Director Shingo Natsume and MADHOUSE Team Up for New Original Anime Movie "ghost," Set for 2027 Release

Director Shingo Natsume’s first original feature-length anime movie, tentatively titled "Ghost," has been officially announced in collaboration with MADHOUSE. Set for a 2027 release, the film will feature animation by MADHOUSE, original character designs by Natsume Ono, and character design by Norifumi Kugai.

This project marks a significant milestone in Natsume’s career, following his celebrated work on series like One-Punch Man, ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept., and The Tatami Time Machine Blues. His original TV anime Sonny Boy, known for its distinctive style, gained recognition and was nominated in the TV category at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

"Ghost" will delve into the theme of a “ghost” within everyone’s heart—a hidden but real emotion that’s hard to articulate. The story follows Nike, a solitary and courageous girl who stands against the absurdities of the world to protect the night sky. It aims to poetically capture her emotional journey as she begins to connect with others.

Shingo Natsume teams up with MADHOUSE for the original anime movie "ghost," and a teaser visual has been revealed. Natsume shared, "With animation, a form of fiction, I want to create something that captures the essence of our time and strives for realism."

The teaser visual features Nike holding a glass sword and will be showcased at MIFA (Marché international du film d’animation), the industry event accompanying the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025 in France. Starting June 10, posters and a pitch session for "ghost" will also be presented at the event.

Main Staff for the Shingo Natsume x MADHOUSE Original Anime Movie ghost

• Director: Shingo Natsume

• Original Character Design: Natsume Ono

• Character Design: Norifumi Kugai

• Animation Production: Madhouse

Additional information about the project is anticipated to be shared in the next few months.