Macross Creator Shoji Kawamori Unveils First Original Film LABYRINTH

Shoji Kawamori, the visionary creator behind the iconic Macross franchise and the Aquarion series, is set to unveil his first original theatrical feature film LABYRINTH on January 1, 2026 in theaters across Japan. After decades of defining mecha anime and science fiction storytelling, Kawamori brings his distinctive creative vision to an entirely new project that marks a significant milestone in his celebrated career.

The highly anticipated film represents Kawamori's first foray into original theatrical animation, combining his signature elements of music and science fiction with the relatable anxieties of modern smartphone culture. Known for revolutionizing anime with transforming mecha and unforgettable music in Macross, Kawamori now crafts an emotional coming-of-age escape drama set in a surreal digital wonderland that speaks directly to contemporary audiences.

The story centers on Shiori Maezawa, an ordinary high school girl yearning for viral fame on social media. When a crack forms on her smartphone, her digital counterpart SHIORI emerges into the real world and replaces her, while Shiori finds herself trapped inside the smartphone's digital realm. Powerless to intervene, she watches helplessly as her counterfeit self rises to stardom as a pop icon and influencer. With help from Komori, a mysterious rabbit-man stamp character, Shiori must navigate an eerie cyber labyrinth to reclaim her reality.

SUZUKA, main vocalist of the globally popular dance and vocal group Atarashii Gakko! (New School Leaders), makes her voice acting debut in the demanding dual role of both Shiori and her digital doppelganger SHIORI. Veteran actor and comedian Taizo Harada, known for his extensive work in theatrical films and television dramas, brings depth to Komori, the enigmatic rabbit guide who becomes Shiori's ally in the digital world.

The supporting cast features rising young talents Ao Ito as Kisei, Shiori's childhood friend, and Jun Saito as Yamada, a classmate harboring feelings for Shiori. Takuto Teranishi, who joined the entertainment group timelesz through their 2025 audition project and has extensive stage and musical theater experience, makes his voice acting debut as Kake Suguru, a young genius entrepreneur researching direct brain-to-smartphone connections.

Newly released scene photos offer glimpses into Kawamori's latest creative world. Shiori desperately runs through otherworldly digital landscapes while being pursued, confronting unknown threats alongside the rabbit stamp Komori. Meanwhile, her doppelganger SHIORI wreaks havoc in the real world, preparing something ominous with Kake in a hotel room against a backdrop of a brightly lit Ferris wheel, and appearing triumphant before multiple screens. Other images reveal Kake's confident smirk, Kisei's cheerful smile in a thumbs-up pose, and Yamada desperately calling someone. The identity of two robots battling amid shattered smartphones scattered across Yokohama remains a tantalizing mystery.

LABYRINTH is produced by SANZIGEN with character design by Risa Ebata and screenplay by Taichi Hashimoto. The film marks another chapter in Kawamori's illustrious career, which recently included his role as theme event producer for the Osaka-Kansai Expo. The project had its world premiere at the 2025 Tokyo International Film Festival's animation section and was also selected for the 2025 Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia's Anima't program.

LABYRINTH opens January 1, 2026 at TOHO Cinemas Hibiya and theaters nationwide across Japan, offering fans of Kawamori's groundbreaking work a fresh and original vision from one of anime's most innovative creators.