Mamoru Hosoda's SCARLET - Production Notes and Image Gallery From Toho and Sony Pictures

Source: Toho Co., Ltd., Sony Pictures Entertainment
Official Sites: https://scarlet-movie.jp/ (Japan), https://scarlet.movie/ (United States)
Special Thanks to N. Mori

Toho Co., Ltd. and Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. have provided Japanese and English press materials for their upcoming release, SCARLET (果てしなきスカーレット, Hateshinaki Sukāretto), the long-awaited new film from director Mamoru Hosoda (MIRAI, BELLE, WOLF CHILDREN, SUMMER WARS), his first in four years, SCARLET (果てしなきスカーレット, Hateshinaki Sukāretto). Toho will distribute the film theatrically in Japan on Friday, November 21.Sony Pictures is handling international distribution, with the United States release scheuled for on Friday, December 12, 2025.

An overwhelmingly immersive storytelling experience—a new frontier in animated film.

Youth, family bonds, parental love, friendship transcending race, the cycle of life, the worlds of reality and fantasy... Nineteen years since the release of THE GIRL WHO LEAPT THROUGH TIME (時をかける少女, Toki o Kakeru Shōjo, 2006), animation director Mamoru Hosoda continues to captivate audiences not only in Japan but around the world with his diverse range of themes. In his latest film, SCARLET, both the story and visuals are unlike anything seen before.

SCARLET goes beyond the boundaries of “2D” and “3D,” significantly updating the expression of Japanese animation. As an entertainment production unlike anything seen before, elements such as a world of madness and thrilling battle action scenes are depicted with grandeur and vividness throughout the entire film. Furthermore, Jin Kim—who designed the lead character of Belle in Hosoda's previous film BELLE (竜とそばかすの姫, Ryū to Sobakasu no Hime, 2021) and worked on acclaimed Disney films such as FROZEN (2013)—has also joined the team for this project. Talent from Japan and around the world has come together for this film, further elevating a “world unlike any seen before.”

This winter, the world will be enveloped in endless tears of emotion.

■ Story

She died, she lived, and she knew love.

Scarlet, a princess of medieval Denmark, fails in her quest to avenge the murder of her father and awakens in “The Otherworld,” a desolate landscape under a sky that heaves and rolls like a vast, surging ocean—heave and roll. It is a world of madness where people strive solely for plunder and violence, and where the powerless and the wounded are consumed by the “Nothingness,” their very existence erased.

Upon learning that her enemy—her uncle Claudius, who killed her father and usurped the throne—also resides in this realm, Scarlet renews her vow of vengeance with fierce determination.

As she treks across The Otherworld, Scarlet encounters Hijiri, a young nurse from 2034 Japan. Though the pragmatic princess and the idealistic young man, brought together across time, are complete opposites in every way, clashing at every turn, find themselves traveling together. But as their journey unfolds, they overcome their differences and eventually develop trust and a tender affection for one another. As Hijiri tends to Scarlet's wounded body and treats everyone—friend or foe—with unwavering kindness, his warmth begins to thaw the ice that has long encased Scarlett’s heart.

Meanwhile, Claudius has discovered the "The Infinite Land”—a legendary paradise that every soul in The Otherworld dreams of reaching. He manipulates and dominates the populace, inciting them to help him seize this realm for himself. Furthermore, upon hearing that Scarlett is hunting him to exact her revenge, he dispatches assassins to ensure she is consumed by the Nothingness.

Battling against waves of attackers, Scarlett and Hijiri press onward, making their way toward the The Infinite Land” in their quest to find Claudius. And then, the moment of destiny arrives...

Will the princess ultimately be able to exact revenge on her father’s murderer?

Or will Hijiri be able to show her that she can break the cycle of hatred and find meaning in life beyond revenge?

■ Creator Profiles

▼Director, Screenplay, and Original Story: Mamoru Hosoda

Director Mamoru Hosoda. Photo courtesy of Toho Co.

