Tokumaru Shugo Says Tuba in Chiikawa Film Cue Says 'Shimajiro'
The film's music producer posted on X that the tuba in the 'Shimajiro appears' cue voices the character's name, as vocal director Uenome Yasuyuki noted his booklet credit.
Tokumaru Shugo, a music producer on the film Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of the Mermaid Island, posted on X that the tuba heard at the end of the "Shimajiro appears" cue is in fact saying "Shimajiro," according to animeanime.jp. The character Shimajiro is voiced by Mogami Tsuguo.
In the same series of posts, Tokumaru said the shaking sound in the "Hideout Infiltration" cue is made with sandpaper rather than a shaker.
Kamimizutaru Chikara, also a music producer on the film, commented on X that having an instrument speak words is a homage to Bradley from cartoons.
Vocal director finds his credit
Uenome Yasuyuki, an opera singer and vocal trainer who handled vocal direction for the ending theme "Tsukue Sasuru," posted that he only learned his name was credited in the soundtrack booklet after a student told him. The booklet was released in July 2026.
The ending theme "Tsukue Sasuru" has lyrics by original author Nagano, music by Tokumaru Shugo and vocals by Aoki Haruka, the voice actor of Chiikawa.
The film opened in Japan on July 24, 2026. Chiikawa began serialisation on X in 2020, and the film ranked No.1 in the 2026 box office chart, earning 17.2 billion yen from 11.78 million admissions in its first 75 days, through October 6.
Quick answers
What does the tuba say in the Chiikawa film's "Shimajiro appears" cue?
According to Tokumaru Shugo, the tuba plays the word "Shimajiro."
Who wrote the lyrics and music for the ending theme "Tsukue Sasuru"?
The lyrics are by Nagano, the music by Tokumaru Shugo, and the vocals by Aoki Haruka.
When did the Chiikawa film open in Japan?
The film opened on July 24, 2026, and its soundtrack was released in July 2026.