The official website for the upcoming live-action film adaptation of Akiko Higashimura‘s (Princess Jellyfish, Tokyo Tarareba Girls) autobiographical manga series Blank Canvas: My So-Called Artist’s Journey (known as Kakukaku Shikajika in Japan) released a main trailer today. The clip introduces the film’s theme song “Message” performed by MISAMO for the first time.
Blank Canvas: My So-Called Artist’s Journey Main Trailer
MISAMO is a three-person unit consisting of Japanese members of the Korean girl group TWICE — MINA, SANA, and MOMO. They started their activies in July 2023, and this is their first film theme song work.
“We are truly honored that MISAMO was chosen as the theme song performer for the movie Blank Canvas: My So-Called Artist’s Journey, which is based on the wonderful original manga by Higashimura-san and created by splendid cast members,” said SANA. “We were surprised when we heard about the offer. And we wanted to deliver our song with all my heart. We would be happy if our song ‘Message’ could add a little color to the movie. Please enjoy it at the theater.”
Main poster visual
MISAMO artist photo
Higashimura’s original manga was serialized in Shueisha’s Cocohana magazine from 2012 to 2015, and won the Grand Prize of the Manga Grand Prize 2015 and the Manga Category of the 19th Japan Media Arts Festival.
The live-action film is set to release in Japan on May 16, 2025. Kazuaki Seki, known for his music video works for YOASOBI, Perfume, and RADWIMPS, serves as the director. Meanwhile, the manga author Higashimura herself worked on a screenplay.
Mei Nagano (Red Blood Cell in the Cells at Work! live-action film) plays the protagonist, Akiko Hayashi, who is based on Higashimura herself. Yo Oizumi (Shou Tucker in the Fullmetal Alchemist live-action film) plays Kenzo Hidaka, a teacher she meets at an art school.
Seven Seas Entertainment releases the manga’s English edition, and describes the series:
High schooler Akiko has big plans to become a popular mangaka before she even graduates, but she needs to get much better at drawing if she ever wants to reach her goal. Looking for an easy fix, she signs up for an art class, thinking all her problems will soon be solved. She’s in for a surprise: her new instructor is a sword-wielding taskmaster who doesn’t care about manga one bit. But maybe this unconventional art teacher is just what she needs to realize her dreams!
Source: “Blank Canvas: My So-Called Artist’s Journey” live-action film official website / X (formerly Twitter)
©Akiko Higashimura/ SHUEISHA ©Movie “Blank Canvas: My So-Called Artist’s Journey” Production Committee
