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Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise Anime Movie Reveals Teaser Trailer, Key Visual, and Main Voice Cast
The official website for the highly anticipated anime film adaptation of Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise, based on Kazuyoshi Takeda’s award-winning World War II manga, has unveiled a brand-new teaser trailer and visual. The movie, produced by Shin-Ei Animation and Fugaku, is officially scheduled to debut in Japanese theaters on December 5, 2025.
Accompanied by a solemn and evocative theme, the teaser offers viewers a first glimpse into the emotionally charged atmosphere of the film, which recounts the brutal and haunting Battle of Peleliu during the Pacific War. With war drama elements and historical precision at its core, the film aims to tell a powerful story of survival, hope, and humanity amid conflict.
Teaser Trailer and Visual Released for Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise
The newly released teaser trailer introduces audiences to central characters Hiroshi Tamaru and Keisuke Yoshiki, setting the tone for the intense psychological and emotional toll faced by Japanese soldiers during World War II. The accompanying teaser visual highlights the harrowing beauty of Peleliu Island, contrasting its tranquil scenery with the devastating war that soon consumes it.
Also revealed in the trailer are the voice actors bringing the main characters to life. Rising star Rihito Itagaki, known for his portrayal of Norman in the live-action version of The Promised Neverland, will voice Hiroshi Tamaru, a kind-hearted young man with a dream of becoming a manga artist. Tamaru finds himself caught in the devastation of war after being drafted and sent to the island of Peleliu in 1944.
Tomoya Nakamura, recognized for his recent role as Dmitri in SPY×FAMILY CODE: White, voices Keisuke Yoshiki, Tamaru’s reliable and steadfast comrade. Their bond becomes a pivotal part of the narrative, representing the emotional strength required to endure such a brutal environment.
Main Staff and Creative Team Behind the Film
Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise is helmed by director Goro Kuji, previously the assistant director on Bungo and Alchemist -Gears of Judgement-. The screenplay is a collaborative effort between Junji Nishimura and the manga’s original creator, Kazuyoshi Takeda, ensuring the film remains faithful to its source material.
Character design and chief animation direction are led by Ryoji Namamura, whose detailed illustrations breathe life into the characters and depict the intense battle scenes with authenticity. Acclaimed composer Kenji Kawai, known for his work on titles such as Ghost in the Shell and Patlabor, provides the musical score, promising a rich auditory experience that complements the film’s somber themes.
About the Original Manga
Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise originated as a manga series written and illustrated by Kazuyoshi Takeda. The series was serialized in Hakusensha’s Young Animal magazine from February 2016 to April 2021, and was collected into a total of 11 volumes. Lauded for its heartfelt depiction of wartime agony and introspection, the manga received the prestigious Excellence Award from the Japan Cartoonists Association in 2017.
The story focuses on the island of Peleliu, a Pacific paradise turned bloody battlefield during the latter stages of World War II. In the summer of 1944, Japanese artist-turned-soldier Hiroshi Tamaru lands on what appears to be an idyllic island. However, tranquility quickly gives way to horror as American forces launch a major offensive, initiating one of the most grueling battles of the Pacific Theatre.
With approximately 50,000 Japanese and American troops clashing over the island’s strategic airstrip, the Japanese forces—numbering just 10,000—are ordered to resist until the last man. Against overwhelming odds, this intense battle exposes not just the physical toll of war, but the emotional and psychological scars it leaves behind.
Voice Cast Shares Thoughts on the Film’s Historical Importance
In an official statement, Rihito Itagaki reflected on his role, saying, “Being involved in this work in the 80th anniversary year since the end of the war, and having the opportunity to breathe life into the character of Hiroshi Tamaru, I feel a great sense of meaning and responsibility.”
Tomoya Nakamura echoed the sentiment, noting, “Eighty years have passed since the war ended. With fewer and fewer people who can recount those days, I believe it is very meaningful for many people to experience the events on Peleliu Island through this film. What should we, who live in the present, take away from the chaos of war? I hope audiences will come to the theater and reflect on each day of history.”
Confirmed Release Details and Distribution
Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise is officially set to premiere in Japan on December 5, 2025. While theatrical release plans have been announced for Japan, no further distribution platforms or international release information has yet been confirmed as of this report. Updates are expected as the premiere date approaches.
With a seasoned creative team, a powerful source material, and a poignant historical narrative, Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise promises to deliver a moving cinematic portrayal of one of the Pacific War’s most devastating battles.
