Etoile in Paris (2026): Release Date, Story, Cast & Everything You Need to Know — A 1912 Tale of a Girl Chasing Her Dreams in Glittering Paris
- Boxofficehype
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
If you're excited about the next great animated masterpiece, get ready — “Etoile in Paris” arrives in theaters nationwide on March 13, 2026, and it’s already shaping up to be one of the most enchanting animated releases of the decade.
From the visionary minds behind ONE PIECE FILM RED, Ponyo, and Kiki’s Delivery Service, this film promises a dazzling blend of artistry, heart, and cinematic elegance.
⭐ A New Animated Classic in the Making
Set in early 20th-century Paris, Etoile in Paris is a breathtaking coming-of-age story about two Japanese girls who dare to reach for the stars — the Étoile, symbolizing dreams, hope, and destiny.
The film is directed by Goro Taniguchi, known globally for ONE PIECE FILM RED, with character designs by the legendary Katsuya Kondo, whose soft, iconic style helped define Studio Ghibli favorites like:
Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea
Kiki’s Delivery Service
Backed by a powerhouse Japanese creative team and produced by the Etoile Blooming in Paris Production Committee, this film is an anticipated standout of 2026.
🎨 Story Overview: Two Girls, One City of Dreams
In dazzling 1910s Paris, two young women from Japan begin a journey that will reshape their futures and challenge everything they know about themselves.
Fujiko
A soft-spoken girl who dreams of becoming a painter — yet feels bound by traditional expectations of becoming a devoted wife.
Chizuru
A noble samurai-born young woman, skilled with the naginata, yet secretly in love with the grace and beauty of ballet.
Their Fateful Reunion
Five years after the first meeting in Yokohama, Fujiko suddenly finds herself in trouble — and Chizuru reappears, offering help. Their reunion sparks a new chapter of courage, friendship, and self-discovery.
A Paris Full of Possibilities
When Fujiko learns that Olga, a Russian former ballerina and the mother of local boy Ruslan, still teaches dance, she pushes Chizuru to pursue her passion.
But when Fujiko’s guardian suddenly disappears, the girls’ futures become uncertain. Together they must ask:
👉 Can their dreams survive the challenges of a foreign land?
👉 How far will they go to chase the stars?
🎭 Cast & Voice Talent
Main Cast
Ami Touma as Fujiko Tsugita
Rina Arashi
Taichi Saotome
Ami Touma on Her Role as Fujiko
Ami Touma brings emotional depth to Fujiko, sharing that the character’s courage to pursue her dream — despite societal expectations — inspired her personally. The animation process, she says, felt like “watching a pure white world burst into vibrant color.”
Touma, a rising star with major roles in Kagami no Kojyo, Chihayafuru Meguri, and the upcoming film Yukikaze, continues her ascent as one of Japan’s most exciting young talents.
🎬 Creative Team & Production Staff
Director
Goro Taniguchi (ONE PIECE FILM RED)
Screenplay
Reiko Yoshida (known for Violet Evergarden, A Silent Voice)
Character Concepts
Katsuya Kondo (Kiki’s Delivery Service, Ponyo)
Additional Creative Staff
Art Director: Yuji Kaneko
Music: Takayuki Hattori
Photography: Tsunetaka Ema
Editor: Kiyoshi Hirose
3DCG Director: Hisaya Kamiya
Animation Production
ARBO ANIMATION
Distributor
Shochiku
This team is a dream lineup for fans of elevated, emotionally rich Japanese animation.
🌟 Why “Etoile in Paris” Is a Must-Watch in 2026
✔ From the director of ONE PIECE FILM RED
✔ Character talent behind Studio Ghibli classics
✔ A heartfelt story of friendship, ambition & resilience
✔ Beautifully animated early-20th-century Paris
✔ Universal emotional themes of chasing one’s dreams
✔ A strong female-driven narrative with historical charm
With a blend of Ghibli-like warmth and cinematic ambition, this film is poised to resonate with audiences worldwide.
📅 Release Date
“Etoile in Paris” hits U.S. theaters on Friday, March 13, 2026.
Mark your calendars — this is one animated film you won’t want to miss.
🎞 Final Thoughts
Etoile in Paris isn’t just an animated feature — it’s a celebration of art, hope, courage, and the idea that even in challenging times, dreams can bloom.
With its exceptional creative team, emotionally rich story, and visually stunning setting, it’s destined to be one of 2026’s most unforgettable cinematic experiences.