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Kadokawa Unveils Trailer and Theme Song for Uchu Nanchara Kotetsu-kun Film, Set for September 11 Release
Kadokawa Corporation dropped a fresh teaser on Monday, announcing that the long‑awaited theatrical adaptation of the web manga Uchū Nanchara Kotetsu‑kun will hit Japanese cinemas on September 11, 2026. The short trailer not only gives a glimpse of the film’s hybrid animation‑and‑real‑space style, but also spotlights the theme song, performed by singer‑actress Shōko Nakagawa.
Titled Uchū Nanchara Kotetsu‑kun: Ukkari Detekita Uchūjin o Sagase! (Space Academy: Find the Aliens Who Accidentally Came Out!), the story follows trainee space‑pilot Kotetsu as he discovers a possible alien presence and rallies the Animal Space Academy to investigate. The narrative unfolds through a mix of original anime sequences and authentic footage of space missions, a collaboration that incorporates material produced by JAXA. Every voice actor from the two‑season television series returns to lend their voices to the film.
Director Yoshinori Tsutsui will guide the project, while writer Yōichi Katō—who scripted the anime—provides the screenplay. The score is a joint effort by Kyō Nakanishi and Yuri Habuka, with Kōhei Chida credited as music producer. Kensuke Matsui handled sound design, and Bit Grooove Promotion produced the sound. Animation work is assisted by Fanworks, Science Art, Inc., and NHK Educational, while the Young Astronaut Club‑Japan supervises all space‑related content.
The original manga, launched by author Yūji Nishimura on August 6, 2019, has released a new chapter every other Monday for free on his website. It chronicles Kotetsu‑kun’s everyday life at the Animal Space Academy as he and his friends chase their astronaut dreams. The anime adaptation premiered on NHK Educational in April 2021, with a first season concluding in March 2022 and a second season running from April 2022 to February 2023. The film marks the franchise’s first foray into theatrical distribution.
Nakagawa’s theme song, “Uchū no Nanchara Nakama” (Space Friend), is highlighted in the trailer and will play over the opening credits. The singer‑actress, known for both her music and television presenting, has previously performed theme songs for other anime projects.
Kadokawa’s announcement comes with a full cast list and a synopsis that emphasizes the blend of animation and real space footage. The film’s release date aligns with the anniversary of the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, adding a commemorative layer to the project.
The production team stresses the educational aspect of the story, with NHK Educational and the Young Astronaut Club‑Japan ensuring scientific accuracy. The inclusion of authentic JAXA footage is intended to give viewers a realistic view of space exploration while preserving the series’ whimsical tone.
As of the announcement, the film is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on September 11, 2026. No additional dates for international screenings or home‑video releases have been disclosed, and Kadokawa has not announced any related merchandise or spin‑off projects.
The theatrical debut of Uchū Nanchara Kotetsu‑kun represents a notable expansion of a niche web‑manga property into mainstream cinema, marrying anime storytelling with real space imagery. The project showcases Kadokawa’s continued investment in cross‑media adaptations of its digital properties, and fans can look forward to the full cinematic experience on September 11, with further updates expected from Kadokawa and NHK in the coming months.
Titled Uchū Nanchara Kotetsu‑kun: Ukkari Detekita Uchūjin o Sagase! (Space Academy: Find the Aliens Who Accidentally Came Out!), the story follows trainee space‑pilot Kotetsu as he discovers a possible alien presence and rallies the Animal Space Academy to investigate. The narrative unfolds through a mix of original anime sequences and authentic footage of space missions, a collaboration that incorporates material produced by JAXA. Every voice actor from the two‑season television series returns to lend their voices to the film.
Director Yoshinori Tsutsui will guide the project, while writer Yōichi Katō—who scripted the anime—provides the screenplay. The score is a joint effort by Kyō Nakanishi and Yuri Habuka, with Kōhei Chida credited as music producer. Kensuke Matsui handled sound design, and Bit Grooove Promotion produced the sound. Animation work is assisted by Fanworks, Science Art, Inc., and NHK Educational, while the Young Astronaut Club‑Japan supervises all space‑related content.
The original manga, launched by author Yūji Nishimura on August 6, 2019, has released a new chapter every other Monday for free on his website. It chronicles Kotetsu‑kun’s everyday life at the Animal Space Academy as he and his friends chase their astronaut dreams. The anime adaptation premiered on NHK Educational in April 2021, with a first season concluding in March 2022 and a second season running from April 2022 to February 2023. The film marks the franchise’s first foray into theatrical distribution.
Nakagawa’s theme song, “Uchū no Nanchara Nakama” (Space Friend), is highlighted in the trailer and will play over the opening credits. The singer‑actress, known for both her music and television presenting, has previously performed theme songs for other anime projects.
Kadokawa’s announcement comes with a full cast list and a synopsis that emphasizes the blend of animation and real space footage. The film’s release date aligns with the anniversary of the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, adding a commemorative layer to the project.
The production team stresses the educational aspect of the story, with NHK Educational and the Young Astronaut Club‑Japan ensuring scientific accuracy. The inclusion of authentic JAXA footage is intended to give viewers a realistic view of space exploration while preserving the series’ whimsical tone.
As of the announcement, the film is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on September 11, 2026. No additional dates for international screenings or home‑video releases have been disclosed, and Kadokawa has not announced any related merchandise or spin‑off projects.
The theatrical debut of Uchū Nanchara Kotetsu‑kun represents a notable expansion of a niche web‑manga property into mainstream cinema, marrying anime storytelling with real space imagery. The project showcases Kadokawa’s continued investment in cross‑media adaptations of its digital properties, and fans can look forward to the full cinematic experience on September 11, with further updates expected from Kadokawa and NHK in the coming months.
