Japanese broadcaster Fuji Television Network has started production on writer/director Kore-eda Hirokazu’s latest film, "Sheep in the Box".

The film is expected to be released in Japan in 2026.

Set in the near future, the film is about a couple that takes in a state-of-the-art humanoid as their son.

Kore-eda ("Shoplifters", "Monster") says the project began with the idea of bringing the dead back to life using the latest technology. 

“A few years ago, similar concepts had already been featured on Japanese television programmes and attracted considerable attention. I was interested in exploring the conflicting perspectives regarding how technological advancement clashes with human inner values,” he adds. 

An article he read in spring last year about the popularity of the ‘resurrection businesses’ in China was followed by a meeting with someone engaged in the field. 

“It made me realise that such developments could occur in Japan as well, and with technology evolving at a pace far beyond what I had imagined, I felt that this reality might arrive sooner than expected,” he says.

The title – "Sheep in the Box" – draws inspiration from French children’s novel, "The Little Prince".

The film stars Ayase Haruka ("Our Little Sister", also by Kore-eda) and Japanese comedian Daigo in his first leading role in a feature film.

The film is produced by Fuji Television Network, GAGA, TOHO and AOI Pro.

Update: The original headline on this story said the film will be released in January 2026. This is incorrect. The film will be released in Japan in 2026. Our apologies for the inconvenience caused.