Kai, a young middle schooler, lives in Hinashi Town, a lonely fishing village, with his father and his grandfather, a sun-umbrella maker. He used to live in Tokyo, but after his parents divorced he moved back to his parent’s home town. Kai has trouble telling his parents the complicated feelings he has for them, and he’s lonely and pessimistic about his school life. One of his joys is uploading songs he writes to the internet.

One day, his classmates Kunio and Yuho invite him to join their band, “SEIREN”. As he reluctantly follows them to Merfolk Island, their practice spot, they meet Lu, the mermaid girl. Lu sings merrily and dances innocently. As Kai begins to spend time with her, he starts to be able to say what it is that he’s really thinking.

But since ancient times, the people of Hinashi Town have thought that mermaids brought disaster. Something happens that puts a huge rift between Lu and the townspeople. And then, the town is in danger. Will Kai’s cry for the heart be able to save the town?

Film Festivals
Annecy International Animation Film Festival / Won Cristal for a Feature Film
Shanghai International Film Festival / Nominated for Golden Goblet Awards
Fantasia International Film Festival / Won Audience Award (Silver Prize)
Ottawa International Animation Festival / Nominated for Best Animated Feature
Sitges Film Festival / Nominated for Best Animated Feature Film