It’s hard to find a fan ofStudio Ghibliwho has not watchedthe entire catalog of moviesanimated by the now-legendary studio founded by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki. However,Ocean Wavesmay just be the exception. Aired in 1993 on Nippon TV,Ocean Wavesis a rare Ghibli movie that never appeared on the big screen in Japan, at least until now.
As reported by @MangaMoguraRE on X,Ocean Waveswill air in Japanese theaters for the first time starting on July 11, 2025. This touching, coming-of-age romantic drama exploresthemes that are not usually the focus of Ghibli movies, with adolescent characters going through high school and university.
Ocean Waves Is a Hidden Gem in Ghibli’s Catalog
The Made-for-TV Movie Was Created by Ghibli’s Younger Staff
Ocean Waveshas a peculiar history. It wasthe first Ghibli movie not directed by Miyazaki, and it was an attempt to give the studio’s younger staff a chance to showcase their talents. Directed by Tomomi Mochizuki and written by Keiko Niwa, and based on the novel of the same name by Saeko Himuro, the movie depicts a love triangle between two longtime friends and a new girl who transfers to their small-town school from Tokyo.
The movie was supposed to be produced quickly and cheaply while not giving up on quality, but the attempt failed, andOcean Waveswent both over budget and over schedule. It also never appeared in Japanese theaters, while receiving several home video releases. North American audiences, however, got a chance to watchOcean Wavesin cinemas when GKIDS released it in a limited run between 2016 and 2017.
Still, few Ghibli fans around the world can say they had the privilege of watching this hidden gem in movie theaters. If Japanese screenings go well,Ocean Wavesmayalso get an extended international release, which will be a great chance to experience a unique entry in Ghibli’s catalog.
Ocean Waves
Cast
Ocean Waves follows Taku Morisaki, who recalls his high school years in Kōchi Prefecture when he crosses paths with a familiar woman at a Tokyo train station. The film explores the interpersonal dynamics and memories tied to the relationships that define his youth.
