Sgt. Frog Returns to Theaters After 16 Years with New Anime Film

The iconic comedy franchise known as Sgt. Frog or Keroro Gunsou is finally returning to Japanese cinemas after a 16-year gap. Titled Shin Gekijōban ☆ Keroro Gunsō Fukkatsu Shite Sokkō Chikyū Metsubō no Kiki de Arimasu!, the new anime feature celebrates the 20th anniversary of the TV series and opens nationwide on June 26. Produced by Bandai Namco Pictures, it promises the platoon’s signature slapstick and absurdity at a grander theatrical scale.

In the story, the usually idle Keroro Platoon’s lazy days on Earth are shattered when mysterious yokai suddenly overrun Shibuya. Strange phenomena erupt across Japan, drawing in a shady “genius inventor” and two new Keronian siblings, Aruru and Deruru. The platoon must rise to face what the production calls its strongest enemy yet, blending high-stakes action with the classic gag-heavy invasion comedy fans love.

Yūichi Fukuda, celebrated for the Gintama films, wrote the script and serves as supervising director. Fumitoshi Oizaki directs, with Satoshi Koike on character design and chief animation direction. Music is a highlight: ano performs the theme “Kashippanashi Destiny,” while ano and Soshina deliver a new version of the legendary “Mata Kaettekita Kero! to March” as the opening.

Promotion is in full swing right now. A collaboration music video for ano’s theme song, mixing original footage with the film’s visuals, recently launched to strong fan response. The official account has been spotlighting the track on television and sharing tie-in merchandise featuring the main visual of the suited-up platoon on a cosmic red carpet. Returning voice cast members including Kumiko Watanabe as Keroro and Etsuko Kozakura as Tamama are joined by Jesse of SixTONES voicing the new brothers, adding fresh star power to the revival.

With tickets already generating buzz and the release just days away, this marks one of the biggest anime film events of the summer for longtime fans and a new generation discovering the series.