Masaaki Yuasa, the visionary director behind such critically acclaimed anime as INU-OH, DEVILMAN crybaby, and Ping Pong the Animation, is embarking on a new cinematic journey with Daisy’s Life. This movie is not just another addition to his impressive filmography; it represents the inaugural project from ame pippin, the animation studio Yuasa founded earlier this year. The film is being produced by Asmik Ace, Inc., a well-known Japanese production company, and will be co-produced by the French company Miyu Productions, indicating a strong international collaboration.
Yuasa himself has expressed deep enthusiasm for the source material. He noted that Banana Yoshimoto’s novel, Hinagiku no Jinsei, immediately sparked visual ideas in his mind. He described the novel as having both “vividly scary” moments and a profoundly happy ending, reminiscent of cherished dreams. Yuasa aims to capture the essence of the protagonist’s life, a young woman working in a yakisoba restaurant in a close-knit downtown neighborhood, and portray it with a sense of cosmic significance, expanding the intimate setting to a grand scale.
Miyu Productions, represented by producers Emmanuel-Alain Raynal and Pierre Baussaron, shared their excitement in a joint statement. They highlighted their successful previous collaboration with Asmik Ace on Yoshitoshi Shinomiya’s ‘A New Dawn’ and expressed their honor to partner again for Masaaki Yuasa’s new film. They lauded Yuasa as “one of the greatest animation filmmakers of our time,” emphasizing the anticipation surrounding this project. This partnership underscores the international appeal of Japanese animation and the recognition of Yuasa’s talent on a global stage.
Adding another layer of artistic depth to Daisy’s Life is the involvement of Yoshitomo Nara, the original illustrator of the novel. Nara, renowned for his distinctive and emotionally resonant artwork, will serve as the character designer specifically for the childhood characters in the movie. His unique style is expected to beautifully complement Yuasa’s directorial vision and bring a special visual charm to the younger versions of the characters.
The plot of Daisy’s Life, as revealed by Variety in their exclusive announcement, centers on a young girl named Daisy. At just six years old, Daisy experiences the devastating loss of her mother in a tragic accident. The film delves into her emotional journey as she navigates the challenges of adapting to a new life with her aunt. One night, unable to sleep, Daisy encounters a mysterious girl named Dahlia at her window. This meeting marks the beginning of an extraordinary friendship that transcends the boundaries of time and space. Through their connection, Daisy’s ordinary life in a downtown yakisoba restaurant is given a new, cosmic perspective, suggesting themes of healing, imagination, and finding wonder in the everyday.
The collaboration between Masaaki Yuasa and Banana Yoshimoto is particularly noteworthy. Yoshimoto is a beloved author known for her poignant and often melancholic yet ultimately hopeful stories that explore themes of loss, healing, and human connection. Her work often features introspective characters and a gentle, dreamlike atmosphere, qualities that seem perfectly aligned with Yuasa’s artistic sensibilities. Yuasa’s ability to blend fantastical elements with grounded emotional narratives makes him an ideal director to bring Yoshimoto’s novel to life on screen.
Daisy’s Life is anticipated to be a visually rich and emotionally resonant film, characteristic of Yuasa’s previous works. His directorial style often incorporates fluid animation, vibrant colors, and dynamic perspectives, creating immersive and unforgettable viewing experiences. Fans can expect Daisy’s Life to be no different, potentially pushing the boundaries of animation and storytelling even further with the creative freedom of his new studio, ame pippin.
The involvement of Miyu Productions also highlights the growing appreciation for anime and manga in France and Europe. France, in particular, has a strong and passionate fanbase for Japanese animation, and co-productions like this one signify the increasing global collaboration within the animation industry. This international aspect adds another layer of excitement to Daisy’s Life, suggesting it will resonate with audiences worldwide.
With its planned release next year, Daisy’s Life is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated anime movies of 2026. The combination of Masaaki Yuasa’s directorial genius, Banana Yoshimoto’s touching story, Yoshitomo Nara’s character designs, and the backing of multiple production companies creates a powerful synergy. Anime enthusiasts and film lovers alike should eagerly await more updates on this promising and heartfelt project, Masaaki Yuasa’s Next Project is 2026 Anime Movie Daisy’s Life, which is poised to be a significant contribution to the world of animation.