#Ghibli’s Earwig and the Witch Japanese Theatrical Release Postponed Due to COVID

The first full 3DCG feature film by Studio Ghibli—Earwig and the Witch, AKA Aya and the Witch in Japan—first debuted on NHK General TV back on December 30. The next stop for the film in Japan was supposed to be a big screen debut on April 29 with new footage, but that has been postponed due to the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

There’s currently no new release date, but Toho will announce the updated schedule on its official website once it has been decided. Those who purchased advance tickets will still be able to use them after the postponement. 

Based on the children’s book by Diana Wynne Jones, planned by Hayao Miyazaki, and directed by Goro Miyazaki, Earwig and the Witch already premiered in theaters around the world and streaming on HBO Max in the United States. Here’s how North American distributor GKIDS describes it: 

Growing up in an orphanage in the British countryside, Earwig has no idea that her mother had magical powers. Her life changes dramatically when a strange couple takes her in, and she is forced to live with a selfish witch. As the headstrong young girl sets out to uncover the secrets of her new guardians, she discovers a world of spells and potions, and a mysterious song that may be the key to finding the family she has always wanted.

Via Comic Natalie

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Joseph Luster is the Games and Web editor at Otaku USA Magazine. You can read his comics at subhumanzoids. Follow him on Twitter @Moldilox.