The vibrant world of the Tsukiuta. Franchise is set to enchant its audience once more with the announcement of Rabbits Kingdom the Movie. Confirmed through the franchise’s official Twitter account, the anime film is slated to premiere across Japan on the 14th of June, joining the realm of hotly anticipated summer releases.
New Stars Join the Cast
Introducing a fresh array of voices, the film boasts an impressive cast, including:
- Shintarō Asanuma lending his voice to the role of Lapin, the illustrious minister serving the Black Rabbit Kingdom.
- Kaoru Marimura, voicing Kalavinka, the regal Queen governing the Bird Tribe.
- Tatsuhisa Suzuki, taking on the mantle of Rōen, the mighty King presiding over the Wolf Tribe.
- Shinnosuke Musashi bringing life to Mousse, the sovereign King of the Mouse Kingdom.
Although fans initially anticipated a December 2023 release, the production faced delays due to unforeseen challenges, pushing the launch to early summer 2024. The creative team is helmed by the visionary director Masayoshi Ozaki, with scriptwriter Ryūichirō Itsumi weaving the narrative. Akiko Nakano drafts the storyboards, while Taeko Satō leads as the chief animation director. Minoru Akiba serves as the art director, with Jiku providing the original character designs, and Studio Sign animating the feature film.
A Decade of Tsukiuta. Celebrations
Rabbits Kingdom the Movie marks a significant milestone as the first endeavor in the 10th-anniversary celebrations of the Tsukiuta. franchise. This compelling film adaptation is based on the fifth stage production and delves into an imaginative “what-if” scenario set in a mystical “country somewhere.”
The Evolution of the Tsukiuta. Universe
Originating from a dynamic mix of music and original drama CDs, Tsukiuta. THE ANIMATION features anthropomorphized months and focuses on two idol groups. Six Gravity mirrors the months of December to May and hails from Tokyo, while their counterpart unit, Procellarum, represents the period from June to November, consisting of idols from Western Japan.
The first television season of Tsukiuta. THE ANIMATION launched in July 2016, receiving international attention as Funimation streamed the episodes in tandem with their Japanese release, later distributing it on Blu-ray Disc in September 2017.
The eagerly awaited sequel, Tsukiuta. THE ANIMATION 2, premiered in October 2020, following a series of delays from its initial 2019 schedule. These setbacks failed to diminish fan enthusiasm, with Funimation once again providing simulcast services as new episodes aired in Japan.
The anime is but a facet of the expansive Tsukino Talent Production (TsukiPro) franchise, which continues to grow and captivate audiences worldwide with its unique blend of drama and melody.
Sources: Tsukiuta’s Rabbits Kingdom the Movie’s website and Twitter account (link 2), Comic Natalie
Final Thoughts
As Rabbits Kingdom the Movie readies for its grand entrance, the anticipation within the Tsukiuta. community is palpable. This latest installment promises not only to honor the ten-year legacy of the franchise but to expand its horizons with thrilling new storylines, characters, and musical adventures. With a star-studded cast and an experienced production team, audiences are sure to be treated to an enchanting experience that resonates with the heart and soul of the beloved series.
