Two World War II-themed Anime scheduled for 2025 release to mark 80th anniversary of war
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in 2025, two poignant anime projects will premiere in Japan, each exploring personal and human stories from the war's devastating impact.
These works aim to honor the memory of those affected by the conflict by focusing on the experiences of individuals caught in wartime tragedies. The anime Cocoon: From the Girls of One Summer and the film Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise bring to life narratives of courage, endurance, and the harsh realities faced by civilians and soldiers alike during World War II. Both releases are timed to coincide with this significant historical milestone, offering thoughtful reflections through animation.
Anime set to premiere in 2025 to commemorate 80th anniversary for World War II
Cocoon: From the Girls of One Summer
Based on Machiko Kyō's manga Cocoon, this anime tells the story of teenage girls drafted as battlefield nurses during the closing months of World War II in Okinawa. The story centers on San and her classmates, who face the brutal realities of war while trying to maintain their humanity. Directed by Yukimitsu Ina (also known as Toko Ina) and featuring music by Kensuke Ushio (A Silent Voice, Chainsaw Man), the anime showcases animation produced by Hitomi Tateno, a veteran animator formerly with Studio Ghibli.
The anime had an early broadcast on NHK's BS channel on March 30, 2025, with a regular broadcast scheduled to begin on NHK General in August 2025. The main voice cast includes Hikari Mitsushima as Mayu and Marika Itō as San. Cocoon was originally serialized from May 2009 to July 2010 in Elegance Eve magazine and was praised for its sensitive portrayal of young girls caught in the horrors of war.
Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise
Scheduled for theatrical release on December 5, 2025, Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise is an anime film adaptation of Kazuyoshi Takeda's award-winning manga depicting the brutal Battle of Peleliu.
Directed by Goro Kuji in his directorial debut and co-written by Takeda and Junji Nishimura, the film is produced by Toei Animation in collaboration with Fugaku. The story highlights the endurance and suffering of Japanese soldiers during one of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific War, where only 34 of approximately 10,000 soldiers survived.
The film's harrowing tone is underscored by a trailer featuring the stark contrast between the island's serene environment and the chaos of war.
While the Japanese release date is confirmed, a US release date has yet to be announced.
Honoring history through animation
Both Cocoon and Peleliu: Guernica of Paradise serve as artistic tributes to the human dimension of World War II, focusing on personal stories rather than broad military narratives. By using animation to explore the emotional and psychological toll of war, these projects contribute to preserving historical memory and fostering reflection on the consequences of conflict. Their release in 2025 underscores the ongoing importance of remembering the sacrifices and struggles of those who lived through the war, ensuring that future generations understand its profound impact.
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