A New Masterpiece Candidate from Kyoto Animation: "Umi ga Hashiru End Roll" is Becoming an Anime Film!
Kyoto Animation, one of the most prestigious studios in the anime world, has announced its new project that has fans buzzing with excitement. The critically acclaimed manga series Umi ga Hashiru End Roll (The Credits Roll Into the Sea) by John Tarachine is being adapted into an anime film. The production, scheduled for release in 2027, will be helmed by master director Taichi Ishidate, known for emotionally profound works such as Violet Evergarden and Beyond the Boundary.
The story focuses on the life of Umiko Chino, a 65-year-old widow. After losing her husband, Umiko goes to the cinema for the first time, where she meets Kai, a university student studying film. This chance encounter triggers a desire within Umiko to "make a film," a passion she had suppressed for years. The series tells a touching story about how it is never too late to chase your dreams, exploring the bond between aging and creativity. This new adventure, which begins with Umiko enrolling in film school, has resonated deeply with both young and adult readers alike.
Umi ga Hashiru End Roll has achieved great success in Japan since its publication. The work ranked first in the female reader category of the Kono Manga ga Sugoi! (This Manga is Amazing!) list in 2022. Additionally, the series, which was nominated for prestigious awards such as the Manga Taisho and the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize, has exceeded 1 million copies in circulation as of July 2025. The manga, which concluded with its 9th volume in November 2025, is now preparing to grace cinema screens with Kyoto Animation's detailed visual aesthetic.
The studio's choice of this project reflects the growing trend in the anime industry in recent years toward "mature h
