SHIRANUI

SHIRANUI (2026)



しらぬひ

7.0 2026 36 min Japan

Director: Ryo Katanosaka

Cast: ano, Kana Hanazawa, Shin-ichiro Miki

Summer 1996. Ten-year-old Minato lives a lonely life in a quiet coastal town, largely ignored by his alcoholic father. His one comfort is Ben-chan, a young goddess he meets on Benten Island. When Minato is sent to an orphanage and forced to say a heartbreaking goodbye to Ben-chan, he makes a desperate wish to the deity Shiranui on her behalf. But as his resentment toward his father festers, that innocent wish slowly mutates into a dark and vengeful curse aimed directly at the man who failed him.

More About This Film

Set in the summer of 1996, Shiranui follows the precarious life of 10-year-old Minato, who lives with his alcoholic father. Amidst this turbulent home environment, Minato finds his only source of strength and comfort in Ben-chan, a character who provides emotional anchor in an otherwise unstable world.

The film, scheduled for release in 2026, explores themes of childhood resilience and familial struggle through a nostalgic lens. By anchoring the narrative in a specific historical period, the story aims to capture the unique atmosphere of mid-90s Japan while focusing on intimate human connections.

  • The production is set against the backdrop of 1996, utilizing period-accurate settings to enhance the authenticity of Minato's daily life.
  • The relationship between Minato and Ben-chan serves as the central emotional core of the narrative, highlighting themes of loyalty and survival.
  • As a short film released in 2026, it focuses on condensed storytelling to deliver a potent impact within a limited runtime.

Where to Watch

Availability may vary by region upon its 2026 release.