French animation powerhouse Miyu Productions has teamed with Tokyo-based upstart Nothing New to co-produce “We Are Aliens,” a coming-of-age tale now in development, and slated for completion by March 2026.
The project marks the first animated feature from 28-year-old director Kohei Kadowaki, best known for his visually striking music videos for chart-topping acts like Yoasobi and for his experimental blend of live-action and animation.
“We Are Aliens” tells the story of two boys, Tsubasa and Gyotaro. Tsubasa is quiet and serious, while Gyotaro is a cheerful genius. As kids, they were close friends, but jealousy and misunderstandings drove them apart. Years later, their lives have gone in different directions—but when memories from the past come back, both must face what happened between them.
“This film turns the spotlight on the half of adolescence anime rarely touches,” says director Kohei Kadowaki, promising a bittersweet film redolent in both pain and joy. “Through children’s quarrels and first loves—small events in a small place—the film poses universal questions: What does it mean to grow old? What is happiness? By affirming the Tsubasa and Gyotaro that dwell in every heart, it aims to become a story cherished across time and borders.”
‘We Are Aliens’
“We are constantly seeking bold, singular voices in animation,” add Miyu producers Emmanuel-Alain Raynal and Pierre Baussaron. “From the moment we saw the first images of ‘We Are Aliens,’ we were convinced of the strength of the project—and that we were witnessing the emergence of a major new voice in global animation.”
Miyu Productions previously collaborated with Tokyo-based Shin-Ei Animation on “Ghost Cat Anzu,” which premiered out of Directors’ Fortnight at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Miyu’s new partnership with Nothing New was born of that same trip down the Croisette, where the two companies connected over a shared commitment to ambitious, director-driven animation.
“We met our like-minded partners during the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and have since held detailed discussions,” says Nothing New producer Kentaro Hayashi. “It is an honor to announce our collaboration at this juncture, and we will continue working together to deliver this film to the widest possible audience. [Director] Kohei combines breathtaking visuals with delicate storytelling. With his distinctive style—unlike anything in Japanese animation to date—we intend to set a new benchmark for coming-of-age cinema.”
‘We Are Aliens’
