Director Ryo Katanosaka discussed the themes behind his animated short Shiranui and explained why he chose ano to voice its young protagonist during a question-and-answer session at the 31st Busan International Film Festival. The film held its international premiere at CGV Centum City on October 7, 2026, followed by a discussion about its characters, visual style and emotional themes.
During the session, Katanosaka spoke about how childhood innocence can have different sides and described the personal experiences that inspired the project. He also explained how he believed ano could convey the emotional struggles of Minato, the film’s 10-year-old central character.
Shiranui Explores the Complex Nature of Childhood Innocence
An audience member noted that certain scenes involving Minato had the atmosphere of a horror film and asked the director about his understanding of children.
Katanosaka explained that he had not intended to portray Minato as an evil or bad child. Instead, he wanted to show how children’s innocence can sometimes lead them to do harmful things. According to the director, the way this innocence develops and is expressed depends on a child’s surroundings.
He said the film’s character expressions were shaped by his effort to capture the direct and unfiltered nature of childhood.
The 36-minute animated short, produced by CoMix Wave Films, takes place in a seaside town in Kumamoto, Japan, at the end of summer in 1996.
The story follows Minato, a 10-year-old boy living with his father, Masaru, who struggles with alcohol. Minato finds comfort in Ben-chan, a young goddess who becomes an important source of emotional support. When plans are made for him to enter temporary protective care at a children’s home, he faces the possibility of being separated from her.
Before their separation, Minato makes a wish to the mysterious lights appearing over the sea, known as shiranui, which are believed to grant wishes.
A Real Seaside School Inspired the Animated Short
Katanosaka revealed that the idea for Shiranui originated from a real elementary school located near the sea in Kumamoto. He found the setting visually striking and had wanted to make a film there since his twenties.
The director initially worked in live-action filmmaking. However, after losing work during the COVID-19 pandemic, he began learning animation on his own.
Reflecting on the encounters and farewells he experienced during that period, Katanosaka said he became increasingly interested in telling stories about people who genuinely want to love one another but struggle to understand or connect with each other.
Those experiences helped shape the emotional foundation of Shiranui, which combines the everyday realities of its young protagonist with elements of mystery and fantasy.
Why ano Was Chosen to Voice Minato
The suggestion to cast ano as Minato originally came from a producer. Katanosaka, who was already a fan of the singer and voice performer, decided to approach her for the role.
He highlighted her vocal versatility and her ability to communicate the emotional struggles of young people through her music. The director said he believed ano could express a person’s inner pain in an authentic and heartfelt way, making her a suitable choice for Minato.
The supporting voice cast includes Kana Hanazawa as Ben-chan and Shinichiro Miki as Minato’s father, Masaru.
Katanosaka also discussed the film’s contrasting visual approaches. Everyday scenes were created with detailed, realistic backgrounds, with the director hoping audiences would almost be able to sense the smells of the places shown on screen.
In contrast, scenes featuring Ben-chan were designed to represent a place of comfort and safety for Minato. Audience members continued asking questions about the characters, individual scenes, visual techniques and casting choices throughout the scheduled discussion.
Busan Festival Marks a First for the Director
Shiranui is Katanosaka’s first commercial animated film, and the Busan International Film Festival marked his first appearance at an international film festival with a film he directed.
He also attended the festival’s opening event on October 6, walking the red carpet in a black tuxedo and greeting the audience.
At the end of the Q&A session, Katanosaka expressed his happiness at being able to present his work to an international audience for the first time. He said the response had encouraged him to continue making films that could bring viewers greater joy and emotional engagement.
The film’s international journey will continue in Spain, where Shiranui has been selected for a special screening at the 59th Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia. The festival runs from October 8 to 18, 2026.
Shiranui: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shiranui about?
Shiranui is a 36-minute animated short set in a seaside town in Kumamoto, Japan, in late summer 1996. It follows 10-year-old Minato as he faces the possibility of separation from Ben-chan, a young goddess who provides him with emotional support.
Who voices Minato in Shiranui?
ano voices Minato. Director Ryo Katanosaka said he believed she could convey the character’s emotional pain with sincerity.
Who are the other voice cast members?
Kana Hanazawa voices Ben-chan, while Shinichiro Miki plays Minato’s father, Masaru.
Where did Shiranui have its international premiere?
The film held its first overseas screening at the 31st Busan International Film Festival in South Korea on October 7, 2026.
Will Shiranui screen at another international festival?
Yes. The animated short has also been selected for a special screening at the 59th Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia in Spain, running from October 8 to 18, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information about Shiranui, its director and the film festival screenings available at the time of writing. Festival schedules and screening arrangements may change. Readers should consult official festival and film announcements for the latest confirmed details.
