Animated Film 'Nihonjin,' Depicting the Story of Japanese Immigrants, to Be Released in Japan on August 7, 2026

We are pleased to inform you that the animated film 'Nihonjin,' directed by Célia Catunda and based on Oscar Nakazato's Jabuti Prize-winning novel 'Nihonjin,' will be released in theaters on Friday, August 7th! Introduction to 'Nihonjin': A new masterpiece has emerged from the tradition of Brazilian cinema, which has sublimated social themes into entertainment with intense realism. Oscar Nakazato's novel 'Nihonjin' (Suiseisha), which won the Jabuti Prize, the highest authority in the Brazilian publishing world, in 2012, has been long-awaitedly adapted into a film by Brazil's leading animation studio, PINGUIM CONTENT. The film's visuals are inspired by the world created by contemporary artist Oscar Oiwa, who continues to express panoramic and allegorical perspectives with a detailed touch. The animated film has been supported by all generations and became a long-running hit after its theatrical release in Brazil on October 16, 2025. Coinciding with the 130th anniversary of Japan-Brazil friendship in 2025, numerous public and private events were held, including President Lula's visit to Japan and the visit of the Imperial Family to Brazil. This summer, as further deepening of Japan-Brazil relations is anticipated, the animated film 'Nihonjin' will make its triumphant return to its ancestral home on the other side of the globe. Experience the story of the 'Nihonjin' that we 'Nipponjin' (Japanese people) do not know in theaters! 'Nihonjin' Film Title Logo - A story of family, memory, and identity - This work touches the hearts of not only Japanese and Japanese-Brazilians but also all people interested in the history and culture of humanity. We have received warm messages from professionals who are well-versed in both countries. Lisa Ono (Bossa Nova Singer): The film 'Nihonjin' deeply moved me as it depicts the history and emotional struggles of immigrants who moved from Japan to Brazil. The hardships and pride of the immigrants are carefully expressed as I learned about my grandfather's roots. Behind the 130 years of friendship between Japan and Brazil was the strong will of people who crossed the sea seeking a better life. However, life there was not easy; it pained my heart to see them face harsh labor and discrimination in difficult times. Yet, they persevered, acquired their own land, grew new crops, and gradually built their lives. I was born and raised in Brazil but did not experience such harsh times. Still, I can imagine the difficulty of living in a foreign country, and my parents also went through hardships. What particularly struck me in this film was how the immigrants carefully preserved Japanese culture and spirit. I felt they had more pride in being Japanese than people living in Japan. I was strongly moved by my grandfather's pride and respect for being Japanese. This work conveys the important message that leaving one's country can deepen the love for one's roots. It is a warm and powerful story that gently tells a tale, providing an opportunity for the new generation to reflect on their origins. I hope many people will see the dignified figures of the Japanese who have lived their lives. Sergio Echigo (Soccer Commentator): This is a work that will surely remain in the hearts of parents with children. After watching it, it will be a catalyst for parents and children to talk about their family. Kazufumi Miyazawa (Singer-songwriter): In their journey of over 100 years, crawling on their hands and knees after leaving Japan, there is a signpost that we who live in Japan should learn from now. 'Nihonjin' Story: Noboru, a 10-year-old third-generation Japanese-Brazilian immigrant, is given a school assignment to research his cultural identity. To find the answer, he visits his grandfather, Hideo. The taciturn Hideo has avoided confronting his past but begins to tell his story to Noboru. As Noboru delves into his family's history, he learns about his uncle Haruo, whom he has never met. Film Stills from 'Nihonjin'. Director Catunda's Comments: From the moment I read the original novel, I was deeply impressed by the emotional expression of the characters and the story. I thought animation was the best medium to tell the story woven by Hideo's memories and