In 2020, “Movie Entotsucho no Poupelle” recorded a box office revenue of 2.7 billion yen and an audience of 1.96 million people. The long-awaited sequel, “The Movie Poupelle: The Promised Clock Tower”, will be officially submitted to the Generation section of the 76th International Film Festival ahead of its release in spring 2026. ■World premiere at one of the three major film festivals in the world, along with Cannes and Venice. Along with Cannes and Venice, this international film festival is considered one of the three major film festivals in the world. During the festival period from February 12th (Thursday) to February 22nd (Sunday), 2026, a world premiere screening will be held prior to the film’s release in Japan. Akihiro Nishino, who was in charge of the production, wrote the original story, and wrote the screenplay, commented on the tentative submission, saying, “This work will be a continuation for a while, but we have been conscious of every detail in making it so that even those who are experiencing it for the first time can enjoy it.The fact that our efforts have been praised at international film festivals is a great encouragement for us to submit this work.” This work is said to be a strong reflection of Nishino’s own experiences. “I decided to wait,” Nishino said. From that experience, he revealed his thoughts behind the work, saying, “’Believing in others’ became a big challenge for me, and it became the theme of this time.I’m sure parents who are raising children will also relate to many aspects of it.” ■Masataka Kubota continues to play the role, with a gorgeous cast including Fuka Koshiba, MEGUMI, and Annara Tsuchiya Continuing from the previous work, Masataka Kubota plays the role of Poupelle. The setting of this work is “Millennium Fortress”, a mysterious parallel world where all “time” gathers. The role will be played by Mitsuo Yoshihara, who also directed the musical “Poupelle of Chimney Town,” and Anna Tsuchiya will play the role of Hora, the queen mouse who rules over the Millennium Fortress. Furthermore, in addition to Koichi Yamadera, Shingo Fujimori, and Sari Ito, who are returning from the previous work, Koji Higashino, Nishikigoi, and Shotaro Morikubo have also been confirmed to participate. Representative producer Eiko Tanaka commented with joy, “We are very proud that this work of laughter and tears, which depicts a world full of children’s imagination, will be premiered around the world during this time. The protagonist Lubitsch’s never-give-up passion will definitely enrich everyone’s hearts!” “In the previous work, I was drawing 100 or 200 sticks of smoke while falling apart.In this work, I didn’t have that!”I was happy, but then… “There are so many characters that appear!” “I can’t believe we have to adventure to more than 10 new places…” While complaining, he started to stir up expectations for the new work. It is said that the 3D expression technology developed in the previous work has been further evolved to pursue more free and enjoyable visual expression. ■The preview video, in which fans commented, “The art is amazing” and “I want everyone to see it,” begins with the narration, “This is the story of how you, who have gone far away, meet again.” The story depicts a bitch who wanders into the Millennium Fortress, meets her partner Moff, a cat from another world, and embarks on a new adventure in order to move the clock that has remained stationary. During the journey, Lubitsch suddenly notices something. What is posted on the bulletin board is Poupelle, the trash human who disappeared in the previous work. To the theme song by Rosalina, who sang the touching scene in the previous work, scenes that hint at new adventures are being drawn step by step, such as Gurvich pedaling the pedals of a winged vehicle, the sad love story between Nagi and Gus, and a “giant hand of flame” approaching like smoke. Those who have seen the trailer have expressed their expectations, such as, “No, it’s just a normal depiction, isn’t it amazing?” “I can feel the world swallowing up every corner” “The voice actors, the acting is really good” “I really want children to see this kind of movie”. This is a story born from Mr. Nishino’s experience of “deciding to wait.” This work, which depicts the preciousness of trusting others, should deeply move the hearts of not only children but also adults who struggle with relationships with loved ones in their daily lives. The previous film won the Japan Academy Award for Best Picture and was invited to more than 30 film festivals overseas. The sequel will be released in the spring of 2026, having been approved by the world’s three major film festivals. Poupelle of Chimney Town – The Clock Tower of Promise – Cast: Yuzuna Nagase, Masataka Kubota / MEGUMI Fuka Koshiba, Mitsuo Yoshiwara, Anna Tsuchiya, Koichi Yamadera, Shingo Fujimori, Sari Ito / Koji Higashino Nishikigoi / Shotaro Morikubo Executive producer, original story, screenplay: Ryohiro Nishino Director: Yutaka Hirota Video production: STUDIO4℃ Intervention: “Tic Tac ~The Clock Tower of Promise~” written by Akihiro Nishino (Gentosha) Theme song: “Poupelle of Chimney Town” Rosalina (Sony Music Labels) Distributor: Toho/CHIMNEY TOWN (C) Akihiro Nishino/“Movie Poupelle of Chimney Town” ～The Clock Tower of Promise～” Production Committee *If there is a price displayed in the article, unless there is a special note, the price is tax included. Some products and services are subject to discounts and may differ from the displayed price.