A new animated World War II drama brings a moving story of friendship and survival to home. cocoon: One Summer of Girlhood, featuring a team led by a former Studio Ghibli animator, now has its digital and Blu-ray release dates.
As distributor GKIDS confirmed, the film became available digitally on Apple TV and Prime Video today. Its Blu-ray edition will follow on January 19, 2027. Fans can already pre-order the release through the GKIDS Store and Amazon.
The story follows San and Mayu, two schoolgirls living on a peaceful island during World War II. When fighting reaches their home, the girls are ordered to work as nurses in a military hospital inside a cave. As the violence grows, they struggle to protect their friendship and find comfort amid the suffering.
The film also draws inspiration from the real-life Himeyuri Student Corps in Okinawa during World War II. The group included schoolgirls and teachers who were mobilized to care for wounded Japanese soldiers during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. The film was commissioned by Japan’s public broadcaster NHK to mark the 80th anniversary of the war’s end.
Cocoon brings together veteran animators and fresh talent to tell a powerful story
Based on Machiko Kyo’s manga, cocoon: One Summer of Girlhood marks the feature debut of director Yukimitsu Ina and animation studio SASAYURI. Former Studio Ghibli animator Hitomi Tateno founded the studio and helped bring together artists from different generations. Their combined experience connects the film to Japan’s long tradition of hand-drawn animation.
Veteran animators Akihiko Yamashita and Shinji Otsuka also worked on the project. Yamashita’s credits include Spirited Away and The Boy and the Heron, while Otsuka worked on Princess Mononoke and Kiki’s Delivery Service. Their experience adds to a team that also includes younger animation talent.
Ina co-wrote the screenplay with Taku Kishimoto, known for Haikyu!! and SAKAMOTO DAYS. The film’s score comes from Kensuke Ushio, whose other work includes A Silent Voice and Chainsaw Man. The Blu-ray edition will include a feature titled “Kensuke Ushio: Letting the Music Just Be There,” along with teasers and trailers.
