Goro Taniguchi’s New Anime Film L’étoile de Paris en fleur, Premiering March 2026 with Katsuya Kondo’s First Collaboration

The original theatrical anime L’étoile de Paris en fleur (JP: パリに咲くエトワール) is set to premiere on March 13, 2026. Directed by ONE PIECE FILM RED’s Goro Taniguchi and featuring character design by Katsuya Kondo—renowned for his work on Studio Ghibli classics such as Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea and Kiki’s Delivery Service—this marks the first collaboration between the two creators. Rising actress Ami Toma will voice the protagonist Fujiko, a young girl aspiring to become a painter.

Set in the early 1900s, the story follows two Japanese girls who, despite living in difficult times, reach for their own “étoile” (star) without giving up. Fujiko dreams of becoming a painter, while Chizuru is captivated by ballet. The two meet by chance in Yokohama and reunite in Paris, drawn together by fate. In early 20th-century Paris, they strive to achieve their dreams.

Toma reflected on her role:
“Fujiko is completely different from my usual self, so I once again felt the difficulty of preparing for the role and performing as a voice actress. Still, I enjoyed it immensely. The image of a woman in the early 20th century defying the voices around her and the tides of society to travel alone to a foreign land in pursuit of her dream gave me courage to keep living freely. I believe audiences will feel the same inspiration.”

Director Taniguchi shared that his criteria for casting Fujiko included “purity, absence of scheming, authenticity, charm, and an underlying strength.” He added, “It was fortunate to meet Toma at this point in her career during the recording period.”

He also commented:
“This is a film we have steadily worked on, almost like an independent project, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Now it is finally ready to share with everyone. I am deeply grateful to Mr. Kondo, as well as all the staff and cast. I hope you enjoy it.”

The newly unveiled teaser visual depicts Fujiko, identifiable by her distinctive red ribbon, leaning out from a window with Paris in the background. The illustration captures her excitement as the story set in this city is about to begin.

Kondo recalled how his involvement began seven years ago when ARVO Animation producer Rajeev Karki visited his home in Nagano:
“It was our first meeting, and he asked me to design the characters for a film he was planning. I immediately and politely declined. But he didn’t give up, asking me to at least create some concept art. His passion convinced me to accept. That led not only to concept art, but also to working on the key animation. Seven years later, our film is finally set to release next March. Rajeev-san, everyone on the team—I wish you all success.”

Staff

Original Story: Goro Taniguchi, BNF, ARVO
Director: Goro Taniguchi
Screenplay: Reiko Yoshida
Character Draft: Katsuya Kondo
Character Design: Yu Yamashita
Research: Seiiichi Shirato
Art Director: Yuji Kaneko
Color Design: Akiko Shibata
Director of Photography: Tsunetaka Ema
Character Animation Director: Yuriko Chiba
3DCG Director: Hisaysu Kamiya
Editor: Kiyoshi Hirose
Prop Design: Tomomi Ozaki
Mechanical Design: Fumihiro Katagai
Sound Director: Kazuhiro Wakabayashi
Music: Takayuki Hattori
Animation Production: ARVO Animation
Production: L’étoile de Paris en fleur Production Committee
Distribution: Shochiku

Source : ORICON NEWS