Mamoru Hosoda was born in 1967 in Toyama Prefecture. He joined Toei Doga (now Toei Animation) in 1991. After working as an animator, he made his directorial debut with the theatrical feature DIGIMON ADVENTURE (デジモンアドベンチャー, Dejimon Adobenchā) in 1999. He subsequently became a freelance director, helming THE GIRL WHO LEAPT THROUGH TIME ((時をかける少女, Toki o Kakeru Shōjo, 2006) and SUMMER WARS (サマーウォーズ, Samā Wōzu, 2009), which garnered attention both domestically and internationally.

In 2011, he co-founded the animation film production company “Studio Chizu” with producer Yuichiro Saito. He served as director, screenwriter, and original creator for both WOLF CHILDREN (おおかみこどもの雨と雪, Ōkami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki, 2012) and THE BOY AND THE BEAST (バケモノの子, Bakemono no Ko, 2015). He was nominated for the Best Animated Feature Film award at the 91st Academy Awards for MIRAI (未来のミライ, Mirai no Mirai, 2018) for which he was the director and screenwriter, and also developed the original story. His 2021 movie BELLE set a new record for the highest box office gross of any film he has directed. It was selected for the Cannes Première section at the 74th Cannes International Film Festival.

Director Statement

“To be or not to be—that is the question.” The scenes of conflict and war unfolding across the globe today are as harrowing as “hell” itself. Faced with this tragedy, adults, young people, and children alike are unable to find hope or brightness in the future. In this uncertain world with no clear path ahead, how should we live?

Shakespeare’s Hamlet, a classic revenge tragedy, explored the question, “To be or not to be”— that is, what it means to live a life true to oneself. Even today, 400 years later, we are confronted with the same problem. In these uncertain times, where do our anguish, our conflicts, and our hopes lead us?

The film SCARLET is a story of a man and a woman traveling through the land of the dead who discover what it means to “live.” Depicting The Otherworld, is a poignant reflection of the harsh reality of life and, paradoxically, an attempt to affirm the living world.

To depict “death” is, in essence, to depict “life.”

I aim to create a robust, powerful film that asks the question: “For what purpose do people live?” Right now, I want to explore this vast theme of “living” together with the audience.

— Mamoru Hosoda

▼Scarlet Voice Actor: Mana Ashida

Mana Ashida. Photo courtesy of Toho Co.

Mana Ashida was born June 23, 2004 and is from Hyogo Prefecture. She has won numerous Best Newcomer awards, including the 65th TV Guide Drama Academy Award, for her role in the TV drama MOTHER (2010).

In 2011, she appeared in notable works such as the NHK Taiga drama GOU: THE WARRING STATES OF THE PRINCESSES (江〜姫たちの戦国〜, Gō: Hime-tachi no Sengoku) and the TV drama THE TRADITION OF MALMO (マルモのおきて, Marumo no Okite) In 2012, she became the youngest recipient in history to win the “54th Blue Ribbon Award for Best Newcomer” for her roles in BUNNY DROP (うさぎドロップ, Usagi Doroppu, 2011) and HANKYU RAILWAYS - A 15-MINUTE MIRACLE (阪急電車片道 1 5 分の奇跡, Hankyū Densha Katamichi 15-Fun-no Kiseki, 2011).

Her recent works include the TV drama THE GREATEST TEACHER (最高の教師 1年後、私は生徒に■ された, Saikō no Kyōshi: Ichinengo, Watashi wa Seito ni ■sareta, 2023) and SAYONARA MAESTRO (さよならマエストロ～父と私のアパッシオナート～ , Sayonara Maesutoro 〜 Chichi to Watashi no Appassionāto 〜, 2024), as well as the films BL METAMORPHOSIS (メタモルフォーゼの縁側, Metamorufōze no Engawa, 2022), CELLS AT WORK! (はたらく細胞, Hataraku Saibō, 2024), and NOT ME THAT WENT VIRAL (俺ではない炎上, Orede Wanai Enjō, 2025). For her role in CELLS AT WORK!, she won the “Best Supporting Actress Award” at the 48th Japan Academy Film Awards. She also played the young Mako Mori in Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ PACIFIC RIM (2013) and voiced Madison Russell in the Japanese dubs of GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS (2019) and GODZILLA VS. KONG (2021)

SCARLET is Ashida's first appearance in a film directed by Mamoru Hosoda.

▼Hijiri Voice Actor: Masaki Okada

Masaki Okada.

