Hikawa Maru Monogatari

Hikawa Maru Monogatari was produced by Mushi Production and released in 2015, serving as an animated biographical narrative centered on the historic Japanese ocean liner, the Hikawa Maru. The film was commissioned to celebrate the centennial of the ship's parent company, NYK Line, and to memorialize the vessel’s complex role throughout the 20th century, ranging from its time as a luxury passenger liner to its service as a hospital ship during the Second World War.

The creative direction for the project was rooted in a traditional animation style that aimed to evoke a sense of historical gravitas and emotional resonance. By focusing on the ship as the primary protagonist, the studio sought to bridge the gap between educational documentary and narrative storytelling. While the film was a niche release primarily targeted at maritime enthusiasts and those interested in Japanese industrial history, it received recognition for its dedication to historical detail and its sensitive portrayal of the vessel's survival through turbulent global conflicts.