Following the release of his all-out kaiju extravaganza “Kaiju Heaven,” Crowdfunding for Minoru Kawasaki’s next film has officially launched on the Japanese crowdfunding website Campfire!
The film is based on the art piece “Dolphins Are Attacking” (イルカがせめてきたぞっ), an artwork by Shigeru Komatsuzaki (小松崎茂), which has gained popularity as an internet meme. Shigeru Komatsuzaki has done various pieces of art for films and television; his work includes designing the Gotengo in “Atragon” (海底軍艦) (1963), Matango for the 1963 film “Matango” (マタンゴ), Dogora for the 1964 film “Dogora” (宇宙大怪獣ドゴラ), and working on both of Toho’s 1950’s alien invasion films, “The Mysterians” (地球防衛軍) (1957) and “Battle in Outer Space” (宇宙大戦争) (1959). Outside of film, he is one of Japan’s most popular artists of Showa Era science fiction. The illustration was originally published in the ninth volume of Shogakukan’s “Why and What Educational Encyclopedia” series, titled “The Mysteries of the Body” from 1971.
The plot for the movie reads:
Mizukawa, a researcher at the Marine Biology Institute, spends his days immersed in the study of dolphin language. One day, Funahashi, the president of the organization Earth Peace, visits to support the dolphin research. Mizukawa senses something strange about Funahashi’s words and actions. Then, a mysterious, beautiful girl appears, giving an ominous warning: “Stop polluting the ocean! The dolphins are coming to attack you!”, before disappearing. Soon, dolphins navigating tanks and welding weapons appear at the research institute and begin attacking the humans. The dolphin’s attack is a declaration of war against all of humanity. What will be the outcome of the battle between dolphins and humans?
The goal for the crowdfunding is 1,000,000 yen (or $6,522.73 USD) and has raised 870,000 yen ($5,674.78 USD) (as of 02/13/2026) from 55 people within 24 hours of launching. The crowdfunding runs until March 31st, 2026. Its rewards range from a 1,000 yen ($6.53 USD) level to 30,000 yen ($196 USD).
Director Kawasaki stated:
Shigeru Komatsuzaki is a master of Japanese illustration. His creation of images such as “Atragon” and “Thunderbirds” warmed the hearts of boys in the 60s and 70s. One of the illustrations by this master, “Dolphins Are Attacking!,” has become legendary for its superb imagery. This is a completely crazy project to make a movie based on this!
The project is planned to begin production in spring 2026 with an estimated theatrical release in late 2026, with the cast including:
Dai Goto (後藤 大)
Born on April 5th, 1995, Chiba Prefecture. He began his acting career in 2017 when he was selected to play the role of Masaharu Niou in the third season of the musical “The Prince of Tennis.” Since then, he has appeared in numerous popular productions, including the stage productions “Black Butler” and “Hypnosis Mic.” In 2023, he made waves by playing the role of Daichi Isuzu in “Kamen Rider GEATS.” He is also a unique painter, distinguishing himself in the art world by holding solo exhibitions.
The musical comedy group Yadan (や団)
Including: Longsized Ito, Honma Kid, and Toru Nakashima
Formed in 2007, this comedy trio is affiliated with Sony Music Artists. They made it to the finals of “King of Conte” for the first time in 2022. Since then, they have achieved the amazing feat of being finalists for four consecutive years and took second place in 2025.
Kamibe Touma (神部冬馬)
He was born on December 14th, 1978, in Tokyo, and is a singer-songwriter and actor. Born to music producer father Kazuo Kamibe and folk singer mother Iruka , he grew up in an environment where he was familiar with music from an early age. He made his major debut in 2008 with the album “Little One.” In 2009, he wrote the official cheer song for J.League club Ventforet Kofu, “You Are Blue Wind,” and since 2015, he has served as chairman of the club’s supporters’ association. He is also known for his community-based activities based in Yamanashi Prefecture.
Iruka (イルカ) [Special Appearance]
She was born on December 3rd, 1950, in Tokyo. While studying at Joshibi University of Art and Design, she joined the folk group “The Shrieks” and made her debut. She made her solo debut in 1974 with “Back Then” (あの頃のぼくは), and the following year, in 1975, her cover of Kaguyahime’s “Nagorie Yuki” became a huge hit. In 1980, she became the first Japanese female solo singer to successfully perform a solo concert at the Nippon Budokan. 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of her debut, a major milestone.
ABOUT RIVERTOP CO., LTD
Established in 1986, Rivertop has been the home production company of filmmaker Minoru Kawasaki. Director Kawasaki has been labeled “The Master of silly movies.” Kawasaki made his professional debut with “Earth Defense Girl Iko-chan” (1987). His V-Cinema series “Maicching Machiko Sensei” (2003-2005) was a huge hit. His films in the Absurd Animals series, including “The Calamari Wrestler” (2004), “Executive Koala” and “Crab Goalkeeper” (2006), were invited to numerous film festivals around the world. His works include “Earth Defense Girls P9” (2011), “Earth Defense Widow” (2014), “Outerman” (2015), “Kaiju Mono” (2016), “RobaMan” (2019), “Meg Lion”, “Monster Seafood Wars” (2020), “Planet Prince 2021” (2021), “Super Legend God Hikoza” (2022), “Charge! The UFO Next Door” (2023), “Den Ace Chaos” (2023), “Game of Shark” (2025), “Cyborg Isshin Tasuke” (2025),” and “Kaiju Heaven” (2026). He received an Honorary Award at the 2024 Nitz Asia Summer Film Festival in Spain.