虎に翼Masaka Okada was born August 15, 1989 and is from Tokyo. He made his acting debut in 2006.

He has appeared in the films THE FOREIGN DUCK, THE NATIVE DUCK AND GOD IN A COIN LOCKER (アヒルと鴨のコインロッカー, Ahiru To Kamo No Koinrokkā, 2007) and A GENTLE BREEZE IN THE VILLAGE (天然コケッコー, Tennen Kokekko, 2007). In 2009, for his roles in films such as HONOKAA BOY (ホノカアボーイ, Honokaa Bōi), GRAVITY'S CLOWNS (重力ピエロ, Jūryoku Piero), and I GIVE MY FIRST LOVE TO YOU (僕の初恋をキミに捧ぐ, Boku no Hatsukoi O Kimi Ni Sasagu), he received numerous Best Newcomer awards—including the 52nd Blue Ribbon Awards' Best Newcomer Award. In 2010, he won the "Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role" award at the 34th Japan Academy Film Prize for his work in CONFESSIONS (告白, Kokuhaku) and VILLAIN (悪人, Akunin).

Recent major credits include TV dramas such as the NHK Asadora THE TIGER AND HER WINGS (虎に翼, Tora ni Tsubasa, 2024), THE TRAVEL NURSE (ザ・トラベルナース, Za Toraberu Nāsu, 2022–2024), and the Sunday Theater series MR. MIKAMI'S CLASSROOM (御上先生, Mikami Sensei, 2025), ; and films such as DRIVE MY CAR (ドライブ・マイ・カー, Doraibu Mai Kā, 2021), WE'RE MILLENNIALS GOT A PROBLEM?: INTERNATIONAL (ゆとりですがなにかインターナショナル, Yutori Desu ga Nani ka Intānashonaru, 2023), LAST MILE (ラストマイル, Rasuto Mairu, 2024), YASUKO, SONGS OF DAYS PAST (ゆきてかへらぬ, Yuki Teka Haeranu, 2025) and AFTER THE QUAKE (アフター・ザ・クエイク, Afutā Za Kueiku, 2025).

Additionally, he is awaiting the streaming premiere of A SHOP FOR KILLERS Season 2 (殺し屋たちの店, Koroshi-ya-tachi no Mise, 2026) —a Disney+ Original Drama produced in South Korea, marking his first appearance in a Korean production.

SCARLET is Okada's first appearance in a film directed by Mamoru Hosoda.

▼Claudius Voice Actor: Koji Yakusho

Koji Yakusho. Photo courtesy of Toho Co.

Koji Yakusho was born January 1, 1956 and is from Nagasaki Prefecture.

Yakusho has appeared in numerous acclaimed works, both domestically and internationally. He has won the Japan Academy Prize for Best Actor four times for his roles in the films SHALL WE DANCE? (Shall We ダンス?, Sharu Wī Dansu?, 1996), THE EEL (うなぎ, Unagi, 1997), LOST PARADISE (失楽園, Shitsurakuen, 1997), and THE BLOOD OF WOLVES (狼の血, Korō no Chi, 2018). He made his Hollywood debut in 2005 with MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA (released as SAYURI in Japan) and appeared in BABEL in 2006. In 2021, he won the Best Performance Award at the Chicago International Film Festival for his role in the film UNDER THE OPEN SKY (すばらしき世界, Subarashiki Sekai). In 2023, he starred in Wim Wenders' PERFECT DAYS, for which he received the Best Actor Award at the 76th Cannes Film Festival and his fifth Japan Academy Prize for Best Actor at the 47th awards ceremony.

Recent works include the TV dramas VIVANT (ヴィヴァン, Vu~ivu~an, 2023) and THE DAYS (2023), as well as the films FATHER OF THE MILKY WAY RAILROAD (銀河鉄道の父 , Ging Tetsudō no Chichi, 2023), TOTTO-CHAN: THE LITTLE GIRL AT THE WINDOW (窓ぎわのトットちゃん , Madogiwa no Totto-chan, 2023), and HAKKENDEN: FICTION AND REALITY (八犬伝, Hakkenden, 2024). His latest project is a starring role in the Netflix series DID SOMEONE HAPPEN TO MENTION ME?, scheduled for global release in 2026.

