L'étoile de Paris en fleur Shares First 11 Minutes Online
Director Gorō Taniguchi's original anime film about two Japanese girls pursuing dreams in early 20th-century Paris has released its opening minutes. The film, which opened in Japan last month, features character designs by Ghibli veteran Katsuya Kondō.

The official website for L'étoile de Paris en fleur (Étoile Blossoming in Paris) released the film's first 11 minutes online, giving audiences a glimpse at director Gorō Taniguchi's latest project. The original anime film, produced by Arvo Animation, opened in Japanese theaters on March 13.
The story centers on two Japanese girls at the turn of the 20th century. Fujiko dreams of becoming a painter, while Chizuru is drawn to ballet. After meeting by chance in Yokohama, the pair reunites in Paris, where they support each other's artistic pursuits through hardship and determination.
The cast includes Ami Tōma as Fujiko and Lina Arashi as Chizuru, alongside a substantial ensemble featuring Mugi Kadowaki, Kenjirō Tsuda, Akio Ōtsuka, and others. Taichi Saotome plays Ruslan.
Taniguchi, known for directing Code Geass and One Piece Film Red, collaborated with Katsuya Kondō for the first time on this project. Kondō, celebrated for his character design work on Studio Ghibli films including Kiki's Delivery Service and Ponyo, created the original character designs. Yū Yamashita adapted Kondō's designs for animation.
Reiko Yoshida handled the screenplay, bringing her experience from Violet Evergarden, Maria Watches Over Us, and Kaleido Star. Takayuki Hattori, who composed for Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin and Martian Successor Nadesico, scored the film.
The production also spawned a manga adaptation, which launched in Kodansha's Afternoon magazine in November 2025 through artist Zerihan. The collaboration between a legendary Ghibli character designer and a director with major anime credits suggests an ambitious blend of artistic sensibilities—combining Taniguchi's narrative expertise with Kondō's distinctive character aesthetic.
