Anime Meets Real Space Footage
The film's full title is Eiga Uchū Nanchara Kotetsu-kun: Ukkari Detekita Uchūjin o Sagase! (roughly, "Find the Alien That Accidentally Showed Up!"), and its hook is an unusual format for anime movies. Rather than producing an entirely new animated feature, the film weaves re-edited footage from the TV series together with live-action space imagery sourced from NHK's science programming and footage recorded by JAXA, Japan's space agency.
The producers describe it as a family-oriented space film that blurs the line between fiction and reality. The story follows Kotetsu, a first-year Pilot course student at the Animal Country Space Academy, who hears a rumor that aliens have been spotted nearby. He and his classmates split up to investigate, and their search takes them through topics like UFOs, lunar exploration, Martian mysteries, and black holes. Anime Anime reported that the deeper they dig, the more they realize how much they still don't know about space.
For context, the original Uchū Nanchara Kotetsu-kun TV anime aired on NHK E-Tele from April 2021 to March 2024. Based on creator Nishimura Yūji's (にしむらゆうじ) web manga, the series stars Kotetsu, an animal character who dreams of becoming an astronaut, alongside his academy friends. The show built a following among young viewers for blending laid-back comedy with genuine space science education.
Nishimura commented on the film announcement, saying he created the original manga hoping kids would find space even a little bit interesting. "Space is full of mysteries. Did you know that space is about minus 270 degrees Celsius, but because there's no air, you wouldn't actually feel cold? Isn't that strange?" He added that he hopes the movie becomes a gateway for someone to start learning about space.
The Returning Voice Cast
The entire main cast from the TV anime returns for the film. Natsumi Fujiwara (藤原夏海), known to international fans as the voice of Damian Desmond in Spy x Family, reprises her role as Kotetsu. Junya Enoki (榎木淳弥), the voice of Yuji Itadori in Jujutsu Kaisen, is back as the studious top-of-the-class Nico. Ayana Taketatsu (竹達彩奈), who voiced Azusa Nakano in K-On!, returns as the curious Hikaru.
Masashi Tamaki (玉木雅士) reprises Roo, and Akane Yamaguchi (山口茜) returns as the energetic Otama. Live-action actor Muro Tsuyoshi (ムロツヨシ) continues as narrator and the voice of DAXA-kun, the show's mascot character (whose name playfully riffs on Japan's real space agency, JAXA). Kappei Yamaguchi (山口勝平) returns as Kotetsu's grandfather, and Yutaka Aoyama (青山穣) voices the pun-loving Principal.
Several cast members shared their excitement. Fujiwara called it a joy that fans can see a new Kotetsu story years after the TV anime ended. Enoki said he's happy to play Nico again and that the movie will teach viewers more about space. Taketatsu noted the film retains the charm of the original series while being accessible to both kids and adults.
Looking Ahead
The film opens in Japanese theaters on September 11, 2026. Online advance tickets (Mubichike) are already on sale, with buyers receiving a digital card and smartphone wallpaper featuring the characters. Adult tickets are priced at 1,400 yen, with children's and senior tickets at 900 yen.
A teaser trailer has been released, showcasing the blend of animated sequences and dramatic real-life space footage. The Kotetsu character has also been named a Space Support Ambassador for Minamitagane Town in Kagoshima Prefecture, home to JAXA's Tanegashima Space Center. This marks the fifth municipality to partner with the character for space outreach, following Kimotsuki Town, Taiki Town in Hokkaido, Nachikatsuura Town in Wakayama, and Kanagawa Prefecture.
No international streaming or theatrical partner has been announced for the film. The TV anime was available on domestic Japanese platforms including Amazon Prime Video Japan and Bandai Channel, but had limited international distribution.