Children of the Sea

Children of the Sea (Japanese: 海獣の子供, Hepburn: Kaijū no Kodomo) is a 2019 Japanese animated film directed by Ayumu Watanabe and produced by Eiko Tanaka, with animation production by Studio 4°C. It is based on the manga of the same title by Daisuke Igarashi, who also wrote the film's screenplay. This is Watanabe's first theatrical release since Space Brothers #0 (2014) and the first animated film adaptation of an Igarashi manga. The film stars the voices of Mana Ashida, Hiiro Ishibashi, and Seishū Uragami. Set in the ocean, it explores the mysteries of life and depicts the connections between humanity and nature. It was released in Japan on June 7, 2019. The story follows Ruka, a middle school student who, during her summer vacation, meets two mysterious boys named Umi (sea) and Sora (sky) who have a special connection to the ocean. Ruka, along with Umi and Sora, experiences a series of supernatural events like a comet falling into the sea and marine life from around the world gathering in Japan. These experiences lead them to explore the mysteries of life, nature, and the universe. The film's visuals are highly acclaimed, with music by Joe Hisaishi. While some critics found the plot a bit obtuse, Children of the Sea is generally regarded as a visually stunning and worthwhile animated film.