If Disney's The Little Mermaid is a polite sip of champagne, Studio 4°C's ChaO is the equivalent of chugging a energy drink while riding a rollercoaster. The first teaser for this absurdly charming anime rom-com just dropped, and it's clear: this isn't Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale. It's The Little Mermaid if she snorted wasabi and went on a bender through Tokyo.
The Setup: Office Worker + Mermaid Princess = Chaos
Imagine a world where humans and mermaids kinda get along—until Chao, the hyperactive mermaid princess (voiced by Anna Yamada), crashes into the life of Stefan (Osamu Suzuka), a bewildered shipbuilding salaryman. Why? Who knows! The teaser shows Chao doing everything a fish-out-of-water (literally) would: scarfing down street food, screaming at a movie screen, and generally causing mayhem. It's Splash meets Scott Pilgrim, with Studio 4°C's signature psychedelic flair.
Director Yasuhiro Aoki (Batman: Gotham Knight, Psycho-Pass) isn't playing it safe. This looks like a rom-com that's actually funny—not just “anime quirk” funny, but legit “why is this mermaid trying to use a vending machine?” funny.
Why This Could Be the Anime Sleeper Hit of 2025
Studio 4°C doesn't miss. They're the mad scientists behind Children of the Sea and the upcoming All You Need Is Kill adaptation. Their style? Gorgeous, fluid, and just unhinged enough to keep you guessing.
The teaser's rapid-fire gags suggest ChaO isn't just banking on “pretty mermaid” visuals—it's a full-blown comedy with heart. And with a August 15th, 2025 Japan release, it's primed to hit international fests soon after. (America, get your act together and license this.)
Watch the Damn Teaser
If you love anime that doesn't take itself seriously—but still looks stupid good—ChaO should be on your radar. This might be the rare rom-com that's actually romantic and comedic.
Now excuse me while I rewatch the teaser for the 12th time.
🔥 Hot Take: ChaO will be the Everything Everywhere All at Once of mermaid movies—weird, wonderful, and impossible to explain sober.