He has done voice work for Mamoru Hosoda's THE BOY AND THE BEAST (Role: Kumatetsu, MIRAI (Role: Grandpa) and BELLE (Role: Suzu's Father).

■ Details

Release Dates: Friday, November 21, 2025 (Japan), Friday, December 12, 2025 (US)
Running Time: 111 Minutes

Japanese Voice Cast
Scarlet: Mana Ashida
Hijiri: Masaki Okada
Polonius: Kazuhiro Yamaji
Laertes: Tokio Emoto
Rosencrantz: Munetaka Aoki
Guildenstern: Shota Sometani
Girl: Noa Shirayama
Old Woman: Kayoko Shiraishi
Gravedigger: Mamoru Miyano
Gravedigger: Kenjiro Tsuda
Voltemand: Kotaro Yoshida
Gertrude: Yuki Saito
Cornelius: Yutaka Matsushige
Amlet: Masachika Ichimura
Claudius: Koji Yakusho

English Voice Cast
Scarlet: Erin Yvette
Hijiri: Chris Hackney, Aaron Encinas
Polonius: Jason Marnocha
Laertes: Yuri Lowenthal
Rosencrantz: Ian Cardoni
Guildenstern: Michael Yurchak
Girl: Aaliyah Sun Huang
Old Woman: Juanita Jennings
Voltemand: Jamieson K. Price
Gertrude: Michelle Wong
Cornelius: Fred Tatasciore
Amlet: Fred Tatasciore
Claudius: David Kaye

Staff
Director, Screenplay, and Original Story: Mamoru Hosoda
Executive Producer: Nobuyuki Iinuma
Producers: Yuichiro Saito, Toshimi Tanio, Nozomu Takahashi
Production Supervisors: Shinji Enari, Taijo Kudo, Taichi Ueda, Yukiko Koike
Animation Director: Takaaki Yamashita
Character Design: Jin Kim, Tadahiro Uesugi
CG Producer: Yusaku Toyoshima
CG Production: Digital Frontier
CG Directors: Ryo Horibe, Yohei Shimozawa, Yasushi Kawamura
Art Directors: Nobutaka Ike, Kinichi Okubo, Kaoru Takino
Color Design: Osamu Mikasa
Director of Photography: Akiko Saito
Editor: Shigeru Nishiyama
Music: Taisei Iwasaki
Production Design: Asato Kamiji
Costumes: Daisuke Iga
Re-recording Mixer: Hiroaki Sato (molmol)
Sound Effects: Kosuke Kobayashi
Music Supervisor: Takayuki Chiyo
Casting Directors: Satoshi Masuda, Eisuke Imanishi

Planning and Production: Studio Chizu
Production: Studio Chizu LLP, Nippon Television Network Corporation, and Sony Pictures Entertainment
Promotion Partners: Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation, Dentsu, Hakuhodo, JR East Planning, Lawson, The Yomiuri Shimbun, Movic
Distribution: Toho Co., Ltd. (Japan), Sony Pictures Entertainment (International)

● Official Website: https://x.com/studio_chizu
● Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio_chizu/
● Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studiochizu
● Official TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@studio_chizu_scarlet

About Toho Co. Ltd.

Toho Company provides high-quality entertainment to a wide range of customers through its film production, distribution, and exhibition business, which is solidly supported by its real estate business including the Shinjuku Toho Building and Hibiya Chante, animation production, DVD software production and sales, and TOHO Cinemas' efforts to expand its network of multiplex cinemas. Among these, "Godzilla," which has been around since 1954, is Toho's flagship IP that has many fans around the world and has been loved for many years.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Group Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. Sony Pictures Television operates dozens of wholly-owned or joint-venture production companies around the world. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, Sony Pictures International Productions, and Sony Pictures Classics.

About Studo Chizu

Founded in April 2011 by director Mamoru Hosoda and producer Yuichiro Saito as a base for new film production. Studio Chizu is a studio that plans and produces animated films, and the studio name embodies the spirit of film production: "Challenging new motifs, themes, and expressions to create a new map on the land of animated films, where possibilities are still limitless." www.studiochizu.com.