ghost – end of night

ghost – end of night (in Japanese, ghost / Yoru no Hate) is an original anime film, which means it is not based on an existing manga or novel. It is set to open in Japanese theaters on February 11, 2027. The famous studio Madhouse is making it, and Bandai Namco Filmworks will distribute it. The project was first announced in June 2025.

The director is Shingo Natsume. He is well known for directing the first season of One-Punch Man and the original series Sonny Boy, which many viewers remember for its unusual, dreamlike style. For ghost, he wrote the screenplay together with Tomohiro Suzuki. The character concepts are by the manga artist Natsume Ono, known for her own distinctive drawing style, and Norifumi Kugai turns them into the final animation designs. Ohzora Kimishima composes the music. The film also features six songs by the Japanese rock band Hitsujibungaku, including an insert song called "Sugar." A manga version drawn by Himiko began in Young Ace magazine in August 2026.

Only a small amount of story detail has been released so far. The film is set in the near future, in a society where people no longer need to work. Life seems full and comfortable. But the main character, a girl named Nike, is looking for something real. She pushes back against the rules and order of this seemingly perfect world. The official description says that she stands up to the unfairness of the world in order to protect a "starry sky." The lead voice actors are Mayu Hotta and Issey Takahashi.

The makers explain the title with a simple idea. Everyone carries a "ghost" in their heart: a true feeling that is really there but that you cannot put into words. The film is said to explore Nike's loneliness and her quiet heroism, and the small, delicate feelings that come up as she connects with other people.

Because the film is original and still some months from release, this overview only covers what has been officially shared, and it does not guess about the plot. Based on the director's earlier work, fans expect a thoughtful and artistic film. It should appeal to viewers who enjoy original, mood-driven anime with a touch of mystery.