'Ghost Cat Anzu' Captures Global Stage

TOKYO, May 08 (News On Japan) - The upcoming film "Ghost Cat Anzu" has been selected to be showcased at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2024, the oldest and largest animation film festival in the world.

Set in a quaint Japanese village, the story unfolds as Anzu, once a beloved pet, returns to the mortal world as a ghost following her untimely death. Struggling to remember her past life, Anzu's ghostly form grants her the unique power to transform into humans she once knew, albeit with some feline features retained.

The plot thickens when Anzu discovers that her owner, a young girl named Hana, is facing threats from a development company eager to raze the village for commercial gain. Determined to save her owner and her former home, Anzu uses her shape-shifting abilities to become a guardian spirit. She endeavors to unravel the truth about her own death and the secretive motives behind the village's impending destruction.

The film employs a technique known as rotoscoping, where the actual performances and expressions of the cast are animated, creating an unprecedented level of realism in its portrayal.

Additionally, new cast members have been announced, including Muneo Aoki (44) and Miwako Ichikawa (48). The theme song, "Matatabi," will be performed by Chiai Sato.

"Ghost Cat Anzu" is set to be released on Friday, July 19.

Source: ANN

Japanese Woman Witnesses Crisis in Gaza

A Japanese woman working with Doctors Without Borders has delivered a harrowing account from Gaza, where severe food shortages and relentless Israeli airstrikes have pushed local hospitals and residents to the brink of collapse.

Hakodate Fishermen Brace for Another Poor Squid Season

The squid fishing season officially opened on June 1st in Hakodate, where 11 boats set out from the port despite recent years of severely depleted catches and early reports from Aomori, which began fishing in May, already indicating another poor haul.

Japan’s Healthcare in Crisis, Doctors Overworked as Research Time Dwindles

Amid mounting financial strain and work reform policies, Japan’s university hospitals are struggling to maintain the quality of their medical research, threatening the future of healthcare in the country. A recent survey of approximately 3,000 physicians working in university hospitals revealed that 60% spend less than five hours a week on research, with 22% reporting zero research time. The main reason: they are simply too busy with clinical duties to conduct research.

Former Princess Mako Komuro Has First Child in U.S.

Mako Komuro, the eldest daughter of the Akishino family and now living in the United States, has given birth to her first child, the Imperial Household Agency announced on May 30th. The agency stated that the birth was disclosed during a press conference after some media reports surfaced, despite their intention to allow Komuro to live in a quiet environment following her departure from the Imperial family.

Akie Abe Moved to Tears During Kremlin Visit with Putin

Akie Abe, widow of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, visited the Kremlin on May 29th and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the meeting, Akie was seen tearfully listening to Putin’s words, reflecting the emotional nature of their exchange. Following the conversation, she was invited to ride in Putin’s official limousine to the Bolshoi Theatre, where the two attended a ballet performance together.

MEDIA CHANNELS