Noboru's imagination. I was also strongly shocked by how the deep cultural differences between Japan and Brazil widened the generation gap between Noboru and his grandfather. As someone born in São Paulo, some of my close friends at school were Japanese-Brazilians, just like Noboru. I was fascinated by the various differences between Japanese-Brazilians and non-Japanese Brazilians, not only in family customs and food but also in religion, traditions, pictures on the walls, music, and strong respect for elders. Through these events, we began to think about how we define our own identity. By the place of birth? By the place where our family was born? The conflict between Noboru and Hideo highlights these questions. Film Stills from 'Nihonjin'. Cast & Staff: The voice of the first-generation immigrant Hideo is Ken Kaneko, himself a first-generation Japanese immigrant from Yokohama. He moved to Brazil in the 1960s, worked as a painter, participated in the Bienal de Arte and other exhibitions, and later acquired Brazilian citizenship. In this film, he embodies the Yamato spirit with a broken Portuguese reminiscent of Mr. Miyagi from 'The Best Kid'. Pietro Takeda plays the grandson Noboru, who has a lively exchange with his grandfather Hideo. The 2014-born Paulistano (a native of São Paulo), at the age of 11, boasts a voice acting career spanning several years. After participating in the dubbing of 'Thomas & Friends,' he admirably and lovably plays a difficult role in this film. The music by São Paulo's genius, André Abujamra, inspired by Oscar Oiwa's visual world, adds depth to the impressionistic landscapes of past and present São Paulo state, from the fazendas (vast coffee plantations) to Liberdade (the Oriental district). The ending theme that plays during the film's closing is superb, shaking our five senses and leaving us with a pleasant sense of emotion at the end. Furthermore, the teaser trailer and Japanese poster visual have also been released! The teaser starts with an immigrant ship sailing on the high seas, showing Hideo starting to talk about his life at home, with his grandson Noboru listening intently. Hideo arrived in Brazil in the 1920s after a two-month journey and spent his days struggling in an unfamiliar coffee plantation. Moving back and forth between modern and past scenes, Hideo is inspired by Noboru's goal and hugs his grandson. The story of family, memory, identity, and community of the 'Nihonjin' that we 'Nipponjin' do not know is revealed. 'Nihonjin' Teaser Trailer. The Japanese poster visual is a collage of a fazenda in São Paulo state, called Ouro Verde (golden green), symbolizing the past, and a scene like a parent-teacher meeting at an elementary school in a modern urban area, symbolizing the present. The Brazilian flag, an overseas emigration encouragement poster, and the Japanese flag lined up in the center pique interest in the film. The catchphrase in Portuguese and Japanese, 'Aqui plantei meu coração. (I planted my heart here),' symbolizes the spirit of the first-generation Japanese immigrants like Hideo and is also an impressive phrase that can resonate with the more than 200,000 Brazilians who have their life base in modern Japan. 'Nihonjin' Poster. We kindly ask for your consideration in featuring this information. - Japanese Poster, Teaser Trailer (1 min 6 sec), Stills, Title Logo: [Google Drive Link] - Teaser YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/mBMzIvbRiuc. Director: Célia Catunda; Script: Rita Catunda; Voice Cast: Ken Kaneko, Pietro Takeda; Original Work: Oscar Nakazato 'Nihonjin'; Art Concept: Oscar Oiwa. 2025 / Brazil / Portuguese, Japanese / Color / 4K / 5.1ch / 84 min / English Title: 'My Grandfather Is a Nihonjin' © 2025 Pinguim Content. All Rights Reserved. Supported by: Embassy of Brazil in Japan, Guimarães Rosa Institute, Consulate-General of Brazil in Hamamatsu, Consulate-General of Brazil in Nagoya, Consulate-General of Brazil in Tokyo. Distributed by: 2-Meter Entertainment; Cooperation: Know Idea Design Inc.; DCP Production: s.e.a.; Japanese Subtitles: Erica Miyashita Kerekon. Official HP: https://nihonjin.2-meter.net/ Official X: @nihonjin_filme Official Instagram: @nihonjin_filme Official Facebook: @映画 ニホンジン. [Contact for this release] 2-Meter Entertainment LLC, Tsumita, sales@2-meter.net, 080-5379-3874.