‘Chiikawa’ Scores 13.9 Billion Yen, First Movie Opens on the 30th After Captivating 9.6 Million With Its Chilling Edge

First movie draws 9.6 million viewers with the chilling edge of the original “Sirens Arc”

The first theatrical animated film based on “Chiikawa”, the phenomenon that shook Japan, “Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island” will officially hit South Korean theaters on the 30th. The film sparked a box-office sensation with a weighty story that goes beyond simple cuteness, setting the stage for a new theatergoing phenomenon.

The essence of Chiikawa’s darker world: the unknown beings called “Sirens” and a brutal choice

The “Chiikawa” universe, created by original author “Nagano” through X, formerly Twitter, has earned a reputation for its singular worldview, which reflects the unforgiving realities of life. The first movie faithfully brings to the screen the long-form “Sirens Arc”, serialized in 2023. Lured by an invitation to a “special island”—a tempting offer of a lucrative side job—the protagonists become entangled with the unknown beings known as “Sirens” and are swept into an unpredictable tragic maelstrom.

The characters’ harmless, adorable appearances are a calculated deception. A well-intentioned attempt to save a friend leads to an irreversible catastrophe, while the story of a “Siren” who loses someone precious and becomes an embodiment of vengeance delivers a painful lesson. Its chilling, brutal plot cuts to the selfishness and guilt buried within human nature, catching viewers off guard.

Record-breaking box office fueled by the creator’s direct involvement

The film’s polish stems from the painstaking craftsmanship of original author “Nagano”. In addition to writing the screenplay and overseeing the production from start to finish, Nagano said, “To avoid regrets, I personally controlled every minute detail, including the artwork and storyboards.” The dynamic camera angles designed specifically for the big screen, the rabbit’s explosive rap sequence and the thrilling battle scenes are among the movie’s highlights.

The box-office performance has already been staggering. Since its advance release in Japan in July, the film had grossed 13.9 billion yen (about 123.6 billion won) and drawn 9.6 million viewers as of Sept. 7, posting a phenomenal mega-hit. The South Korean release has been rated suitable for all ages, with subtitled and Korean-dubbed versions opening simultaneously to reach a broad audience.