shiranui to grant him one last wish. His desire, filled with resentment toward his father, soon transforms into a dark curse.

What kind of punishment do you think this short film’s mysterious curse will unleash?