Makoto Shinkai's Anime Officially Released Globally on Crunchyroll and Sony—Watch It Now!
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RAVE OTN - Makoto Shinkai’s highly anticipated new anime film has secured a major global distribution deal, with Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment set to co-distribute the as-yet-untitled project. The companies announced the agreement on August 12, 2026, confirming a worldwide release outside of Asia—with India specifically included in the covered territories.
Despite the distribution announcement, key details regarding Shinkai’s upcoming film remain under wraps. Crunchyroll has confirmed that the title, plot, and release date have not yet been revealed, leaving fans awaiting the director's next major announcement.
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This project marks Shinkai’s first feature film since Suzume, continuing the remarkable journey that has established him as one of the most commercially successful Japanese anime filmmakers on the international stage.
Crunchyroll and Sony Expand Partnership with Shinkai’s Latest Film
This new agreement follows the previous collaboration between Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment on the film Suzume.
Released in 2022, the movie grossed over $300 million worldwide and garnered significant international acclaim, including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Animated Feature Film. Suzume also competed at the Berlin International Film Festival, becoming the first anime film to do so in decades.
Shinkai’s recent filmography has played a pivotal role in expanding the presence of anime in international cinemas.
Your Name. became a global phenomenon following its 2016 release, while Weathering With You followed in 2019 to further international acclaim, including being selected as Japan’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards.
Consequently, this upcoming film arrives with high expectations, particularly given Shinkai’s established pattern of releasing major films approximately every three years. His previous films have demonstrated his ability to blend emotionally resonant storytelling with highly detailed animation and spectacular visual environments.
For Crunchyroll, this deal further solidifies its position as a leading distributor of Japanese animation in international theaters. The company notes that its theatrical division has handled 12 of the 20 highest-grossing anime films in U.S. box office history, including Suzume, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Mugen Train, and JUJUTSU KAISEN 0.
With the title, plot, and release date yet to be revealed, Shinkai’s next film remains one of the most anticipated anime projects. Further information is expected to become available once the filmmaker and his production partners are ready to launch the next phase of announcements.
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