The recently released trailer for “Maboroshi” (Alice and Therese’s Illusory Factory) provides a glimpse into the visually stunning world created by Mari Okada and MAPPA. A full trailer released Wednesday features the theme song titled “Shin-on” (Heartbeat) by the renowned singer-songwriter Miyuki Nakajima. This collaboration between Okada and Nakajima adds an extra layer of depth to the film, as Nakajima’s heartfelt lyrics perfectly complement the emotional journey of the characters.
The Story of “Maboroshi”
“Maboroshi” revolves around Masamune Kikuiri, a 14-year-old protagonist living in a town where time has come to a standstill due to a catastrophic explosion at a steelworks factory. The blast has sealed off all exits, leaving the residents trapped and forbidden from changing. They lead monotonous lives until Masamune’s enigmatic classmate, Atsumi Sagami, leads him to the fifth blast furnace of the factory. There, they encounter a mysterious girl who cannot speak. This chance meeting disrupts the delicate balance of their world and sets off a chain of events that may bring about its destruction.
The Cast of “Maboroshi”
The film boasts an impressive cast, with each member bringing their unique talents to breathe life into the characters. Here are the confirmed cast members and their respective roles:
- Masamune Kikuiri – To be announced
- Atsumi Sagami – To be announced
- Itsumi – To be announced
- Akimune Kikuiri (Masamune’s father) – Koji Seto
- Tokimune Kikuiri (Masamune’s uncle) – Kento Hayashi
Behind the Scenes: The Creative Team
Mari Okada, with her unparalleled storytelling skills, takes on the roles of both writer and director for “Maboroshi.” Her expertise in crafting intricate narratives ensures that the film will captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact. Additionally, Okada is credited with the original work of “Maboroshi,” showcasing her creative vision from its inception.
Assisting Okada in bringing her vision to life is a talented team of artists and animators. Tadashi Hiramatsu serves as the assistant director, while Yuriko Ishii ( Persona -trinity soul-) takes charge of character design and serves as the chief animation director. Kazuki Higashiji (Angel Beats!, Hanasaku Iroha – Blossoms for Tomorrow, The Piano Forest) lends his artistic talent as the art director, creating a visually stunning world for the characters to inhabit. The music for “Maboroshi” is composed by Masaru Yokoyama, known for his work on other notable anime such as “Her Blue Sky“ and “Horimiya.”
Release Date and Distribution
Fans eagerly awaiting “Maboroshi” will be pleased to know that the film is set to premiere on September 15. The distribution of the film is handled by Warner Bros., ensuring that it reaches a wide audience both domestically and internationally.
Miyuki Nakajima’s First Anime Theme Song
The collaboration between Mari Okada and Miyuki Nakajima marks a significant milestone for the singer-songwriter. “Maboroshi” is the first anime for which Nakajima has performed a theme song. While her songs have appeared in other anime soundtracks, this is her first time lending her voice to a theme song. Okada personally approached Nakajima for the project, and after reading the script, Nakajima was inspired to create a song specifically tailored to the film.
Source: Press release
“Maboroshi“ is set to premiere on September 15.
