Cocoon - One Summer of Girlhood gives major Studio Ghibli vibes in latest trailer
Cocoon - One Summer of Girlhood, an animated film making its debut from studio Sasayuri and director Yukimitsu Ina, is drawing significant attention for its team of legendary Studio Ghibli veterans. The production features key animators and artists who worked on some of animation’s most iconic films, including Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and Grave of the Fireflies. Studio Sasayuri itself was founded in 2018 by animator Tateno Hitoma, a veteran of the Ghibli studio, with fellow ex-Ghibli employees Akihiko Yamashita and Shinji Otsuka also contributing to the project. Director Ina brings previous experience from work on Star Wars: Visions.
GKIDS has secured North American distribution rights for the film, positioning it as one of the year’s most compelling animated releases. The convergence of acclaimed veteran talent with fresh creative direction through Ina’s feature directorial debut—combined with Sasayuri’s inaugural film—establishes Cocoon as a standout entry in contemporary animation.