‘In This Corner of the World’ director Sunao Katabuchi unveils new animated short ‘Fukufuku no Chizu’ in March 2026

Acclaimed Japanese animation director Sunao Katabuchi is returning with a new original short film titled Fukufuku no Chizu (“Map of Happiness”), set to premiere on March 5, 2026. The short will be available for viewers online and highlights the beauty, culture, and evolving spirit of Fukushima Prefecture through the eyes of an overseas visitor, blending cinematic storytelling with regional promotion.

Sunao Katabuchi is widely recognized for his emotionally resonant work in anime, most notably the critically acclaimed feature film In This Corner of the World, which explored everyday resilience amid World War II.

His storytelling combines rich character moments with visually expressive art, a style that has earned him prestige among anime creators and global audiences alike. Fukufuku no Chizu marks his latest project.



The short is part of a broader cultural initiative associated with the Fukushima Map (福しままっぷ) brand project, designed to showcase the prefecture’s landscapes, history, and local life in engaging visual form. It follows the success of previous animations created to support the region’s image and tourism appeal.

Fukufuku no Chizu is an original animated short commissioned as the second installment in the “Fukushima Map” brand video series. It will be released on a special website and online platforms on March 5, 2026, and features an original story that journeys through Fukushima’s natural and cultural treasures.

The short also brings together a stellar creative team:

• Character Concept / Original Design: Fukushima-connected creator Fumiyo Kōno, known for her visually evocative storytelling.
  
• Music: Composed by Kotoringo, another collaborator from Katabuchi’s past works.
  

The production is tied to the “Fukushima Map Tomo no Kai” project, a creative initiative launched in late 2024 to promote the region and its stories through art and animation. An announced premiere event and completion screening will be held in Fukushima City on March 5 to coincide with the film’s release.

By exploring everyday landscapes and human moments, Fukufuku no Chizu aims to deepen appreciation for Fukushima’s recovery and ongoing cultural renaissance, especially meaningful as the region marks the 15th anniversary of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.