World War II reaches its 80th anniversary in 2025, and two upcoming anime projects are set to reflect on this historic milestone. The war officially concluded in September 1945, and both anime releases are scheduled around the anniversary to remind us of the human stories behind history and the importance of remembering the past.
Cocoon: From the Girls of One Summer
Adapting Machiko Kyo’s World War II manga Cocoon, the anime already had an early broadcast in Japan in late March. Regular broadcast is scheduled for August. The anime is directed by Yukimitsu Ina, with music by Kensuke Ushio (A Silent Voice, Chainsaw Man).
Hitomi Tateno, a veteran animator formerly with Studio Ghibli, serves as the animation producer. Her past work includes beloved titles such as My Neighbor Totoro (1988) and When Marnie Was There (2014). While Studio Sasayuri was initially credited with animation production, that listing has since been removed. The main cast features Hikari Mitsushima as Mayu and Marika Ito as San.
Cocoon was originally serialized in AKITASHOTEN’s Elegance Eve from May 2009 to July 2010, with all 15 chapters compiled into a single volume in August 2010. The manga was recognized in the 14th Japan Media Arts Festival’s Manga Division Jury Selections, praised for its powerful depiction of young girls caught in the horrors of war.
Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise
Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise is an upcoming anime film scheduled to premiere in Japan on December 5, 2025. The animation is being produced by studios Shin-ei Animation and Fugaku.
The film is based on the manga Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise (Periryu -Rakuen no Gerunika-), created by Kazuyoshi Takeda. The original series ran in Hakusensha’s Young Animal magazine from February 2016 to April 2021. A spin-off series, Peleliu Gaiden, began in July 2021 in the same magazine and will conclude with its fourth volume this July.
The story draws from the real-life Battle of Peleliu, highlighting the personal struggles and resilience of young Japanese soldiers stationed on the island during the Pacific War. Out of approximately 10,000 troops, only 34 survived, which marked an extraordinary testament to endurance during overwhelming hardship. The story gives a look at hope and humanity in the face of devastating conflict.
The film is directed by Goro Kuji (Chained Soldier Season 1), with original manga creator Kazuyoshi Takeda co-writing the screenplay alongside Junji Nishimura.
© Kazuyoshi Takeda / Hakusensha
© Machiko Kyo (AKITASHOTEN) / NHK NEP
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