Nada Holdings Forms Production Committee and Assembles Dream Team for New Flagship Project
From Director Koubun Shizuno (Detective Conan) and Character Designer Yoshiyuki Sadamoto (Neon Genesis Evangelion) — A Galactic-Level Experience Is Coming to the Big Screen
Nada Holdings’ latest large-scale production, the animated feature film “AS ONE”, is set to premiere in Summer 2025. Adapted from SQUARE ENIX’s arcade game “Starwing Paradox” (Japanese: 星と翼のパラドクス), the project was initiated by Nada Holdings Japan, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nada Holdings. The company organized the production committee five years ago and now leads it, managing all aspects from IP licensing negotiations and production team assembly to overall production management. This ambitious film is directed by Koubun Shizuno, best known for his work on the Detective Conan movie series, and features character designs by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, whose work on Neon Genesis Evangelion has become legendary. The pairing of these two industry legends has generated widespread buzz among anime fans, with many calling the film a “galactic-level experience.”
Following its announcement in Japan, “AS ONE” sparked immediate excitement—not only for its adaptation of the cult-hit arcade title but also for the dream collaboration between Shizuno and Sadamoto. The two previously worked on some of Japan’s most iconic franchises. Shizuno began directing Detective Conan animated films in 2011, starting with the series’ 15th movie, Detective Conan: Quarter of Silence. He later achieved major box office success with Case Closed: The Crimson Love Letter in 2017, which became Japan’s top-grossing domestic film that year. Sadamoto, who has been praised as one of Japan’s most influential creators and is active both as an animator and manga artist, served as a character designer for Neon Genesis Evangelion, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, and Summer Wars. (Distribution company：GAGA）
Unlike anything seen before, the film is described as an original large-scale sci-fi mecha action epic. Based on the original arcade game, the project was conceived from the beginning with the vision of creating a cinematic story that would not be limited by game content. As the game’s creators stated, “If it’s going to be adapted for the screen, we hope it won’t be constrained by gameplay — we want it to become a delightful and engaging story.”
Nada Holdings Chairman Joe Teng, who formed the production committee, remarked, “Our team at Nada Japan and our partners, including SQUARE ENIX, have poured tremendous effort into developing AS ONE. Bringing together Director Koubun Shizuno and Character Designer Yoshiyuki Sadamoto was no easy task. We hope this film delivers a fresh, emotional experience for audiences everywhere.”
Guided by this philosophy, Director Shizuno developed the film’s conceptual framework. He worked closely with the screenwriters to craft a wholly original story. It tells a new tale set twenty years before the game’s events. Sadamoto has created brand-new character designs that preserve the original spirit while reinventing the visuals for the cinematic screen.
“This film serves as a prequel to the expansive story of the game,” said director Koubun Shizuno. “Whether you were a fan of the original arcade release or have no prior exposure, you will find yourself drawn into the world and its music. The protagonist’s song resonates across time and space, revealing mysteries the game never touched upon.”
He emphasized that music is a key emotional element in the film. “The film will offer a nostalgic yet fresh experience for those who played the original arcade game. And for those new to the story, it marks the beginning of a new saga. I hope audiences will enjoy this epic tale through the music played by its characters,” he added, expressing high anticipation for the film.
Character designer Yoshiyuki Sadamoto added, “It has been a long time since I took part in an animated film. With a fresh team and a visionary director, I believe this will be exciting work on many levels. Please look forward to it.”
Three concept visuals were released as part of the film’s first reveal. One depicts a dreamlike meeting between protagonist Yoヨウ and the mysterious spacefarer Lacoラコ in a surreal dimension, prompting audiences to wonder, “What is this world they are in?” Alongside the visual, the title “AS ONE”, which in Japanese implies “unified as one,” highlights the mysterious connection between the two leads and the film’s emotional core. The other two visuals feature mecha-centered scenes that offer a glimpse into the film’s expansive and visually majestic sci-fi world.
With the combination of Koubun Shizuno × Yoshiyuki Sadamoto—a golden duo in Japanese animation—this next-generation sci-fi anime film is expected to draw significant attention. The spacefaring journey of “アズワン / AS ONE” has officially launched. Stay tuned for more updates and exclusive previews as the countdown to 2025 continues.
【STORY】
The story follows Yo, a high school student and aspiring music artist, who struggles with his insecurities and the pressure from his parents to attend university.
On his way to a band audition, an accident transports him to another dimension, where he meets a girl named Raco.
As Yo helps Raco with her predicament, he matures emotionally. Raco’s reaction to his unfinished composition leads to a deeper journey.
This sci-fi coming-of-age tale explores Yo’sgrowth, his relationship with his parents, and the future of his band, aiming to captivate audiences of all ages.