Robots, Mermaids, and a Star-Crossed Shipbuilder's Rise

Set in a futuristic world where robots and mermaids coexist, "ChaO" tells the story of Stephen, an overlooked shipbuilding employee. His life changes when Princess Chao, daughter of the mermaid king, proposes marriage. Stephen accepts, not out of romance, but for the social standing it grants, which helps his ambitious supership project get approved.

Director Yasuhiro Aoki's feature debut, "ChaO," showcases a deliberate shift from realistic animation to a fluid, exaggerated style. Aoki, previously known for grounded animation, sought an opposite direction, blending manga-like expressions with subtle realism. Inspiration for the film's world came from Aoki's 2006 short "Kung Fu Love" and a location scouting trip to Shanghai.

The film's eccentric characters, designed by Hirokazu Kojima, were influenced by "Dr. Slump." Chao's unique land-based goldfish form contrasts with her humanoid water form, with Stephen's journey focusing on loving her beyond appearances. Aoki cited James Cameron's "Titanic" as a key influence, particularly for the framing device of a journalist investigating the couple's past.

Supporting characters, including a robot inventor and a kung-fu practitioner, have their own romances, adding depth to the fantastical world. Aoki aimed for these background arcs to make the world feel real and grounded, emphasizing that all characters possess their own significant lives.