Hand-Drawn Wartime Anime 'Cocoon' Gets U.S. Trailer and Theatrical Date

GKIDS has released the U.S. trailer for "cocoon, One Summer of Girlhood," a hand-drawn wartime drama that will open in theaters on September 4. The film, the debut feature from director Yukimitsu Ina, will screen in both the original Japanese and an English-dubbed version, according to Animation Magazine.

Animation MagazineWatch: ‘cocoon – One Summer of Girlhood’ Unveils New Trailer

Based on Machiko Kyo’s manga "cocoon," the story follows two sisters navigating life in Tokyo during World War II. The film is produced by studio Sasayuri, a relatively new animation house that has drawn immediate comparisons to Studio Ghibli.

"Explores themes of girlhood during wartime, following two sisters navigating life in Tokyo during World War II."

polygonCocoon: Studio Sasayuri's debut film channels Studio Ghibli's wartime storytelling in new trailer

Polygon described the feature as a spiritual successor to Studio Ghibli's "Grave of the Fireflies," noting the trailer's emotional depth and stunning hand-drawn visuals. The comparison places high expectations on the debut, given the enduring reputation of Ghibli's own wartime classic.

Director Yukimitsu Ina is known for his earlier work on "Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!" and the "Star Wars: Visions" short "Tatooine Rhapsody." Animation Magazine highlighted Ina's transition from those series to a feature-length narrative centered on adolescent experience during conflict.

The September 4 release positions "cocoon" as a key fall anime event. With its stark coming-of-age story and hand-drawn craft, the film aims to offer a counterpart to the more fantastical or sci-fi fare often seen in U.S. theatrical anime releases.