Tomorrow’s Leaves Will Stream Worldwide on Olympics Opening Day

Japan is releasing a new anime short in celebration of the Olympics, titled Tomorrow’s Leaves. The anime short was created by Studio Ponoc, which was founded by Yoshiaki Nishimura in 2015. Currently, it is made up of other former Studio Ghibli animators.

What We Know About Tomorrow’s Leaves 

It was first produced for the Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage (OFCH) to commemorate the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. As well, Tomorrow’s Leaves is a part of the Arts and Culture Programmes as Studio Ponoc’s first commissioned work for the organization. As a result of this re-release, the animation will be available to stream worldwide on Friday, July 23rd at 6:00 am EDT (one hour before the start of the Olympics).

The International Olympic Committee describes the short as

The annual arrival of the message leafe causes concern- something is undeniably wrong. Its usually vibrant and lasting colours quickly face, and it suddenly whiters and crumbles. Five envoys, from five diverse lands, are dispatched to find out what has happened.

The envoys travel to distant lands, quietly guided by the tiny spirits. Each envoy has its own strengths and vulnerabilities. They compete and support each other as they draw closer to their destination, facing trecherous terrain and difficult conditions. Through athletic challenges and the uniting power of sport, they discover the positive fundamental values that come with playful competition.

Can they restore life to a future in peril?”

Yoshiyuki Momose directed Tomorrow’s Leaves. He has previously worked together on titles closely with Studio Ghibli’s Isao Takahata ( Grave of the Fireflies, The Tale of Princess Kaguya).

The short had its first premiere at the opening ceremony of the Annecy Festival on June 14. Since then, it has already been playing at the Skytree Round Theater towards the top of the Tokyo Skytree since Monday. It will continue to play there until September 5. Lastly, it will have a limited run at the United Cinema Toyosu theater starting from July 23 to July 29.

Are you excited about the anime short Tomorrow’s Leaves? Let me know!