Pole Princess!!: Croix du Nord Announced as a New Theatrical Anime Feature Set for a January 2027 Japanese Cinematic Release

The official website and communications channels for the Pole Princess!! multimedia franchise delivered a major announcement regarding the continuation of its unique athletic and artistic storytelling universe. Producers officially revealed that a brand-new theatrical feature film, titled Pole Princess!!: Croix du Nord, has been greenlit and is currently scheduled for a nationwide theatrical run in Japan. This upcoming cinematic project is slated to begin with a targeted two-week limited theatrical screening across six selected theaters throughout the country, officially kicking off on January 29, 2027.

The announcement has generated considerable excitement among fans of sports-themed anime and niche performance arts entertainment. The new feature film is confirmed to run for approximately 60 minutes, delivering a focused, high-energy narrative centered around competitive pole dancing. In addition to an entirely original storyline that further expands the lore and character arcs established in previous installments, Pole Princess!!: Croix du Nord will feature five brand-new musical tracks sourced directly from the upcoming Shining Pole Song Album. The integration of fresh musical compositions and choreographed routines remains a cornerstone of the franchise’s identity, blending athletic prowess with elaborate stage performances.

Returning Cast and Production Studio Confirmed

Creative continuity is a primary focus for the production of Pole Princess!!: Croix du Nord, with the creative masterminds behind the original net anime and the subsequent theatrical movie returning to helm the project. Hitomi Ezoe, recognized for her work on Blue Box (Ao no Hako), will once again sit in the director’s chair. Animation production will be handled by the venerable Tatsunoko Production, a studio with a rich history in the anime industry known for bringing dynamic action and character-driven stories to life.

The screenplay is being penned by Touko Machida, whose extensive portfolio includes Kirei ni Shitemoraemasu ka. Machida’s involvement ensures that the character dynamics and thematic depth that fans have come to appreciate will remain consistent throughout this new chapter. Visual aesthetics are also receiving careful attention, with Kotono Sakurai returning to oversee character designs, ensuring the distinctive aesthetic of the cast remains intact.

On the auditory front, Kenta Higashiooji—whose musical credits include A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special (Kikansha no Mahou wa Tokubetsu desu)—is returning to compose the musical score. Furthermore, Avex Pictures will continue its role in handling music production, a critical responsibility given the heavy emphasis on original songs, rhythm, and performance routines within the franchise.

The core voice cast, which breathed life into the competitors during the previous anime movie, is officially returning to reprise their respective roles. Fans can look forward to hearing Rio Tsuchiya (known for Shibou Yuugi de Meshi wo Kuu.) alongside Anna Suzuki (Mushoku no Eiyuu: Betsu ni Skill Nanka Iranakatta n da ga) and Yui Ogura (Sayonara Lara). The stellar ensemble is rounded out by the return of Minami Hinata (Akujiki Reijou to Kyouketsu Koushaku), Yoshino Nanjou (Kanan-sama wa Akumade Choroi), veteran voice actress Rie Kugimiya (Dandelion), Saori Hayami (Oni no Hanayome), and Rina Hidaka (Replica datte, Koi wo Suru.). The collective experience of this voice cast is expected to deliver the same emotional resonance and competitive fervor that defined the earlier entries in the series.

Evolution of the Pole Princess!! Franchise

To fully understand the significance of the Pole Princess!!: Croix du Nord announcement, it is necessary to examine the chronology and evolution of the property. The franchise began as an ambitious original net anime (ONA) project that debuted globally and domestically on YouTube in January 2023. Produced by Avex Pictures and Tatsunoko Production, the initial web series introduced audiences to the world of "pole dancing" as a legitimate competitive sport and artistic discipline, a theme rarely explored in mainstream Japanese animation.

The unique premise quickly cultivated a dedicated following. The ONA utilized cutting-edge 3D computer graphics to capture the fluid, gravity-defying movements and intricate choreography of pole dancing, bridging the gap between sports anime and idol performance media. Following the positive reception of the YouTube shorts and episodes, the franchise expanded into the theatrical space. A full-length sequel movie premiered in theaters across Japan in November 2023, consolidating the narrative threads of the web series and elevating the production values.

The announcement of Pole Princess!!: Croix du Nord signifies a deliberate strategy by the production committee to transition the property into a recurring theatrical franchise rather than a one-off experiment. By opting for a 60-minute runtime and pairing the release with a specialized song album, the creators are leaning heavily into the multimedia synergy that underpins modern anime success, combining cinematic storytelling with physical music releases and merchandise opportunities.

Analysis of Market Implications and Niche Sports Animation

The longevity of the Pole Princess!! series highlights a broader industry trend toward diversification within sports and performance-based anime. While traditional athletic staples such as volleyball, basketball, and swimming have long dominated the medium, studios have increasingly looked toward unconventional disciplines to capture viewer interest. From figure skating and competitive card games to dance and martial arts fusion, modern anime audiences have shown an appetite for meticulous technical detail combined with high emotional stakes.

Pole dancing, specifically, presents unique animation and storytelling challenges. It requires a precise balance of raw physical strength, flexibility, spatial awareness, and artistic expression. By utilizing advanced 3D CG animation techniques spearheaded by Tatsunoko Production, the franchise has managed to portray the sport with a high degree of visual fidelity, avoiding the shortcuts often found in traditional hand-drawn athletic sequences.

The choice to release Pole Princess!!: Croix du Nord as a limited two-week theatrical screening in six Japanese theaters reflects a targeted distribution model. This approach creates a sense of urgency among the domestic fan base, driving high attendance rates per screen and maximizing localized theatrical engagement before subsequent home video and digital streaming rollouts. For international fans, while a global distribution strategy has not yet been detailed alongside the initial announcement, the global accessibility of the franchise’s origins on YouTube suggests that worldwide availability remains a key consideration for the production committee.

Official Channels and Looking Ahead

As production on Pole Princess!!: Croix du Nord ramps up toward its January 29, 2027 premiere, the production committee has encouraged fans to monitor official communication channels for ongoing updates regarding ticket sales, bonus merchandise, and music track previews. The official website, poleprincess.jp, along with the franchise’s verified X (formerly Twitter) account (@polpri_staff), will serve as the primary sources for official press releases, key visual reveals, and promotional trailers in the months leading up to the theatrical run.

With a proven creative team, a returning ensemble of acclaimed voice talent, and a commitment to expanding its musical and narrative horizons, Pole Princess!!: Croix du Nord stands poised to deliver a compelling new chapter for a franchise that continues to redefine boundaries in sports and performance entertainment animation.