“CHERRY AND VIRGIN” is a 2026 Japanese animated romantic drama and the first feature directed by Masanao Kawajiri. Produced by Gen Sato and written by Kawajiri and Misato Kaga, the 86 minute production uses rotoscoping based on footage performed by its voice cast, while also combining animation, live action footage, manga imagery and several contrasting illustration styles. Takashi Okado and Yaeko Kiyose provide the performances and voices for the two protagonists, while Katsuya Takayanagi designed Ryo Honda, Ryo Nakaharu designed Ami Enomoto, and Mick Maeda handled the image boards and colour design. A 2021 crowdfunding campaign organised by the Toei Video publicity team attracted 171 supporters and raised ¥2,740,730 for promotion, festival submissions and the planned theatrical release.
The production marks Kawajiri’s commercial feature debut following his short animation “A Japanese Boy Who Draws”, which received the runner up prize at the 40th Pia Film Festival, the Excellence Award in the Animation Division of the 23rd Japan Media Arts Festival and the Noburo Ofuji Award at the 74th Mainichi Film Awards. “CHERRY AND VIRGIN” received its world premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival on July 18, 2026, with Kawajiri and Okado attending the presentation. Its Japanese theatrical release is planned for 2027
Ryo Honda is a 32 year old commercial erotic manga artist who has little experience interacting with women and remains frustrated by the direction of his creative career. Ami Enomoto is a 28 year old illustrator and Boys’ Love manga enthusiast who abandoned her ambition of becoming a professional manga artist and has developed a negative impression of men. Although both are approaching their thirties, neither has experienced a romantic or sexual relationship.
Ryo and Ami meet through a dating application after separately deciding that they need to change their situations. Their first encounters are shaped by nervousness, oversharing, self criticism and their limited understanding of relationships. However, their shared experiences as struggling artists gradually bring them closer. As they attempt to develop their first relationship, the two confront the discomfort of interacting with another person and begin to understand both the difficulties and the emotional value of allowing someone else into their lives.
Allow me to start by saying that this is one of the best movies of the year, including both anime and live action. Let us examine the reasons, though. Despite its overwhelming popularity, the anime world is dominated by staples and standards. The protagonists are usually teenagers or children, fantasy, science fiction and slapstick comedy are almost always parts of the equation, while sex is rarely even in the picture. The exceptions, namely titles that address predominantly adult audiences, are so few that they inevitably stand out, and “Cherry and Virgin” is definitely among them.
The main concept focuses on two creative people who have ended up doing work they do not particularly enjoy, while having experienced no romantic relationships despite being in their thirties. Masanao Kawajiri implements this premise to present how the two meet and gradually come closer through awkward and rather reluctant efforts. He also follows their movement towards their first sexual experience in a way that is sensitive, realistic, hilariously funny and, after a point, dramatic. The question of whether they will eventually become a couple is handled excellently, essentially carrying the movie from beginning to end in the most appealing fashion.
At the same time, the comments are as numerous as they are accurate. The way the manga industry operates in Japan is presented rather thoroughly, including a jab at the treatment of people who draw erotic manga. The final convention scenes shed even more light on this particular sector. The difficulties people in Japan face in forming meaningful relationships, within a world dominated by social media and an inherent reluctance to open up, are also explored in a manner that is both realistic and quite funny.
The sequences leading to the sex scene are definitely among the highlights, with Kawajiri’s presentation of reality proving truly hilarious. Lastly, the fact that maintaining a relationship can sometimes be even harder than beginning one concludes the rather rich context. Both the dialogue and the presentation of the two characters’ thoughts are equally entertaining, highlighting the quality of the writing in the best fashion.
The art form is also unique. Kawajiri implements a number of techniques to highlight and occasionally mock the anime and manga worlds, with the character who is presented entirely through CGI being indicative of the particular style of humour. This approach also includes the concept of male performers frequently voicing female characters and vice versa.
The most astonishing element, however, is that the two protagonists are presented through different drawing styles. Ryo appears in black-and-white, with a pencil-like design, while Ami is colourful and more closely resembles a conventional anime character. The fact that this difference actually becomes part of the narrative is among the smartest elements here. This also applies to the moments when the characters exchange styles or are presented through the same visual approach, in a movie that is definitely as intelligent as they come.
The attention paid to the backgrounds is also at a high level, while the flow of movement is excellent. This includes the subtle sex scene, which do feature nudity. Overall, the animation is truly top notch and supports the various visual techniques Kawajiri employs throughout.
There is little more to say. “CHERRY AND VIRGIN” is a brilliant movie that thrives both in its context and art form. Hopefully, it will pave the way for more titles adopting this type of narrative approach and establish Kawajiri as the significant animation creator he deserves to become.
