“Announces a distinctive new voice in Japanese anime”
Wendy Ide, Screen Daily

“Utterly Charming, Chaotic, And Often Hilarious”
Screen Anarchy

“Human-Mermaid Love Story Is a Lush Wonder”
The Wrap

You’re invited to the wackiest wedding of the year! From the celebrated Studio 4°C (MIND GAME, ALL YOU NEED IS KILL), Anime Limited are delighted to share the eclectic happiness of the romantic comedy ChaO, releasing exclusively in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Friday 4th December.

Winner of the Jury Award at the 2025 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, ChaO is the story of an unlikely couple - Stephan is a hard-working but underappreciated engineer, and Chao is a mermaid princess who is more fish than woman. When they inexplicably end up betrothed, the two must work together to not only ensure their happiness, but the future of human-merfolk relations.

Directed by Yasuhiro Aoki (who was recently tapped to helm DC Studios’ upcoming Joker: Laugh Riot), ChaO is “a joyous story of love, loss and comedic adventure” (ScreenAnarchy) that embodies Studio 4°C’s award-winning dedication to distinctive and cutting edge visuals, which Slant calls “a boisterous celebration of the flatness and fluidity of traditional hand-drawn animation”, with Variety applauding “sequences that dazzle for the kinetic vibrancy of animation”. If you want to experience new and creative films, then you won’t want to miss ChaO exclusively in cinemas this December.

Synopsis:
In a fantastical future, humans and mermaids share a troubled coexistence. Stephan, an anxious employee at a shipbuilding company, has big ideas to save the sea. But his life explodes into ecstatic chaos when bubbly mermaid princess Chao proposes marriage out of the blue. Between shopping sprees, giant robots, and actual fireworks, the unlikely pair flounder through their new romance and unlock their true feelings.

Crafted over 7 years by the acclaimed STUDIO 4°C and veteran animator Yasuhiro Aoki, ChaO is an inventive and genre-defying delight bursting with color and character. Equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking, ChaO’s singular narrative is an ode to boundless love.

ChaO releases in cinemas in Japanese with English subtitles from Friday 4th December.

For further information, please contact Fetch Publicity | Josh Stevens | josh@fetch.fm
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About Anime Limited:
Founded in 2012, Glasgow-based Anime Limited is a subsidiary of TOHO GLOBAL and represents Japanese animation interests in the UK, France, and beyond. With a thoughtfully curated lineup of films, series, and soundtracks, Anime Limited has earned its title of Europe’s favourite anime distributor. Whether through fan-centric cinema runs, beautifully packaged collector’s editions, or sharing the best of anime music on vinyl, We offer bespoke experiences for all fans for titles such as Attack on Titan, BELLE, Cowboy Bebop, JUJUTSU KAISEN, Neon Genesis Evangelion, One Piece Film: RED, Spy x Family CODE: White, Your Name, and Weathering with You.