GKIDS Brings Ghibli-Tinged Wartime Anime 'Cocoon' to North American Theaters

GKIDS has acquired North American rights to Cocoon – One Summer of Girlhood, setting a September 4 theatrical rollout for the poignant anime in both subtitled and dubbed versions. The film, originally broadcast on NHK last year, will also receive its North American premiere at July’s JAPAN CUTS festival before wider release and home video availability.

Based on Machiko Kyo’s manga, the story follows two close friends at an all-girls school on a quiet southern island. As war closes in, the students are sent to nurse the wounded inside a concealed cave hospital. What begins as a summer of youth quickly turns into a test of endurance, loss, and the fragile bonds that keep hope alive amid escalating brutality.

This marks the feature directorial debut for Yukimitsu Ina, produced by the newly established Sasayuri studio founded by Studio Ghibli veteran Hitomi Tateno. Key animation comes from Ghibli alumni Akihiko Yamashita and Shinji Otsuka, with the screenplay co-written by Taku Kishimoto and a stirring score by Kensuke Ushio. The cast is led by Hikari Mitsushima and Marika Ito.

The licensing deal highlights growing appetite for artist-driven anime features outside Japan. With its emphasis on personal stories against the backdrop of conflict and its impressive creative pedigree, Cocoon – One Summer of Girlhood arrives as both a timely anti-war statement and a showcase for emerging and established animation talent.